2000 rescue missions at Air Zermatt

At the same time a year ago, Air Zermatt registered around 400 fewer rescue missions. In Air Zermatt's previous record year, 2019, Air Zermatt crews flew nearly 1800 missions by helicopter by the beginning of December.

Last weekend, an Air Zermatt crew was now called out on its two thousandth mission. A skier in the Riffelberg area above Zermatt broke his thigh and had to be flown by helicopter to the hospital in Visp.

Intense first months

The high number of rescue flights is to be sought in the spring of 2022. During the months of January to March, there was an exceptionally long period of good weather. Accordingly, many people were attracted to the ski destinations. Relatively little snow both on and off the slopes led to major injuries among winter sports enthusiasts. At the same time, the Air Zermatt rescue teams registered an increase in crevasse rescues in the spring. Therefore, the rescue crews of Air Zermatt were practically in constant use, especially in the first months. The summer, on the other hand, was statistically quite different. In terms of the number of rescue missions, the summer months were rather average.

Ready at any time

Air Zermatt is prepared for the busy winter season ahead. At its bases in Zermatt, Raron and Gampel, the air rescue team can call on up to five rescue crews at any time: In addition to the three aircraft that are permanently on duty during the high season, Air Zermatt can call on additional rescue crews as well as rescue helicopters at any time. Furthermore, the two Valais air rescue companies, Air Zermatt and Air-Glaciers, work together excellently and can guarantee coverage in the canton of Valais at all times on highly frequented days.