News and
Press releases
Here you will find the latest media releases and exciting stories about Air Zermatt.
Latest News
Prix Courage for Thomas Zumtaugwald
Thomas Zumtaugwald received the Prix Courage on November 9, 2023 in recognition of his courageous efforts in May 2022. As a rescue specialist at the Zermatt rescue station, he saved the life of a skier who had got into difficulties in an icy mountain stream.
Complex crevasse rescue outside the ski slope
Last Monday, Air Zermatt was called to a rescue operation in Saas-Fee. A winter sportsman fell into a crevasse about 10 meters from the lift line. After a complex rescue operation, the injured skier, who was suffering from hypothermia, was flown by helicopter to the hospital in Sion.
TV tip: The mountain rescuer and hut warden
From 20 October 2023, the second season of the four-part documentary series "Hoch hinaus" will be broadcast on SRF. In this series, various people who pursue different passions and professions in the Swiss mountains provide exciting insights into their adventurous everyday lives. The series begins with a portrait of rescue specialist and mountain hut warden Richard Lehner. Viewers witness Lehner being called to several rescues together with Air Zermatt.
Thomas Zumtaugwald nominated for Prix Courage
During a rescue, Thomas Zumtaugwald risked his own life to save that of a skier. The rescue specialist from Randa was therefore nominated for the Prix Courage. Voting runs until October 18.
Air Zermatt supports "Bärgüf" and "Sonne für behinderte Kinder"
In mid-May, Air Zermatt auctioned off 55 individual parts of the legendary Lama SA 315 B helicopter on "Swiss Helicopter Day". The proceeds of this auction will go entirely to the two Upper Valais institutions 'Sonne für behinderte Kinder' and 'Bärgüf - gemeinsam gegen Krebs'.
Peak period: 39 rescues over the weekend
Air Zermatt has had its busiest weekend so far this summer. In total, the Valais air rescuers were called out on 39 missions over the last two days. At times, three Air Zermatt helicopters were in action at the same time for rescues. On Saturday alone, the rescue crews were called to 24 emergencies.
Challenging rescue across the national border
With wind speeds of over 125 kilometres per hour, Air Zermatt rescued two climbers from France on Pollux. During their mountain tour, the two fell about 80 metres on unstable ground. This resulted in serious injuries to one of the alpinists. Despite extremely adverse weather conditions, Air Zermatt managed to fly the seriously injured man safely to hospital in Aosta.
Rescue on the Weissmies during strong storm winds
On Monday morning, two alpinists and a female alpinist fell about 120 meters into the depth on the mountain tour on the Weissmies. The rescue operation proved to be extremely challenging due to the strong storm winds and thunderstorms. Despite these adverse conditions, several Air Zermatt rescue crews and nine rescue specialists were deployed to provide assistance.
Forest fire near Bitsch: Fire-fighting helicopters remain on the ground during the night
The situation of the forest fire near Bitsch has further stabilised. Therefore, the command of the fire brigade has decided that the fire-fighting helicopters will remain on the ground during the coming night. Nevertheless, a fire-fighting helicopter is on standby at the Air Zermatt base in Gampel and can be activated immediately if necessary.
Forest fire near Bitsch: Over 24 hours of fire-fighting operations
Air Zermatt helicopters have been fighting the forest fire above Bitsch for over a day. In particular, the fire-fighting flights of Air Zermatt during the first hours and during the night on Tuesday were able to significantly contain the fire; buildings in the forest fire area were protected by the tireless fire-fighting efforts.