Get to know us
We’re passionate about the great outdoors and the incredible experiences it offers.
Our mission is to enrich outdoor adventures, inspire discovery, and foster meaningful connections among friends, families, and colleagues.
With a focus on promoting active lifestyles and deepening knowledge, we’re proud to showcase our two leading brands: Foxtrail und Explorial.
About Foxtrail:
Foxtrail has established itself as a pioneer of innovative entertainment in Switzerland for over two decades. Our trails, which transform urban scenery and natural backdrops into lively adventure worlds, combine brainteasers with teamwork. With over 60 Foxtrails throughout Switzerland, we have captured the hearts of puzzle enthusiasts. Now we are expanding beyond Switzerland’s borders and presenting our experiences in other cities. Discover the Foxtrails in Paris, Rome or Nuremberg and immerse yourself in exciting puzzles and secrets.
About Explorial:
Explorial revolutionizes travel through its pioneering ‘tourgame’ app. Our self-guided tours, blended with engaging gaming elements, redefine how groups uncover new territories. Along the journey, participants encounter captivating riddles and challenges, enhancing the thrill of discovery and deepening their understanding of the local culture. At Central Outdoor Group, we’re not just providing experiences – we’re creating memories that last a lifetime. Join us on this exciting journey of adventure, discovery, and connection.
Central Outdoor Group is dedicated to crafting unique outdoor experiences that bring people together. Our mission is to create engaging activities that foster connections and discovery in cityscapes first and natural settings. By combining digital innovation with real-world adventures, we aim to offer dynamic alternatives to idleness with global appeal and a wide range of interests and preferences.
Our vision is to redefine outdoor entertainment, creating an array of experiences that foster bonding, learning, and fun in the heart of the city. We aim to be a leader in developing engaging group activities that unveil the hidden wonders of urban and natural landscapes, offering memorable adventures that resoanate with groups of people across the globe.
We exist to enrich lives through the joy of outdoor exploration and adventure. Our purpose is to unite friends, families, and colleagues in shared adventures, turning every city into a playground of discovery. We believe in the power of group activities to foster connections, celebrate cultural diversity, and create lasting memories in urban and natural environments.
Community and connection
Fostering bonds through shared outdoor adventures, promoting social interaction and group cohesion.
Cultural appreciation and education
Appreciation and education about different local cultures and histories so that every experience is culturally enriching.
Accessibility and inclusion
We ensure that our adventures are welcoming and accessible to all and that different age groups, abilities and backgrounds are catered for.
Advocating an active lifestyle
We advocate a dynamic lifestyle and offer appealing alternatives to the sedentary norms of modern life.
Responsibility for the environment
We are committed to sustainable exploration and maintain a respectful approach to our natural and urban environment.
Innovation in entertainment
We combine the latest digital technologies with traditional exploration methods to revitalise our experiences time and time again.
Political views
We refuse to endorse any political views to ensure that our experiences are centred on adventure and discovery, free from political influence.
Religious bias
We are committed to religious neutrality and create experiences that are respectful and inclusive of all faiths and beliefs, without prejudice.
Passivity in the experience
We challenge the trend towards passive entertainment and champion active and engaging experiences that stimulate both the mind and the body.
One-dimensional experiences
We are against limiting outdoor activities to conventional formats and are in favour of innovation and diversity in our experience offers.
Inequality and injustice
We actively campaign against all forms of social injustice and inequality and endeavour to create an environment that is characterised by fairness and respect for all.
Superficiality in cultural engagement
We reject superficial or symbolic approaches to exploration and offer genuine, respectful insights into local culture, history and heritage.
Playfully captivating
Central Outdoor embodies a sense of surprise and wonder and always endeavours to deliver experiences with joy and pleasure.
Enchantingly innovative
With a touch of mystery, Central Outdoor continues to introduce creative and unexpected ways to enjoy outdoor adventures.
Youthful and dynamic
Full of energy and modern vibrancy, Central Outdoor offers experiences that appeal to both the young and the young at heart, while always remaining current and appealing.
Connecting socially
With the aim of bringing people together, Central Outdoor’s brands promote social interaction and community experiences in natural and urban environments.
Environmentally aware and responsible
Central Outdoor is aware of its ecological footprint and promotes respect for nature and sustainable exploration practices.
Culturally curious
Central Outdoor has a keen interest in different cultures and histories and is committed to exploring and celebrating diversity in every adventure.
Empowering and uplifting
Central Outdoor encourages participants to discover and experience themselves and inspires them to discover new perspectives and experiences.
Adventurously imaginative
Central Outdoor thrives on the spirit of adventure and combines imaginative storytelling with exploration of the real world. It encourages a leap into the extraordinary and transforms everyday environments into playgrounds of wonder and discovery.
Group CEO │ Chairman
Full Name: Nikolaus Sebastian Alexander Pichler
Citizenship: German, Austrian
Born: 1975
Residence: Switzerland
Professional Background
– date Group CEO and Chairman Central Outdoor Group
– 2017 2019 Group Executive Board & CIO and CDO AMAG
– 2016 2012 Group CIO & CEO IT Services, Datwyler
– 2011 2009 Head of IT, Selecta
– 2009 Ernst & Young
– 2002 2005 Perfomance Improvement, Helbling Management Consulting
– 1997 2001 IT Manager, GlaxoSmithKline
Group Chief Sales & Technology Officer
Full Name: Rui Pedro Machado Pinto
Citizenship: Portuguese
Born: 07.01.1977
Residence: Switzerland
Professional Background
– 2022 Group Chief Sales & Technology Officer – Central Outdoor Group
– 2017-2022 Group CIO and CEO of IT companies – Datwyler Group
– 2016-2017 Group Head of Applications – Datwyler Group
– 2013-2016 Head of ERP Services – Datwyler Group
– 2013 Executive Mentor R&D groups – Oporto Business School
– 2012 2013 Sales and Marketing Manager – Broaden Information Solutions
– 2009 2012 IT Logistics Competence Center Manager – Sonae Industria
– 2007 2009 Operations Business Applications Manager –Sonae Industria
– 2000 2007 SAP Consultant – Sonae Industria
Academic Background
– 1994-1999 Masters in MIS, Management, Informatics – Portugal
– 1999 Post Graduation International Operations Program – Finland
– 2010-2011 Executive MBA – Portugal, Spain
– 2011 Program – New agenda for Business Leaders – Spain
Group Chief Product-Technology Officer
Full Name: Markus Limacher
Citizenship: Swiss
Born: 1963
Residence: Switzerland
Professional Background
– 2020 date Head of Foxtrail Design & Engineering, Foxtrail Schweiz GmbH
– 2013 2019 Head of Foxtrail Technic, Swisscovery GmbH
– 2009 2013 Vice President Business Unit Die Bonding, Besi Switzerland AG
– 1999 2008 Head of Product Line Epoxy Die Bonding, Oerlikon Semiconductor
– 1995 1999 Product Manager , Eses & Unaxis Semiconductor
– 1984 1994 Electronics Engineer, Product Specialist Esec Semiconductor
