Air Zermatt celebrates its Swiss Helicopter Day
It is impossible to imagine the skies of the Valais without Air Zermatt. Next Saturday, May 13, Air Zermatt will celebrate its 55th anniversary at its base in Raron. The Valais air rescue team has put together a unique program to mark the occasion. The whole population is invited to the Swiss Helicopter Day.
At Air Zermatt, no two days are the same: Tricky rescue flights, challenging transport flights or breathtaking tourist flights. This coming Saturday, Air Zermatt invites the entire population to Helicopter Day. Visitors will be given an exclusive insight into the activities of the helicopter company.
Action, fun and culinary at the heliport
The program for Helicopter Day promises many highlights: Get to know a rescue helicopter or an ambulance from the inside, ask a paramedic or pilot questions, marvel at the majestic Alps from above during a sightseeing flight at a special price, or even take the controls yourself as a pilot in the VR flight simulator. In the hangar, visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating world of helicopters in an exhibition and learn interesting facts about the development and technology of the flying machines. In addition to the classics, exclusive articles are available in the fan store. Those who do not yet have a rescue card will have the chance to buy one directly on site.
The food corner, run by the well-known chef René Schudel, as well as the raclette and barbecue stand with various delicacies will provide the right refreshments. Sweet snacks can be found at the ice cream or cake stand and the thirsty are also catered for: at the wine stand, at the beer bar or with a refreshing drink at the Tschinscherbar.
Legendary Lama under the hammer
In 1971, the characteristic howl of the Lama SA 315 B helicopter's turbines was heard for the first time in Zermatt. For 50 years, a total of 16 of these powerful helicopters were used in countless rescue and transport flights. In December 2021, the donkey, as the Lama was often affectionately called, came to an abrupt end at Air Zermatt. Next Saturday, Air Zermatt will auction 55 individual parts plus two special parts of the last Air Zermatt Lama on Helicopter Day. The highest bidders secure a piece of Air Zermatt history for their own living room with the purchase of a single part. A part of the proceeds of this auction will go to charity.
Shuttle bus Visp - Raron
The Helicopter Day will take place from 09.00 to 18.00 at the Air Zermatt base in Raron. Admission is free of charge. Starting at 08.40 a.m., a shuttle bus will run from Visp train station to the festival site and back every half hour. Last ride from Heliport Raron at 6 pm. The ride costs three francs per person, children up to 12 travel free.