Every year on the third Saturday in June, the Pro Pilatus Association will carry out their annual «Mt. Pilatus Clean Up». On every 3rd Saturday in June, a large army of volunteers clear Mount Pilatus of rubbish and carry out repairs to hiking paths. A great service to the preservation of the environment and a major contribution to soft tourism.

Under the name «Mt. Pilatus Clean Up», the mountain has been cleared of rubbish and paths and trails repaired in late spring for over 50 years. The event is organized by the Pro Pilatus Association, which has been successfully committed to the protection of nature and flora on Mount Pilatus since the 1950s.
 
Every year, some 300 volunteers from various associations and organizations participate in this operation on and around Lucerne's "own" mountain. The main team always assembles at Kriens in the early morning to pick up tools and provisions and travel up to Mount Pilatus. Other groups meet at various points in the Pilatus region. After a welcome by the leaders of the operation and some quick refreshment, the teams set to work.

Difficult work in very steep terrain

An important part of path maintenance is the securing of terrain - clearing stones and loose rocks, removing tree trunks and ensuring paths are safe. Whole tree trunks are hauled over long, sometimes steep stretches, to be sawn as needed for steps along the trails.

Unsafe hiking paths closed

Paths found to be unsafe because of rock falls or landslides are closed and only reopened when thorough investigation and safety work has been carried out.

Each working group assigned a specific hiking route

Certain groups have looked after the same path section or a certain building for many years. One example is the chapel at Klimsen below Pilatus Kulm. Each year the building is opened and maintained by the Alpine Friends from Hergiswil. Regrettably, even high summits are not free of vandalism and so this chapel remains locked by an iron gate during the winter months.

Regular cleaning work on the mountain by PILATUS-BAHNEN

However, care is also taken of Pilatus all year round. PILATUS-BAHNEN staff clear rubbish from the hotel area and paths on Pilatus Kulm daily. The stretch of cogwheel railway and the Fräkmüntegg and Krienseregg sections are checked and cleared of rubbish every month. In addition, many hikers and friends of nature also help maintain paths on their own initiative.