As an orienteering athlete, I'm used to the fact that training sessions and competitions are sometimes difficult to reach by public transport. Especially at events like the Swiss Orienteering Week (SOW), many participants rely on rides from others, while many cars still travel with empty seats. I think it's great that HitchHike helps coordinate carpooling in these situations, making it easier for people to share rides and helping to reduce CO₂ emissions.
Simona Aebersold, Swiss Elite Orienteer and World Champion, 2026 (Photo: Sandro Andres)
How it works – in 3 steps
Join the SOW Community - Participants of SOW 2026 received a HitchHike code, which needs to be entered during registration.
Create your profile and plan your (shared) ride
HitchHike calculates and connects efficient carpools
Drivers and passengers get in touch and organise themselves into a carpool
When should I create a carpool?
To the event:From home to Portes du Soleil or from the airport to the event location.
To the competition:From Châtel or Morgins into the competition areas.
Both can offer and search: Free seat in the car? Offer it! Or looking for a seat? Also possible!
Outward or return or both:You always plan your search requests or offers separately for outbound and return. This keeps everyone flexible.
Faster at the start together
All competitors of this year’s Swiss Orienteering Week 2026 have access to this innovative mobility service!
I think HitchHike is a great initiative! As an orienteer, I spend a lot of time outdoors and am often on the move. It definitely makes sense to organize carpooling with other orienteers when travelling to competitions. The HitchHike platform makes this easy and enables us to arrange ride-sharing within our community!
Tino Polsini, competitive orienteer, 2026
We looked for an experienced partner for organising carpools, one who supports us both technically and with know‑how. With HitchHike we found a ‘Made in Switzerland’ partner that has been developing carpooling solutions for individual needs since 2011.
Marcel, President of the Swiss Orienteering Week (SOW)
We all know how often cars on the roads have only one or very few people inside. At this year's SOW in Portes du Soleil, we want to show that things can be done differently. The practical app makes it very easy to form carpools for the individual stages. Not only is this particularly sustainable, but thanks to HitchHike, it is now also professionally organised.
Annina, Head of Communications, Swiss O Week 2026
We are also looking for your voice! Do you like this service? We look forward to your personal statement.
👉 Get in touch with us!
More tips & tricks
Early planning: Plan your trip (outbound and return) early, with or without a car
Regional Hi-Points: Choose HitchHike pickup points if some are available nearby (the app will show you ;)
Speaking Volume: Personal preferences and a friendly photo increase your chances
Meeting-Point: Agree on an easily accessible meeting point via HitchHike chat
Keep your Profile: Once you have created a profile, you can also use HitchHike for regular trips to university, work, or leisure carpools
Free use: The service is free for you, but agree within the carpool who pays what — before you leave
Calculation of travel costs: We calculate the variable and full costs of each ride for you; use this as a reference
Support: If questions arise, there is an FAQ and support-chat via chat on the Web platform
