When the Swiss go hiking now, most use Leki (or a similar brand) hiking poles. It's better for the arms and easier on the knees. Remember: if you buy them in the alpine resort towns, you'll pay more. I bought mine in Wengen and paid too much but they were such a big help for my hike. So if you see them and ask yourself: are they worth it? I'd say YES! At least for the more difficult hikes.

How much do they cost - are these the collapsing poles i see folks inevitably with - not collapsing but which retract to a smaller size to carry when not hiking. What is the benefit of them to a normally healthy hiker?

There are so many kinds of poles available: for men/women/with shock absorbers, etc. Most of them are retractable to make them easy to transport. Prices vary. You can get a pair from SFr. 50.-- to SFr. 250.-- (rough estimate). I like the poles because my arms stay in movement so my hands don't swell. Also, they take some pressure off your knees and feet. I found this website that explains it better: http://www.backpacking.net/walkstik.html.
I've heard that hiking poles aren't popular yet in other areas of the world so I thought I'd mention that they are very much in use here in Switzerland.

And I thought this was about Polish hikers in Switzerland.

We bought hiking poles at a small shop in Austria a few years ago, and still use them extensively when hiking back here in New Hampshire. Actually, many hikers here in the USA use hiking poles, and many are Swiss or Austrian made.

I'm not sold on the pole hype regarding whether they help the knees or elbows. However, on a steep climb or descent where the footing is unsure, I highly recommend them.

If you try crossing a snowbank without a two good ones, chances are you will end up on your kodonkus.

I saw those a lot in Switzerland! Even in the streets of Interlaken Some people seem to start hiking from their hotel rooms!

I saw those telescopic canes in a sport store in San Francisco for $100 a pair and up.

Maybe crutches are much cheaper to use?