Alpha Zulu
Podcast
The Air Zermatt podcast that takes as long as a round trip around the Matterhorn.
Air Zermatt is legendary and world-famous. But what is it that makes the Valais helicopter company the talk of the town? People like you and me become heroes, rise above themselves and thus save the lives of others. In this podcast, we tell their exciting, touching and sometimes funny stories.
A new episode every fortnight.
Now available on the podcast platforms Spotify, Apple Podcast and Co.
The podcast programmes are produced in German or dialect in order to reproduce the stories as authentically as possible.
Get in touch with us
Do you have suggestions or questions about a podcast programme? Please send us an e-mail at alphazulu@air-zermatt.ch.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Fly like real pilots
Roger Studer
Since 2022, Air Zermatt has had an innovative flight simulator with virtual reality at its heliport in Zermatt. This simulator offers a realistic simulation of the Ecureuil H125 helicopter, which is used by the Valais-based helicopter company for a variety of tasks, such as transport flights, rescue missions and tourist excursions. With the help of the state-of-the-art full-motion flight simulator, Air Zermatt pilots train their flying manoeuvres. At the same time, this professional flight simulator is also available to amateurs who are interested in flying.
From rescuer to saved
Michael Schwarzl
When rescuers rush to people in distress, danger always accompanies them. Every mission involves a certain residual risk. Michael Schwarzl had to experience this reality first-hand. On 12 July 2023, he fell a full 20 metres into a crevasse during a rescue mission. Despite numerous injuries, he survived. But how much risk are rescuers willing to take to help others in need? The Alpha Zulu Podcast in search of answers.
When the heart stops beating
Lothar Loretan
In June 2021, Lothar Loretan's heart unexpectedly stopped in the street. Loretan was resuscitated on the spot with four electric shocks. The life of the Leukerbad resident was saved thanks to the competent intervention of first responder Gianluca Nuzzo and the competent transport by Air Zermatt with paramedic Philipp Grand to the nearest hospital. "Without the outstanding skills of the rescuers, I would no longer be with us today," Lothar Loretan explains gratefully.
When Dad is on mission at night
Leonie Biner
Leonie Biner is the daughter of Gerold Biner, CEO and pilot of Air Zermatt. Especially as a child, Leonie had sleepless nights when her father was on difficult missions as a helicopter pilot. How does a family cope when the Air Zermatt company has such an omnipresent presence in everyday life? Leonie Biner, the head of the Air Zermatt Training Centre, gives an intimate insight into her private thoughts and memories.
The fall into the icy water of Testa Grigia
Richard Lehner
For demanding mountain rescue missions, Air Zermatt always cooperates closely with experienced rescue specialists. One of them is Richard Lehner, who has successfully carried out more than 500 rescue missions in the last 26 years. In this episode, Lehner shares his experiences of extraordinary rescue missions. During one particularly difficult crevasse rescue, he even got into the frightening situation of almost drowning. In recognition of their efforts during a helicopter rescue at an altitude of around 7000 metres above sea level, Richard Lehner and Air Zermatt pilot Daniel Aufdenblatten were awarded the Heroism Award.
The silent conductors of Air Zermatt
Nicolas Imboden
Nicolas Imboden is head of operations at Air Zermatt. An event rarely comes alone. The constantly ringing telephone, the radio and the tourists at the counter have to be attended to. The operations manager has to keep a clear head seven days a week and around the clock. With calm and composure, he also organises the short- and long-term business such as the transport and sightseeing flights on a daily basis. But hardly anyone can imagine what it means to pull the strings behind the scenes.
Mountain rescue pioneers
Beat Perren und Bruno Jelk
Air Zermatt founder Beat Perren and former Zermatt rescue chief Bruno Jelk wrote pioneering history together in helicopter and mountain rescue. After each mission, the two companions asked themselves what could be done better on the next mission. From these considerations and experiences, techniques and equipment were developed at Air Zermatt that are now considered the rescue standard worldwide.
From foreign missions to Air Zermatt
Daniel Riesen
Pilot Daniel Riesen was on missions for years with large helicopters such as the Super Puma or the Kamow. His missions were often abroad, for example in Sudan. Riesen has been a pilot with Air Zermatt for eight years. During this time he has flown over 1400 rescues. When Daniel Riesen flies life-and-death missions, he has to make decisions that are not always easy. The experienced pilot talks about how he deals with this in the podcast.
Survivor of the avalanche at Alphubel
Roman Kocher
On 8 April, a gigantic avalanche on the Alphubel above Saas-Fee swept away 16 people. Incredibly, all those affected survived the accident. Roman Kocher is one of them. He remembers thinking during the avalanche that he would never see his family and friends again. The images of the avalanche's demise won't let him go. In the Alpha Zulu Podcast, the young mountain enthusiast talks about this experience.
When the avalanche comes
Philipp Imboden
In avalanche situations, time can be the difference between life and death. That's why a quick response is crucial in an emergency. For this reason, Air Zermatt works closely with avalanche dog handlers, who play an important role in the rescue chain. The dogs are intensively trained and their training never ends, as the impressive example of Philipp Imboden and his dog Diva as well as Chilly shows.