I got asked a question a relatively recently (2 or 3 years I guess) arrived, but older, sort-of-friend (ie some one I worked well with in the past but haven't seen since changing employer).

Anyway from early days I got adopted as the person who explains Switzerland...but this one I couldn't answer, so I am turning to the Forum for help.

This person is working but close to retirement. She is in the lucky position of having a real amount of money coming from a payment that would be taxed here as income (that is certain).

The question is; can she put all the money into pension fund (tax benefit in year 1) but still be able to start that pension soon after (eg year 2 or year 3), is there a time-lock on such a thing like there is for putting money in and then taking it out again for house purchase?

You can stock up your company pension fund (Pillar 2), if the fund allows you to do so. The statement you get each year, usually in January or February, will tell you the maximum amount you can pay in.
The amounts you pay in are totally tax-deductible, so it's generally worth spreading the payments over several years. However, money paid in to top up a Pillar 2 pension fund cannot be withdrawn in the form of capital within 3 years (this may vary from one canton to another) of its having been paid in. The tax man will want the tax reductions you got paid back.

Your friend might also have a look at 3rd pillar, just in case.

Thanks everyone - seems as if the plan would work then (as long as her scheme rules allow it)
I can continue to my spurious status as an "expert" by relaying the info