Extraordinary Easter for Air Zermatt
Extraordinary Easter for Air ZermattOn the Easter weekend, Air Zermatt is normally called out to numerous winter sports accidents for the last time during the winter season. This year, however, the situation was quite different: The heavy snowfall of the last few days created an exceptional situation in the Upper Valais, especially in the side valleys, some of which were cut off from the outside world and without electricity. During this time, Air Zermatt supported the emergency services on the ground in dealing with the crisis situation.
At times, up to four helicopters were in the air at the same time in Upper Valais to deal with the consequences of the snow, and three rescue helicopters were also on constant standby for medical emergencies. The events surrounding the Easter weekend impressively demonstrated the efficiency and professionalism with which the fire services, municipal command centres, police and other emergency services managed the extraordinary situation in Valais together.
As soon as the weather conditions allowed, Air Zermatt took off with numerous reconnaissance flights. Experts flew over danger zones to get an idea of the situation. Only from the air was it possible to assess the extent of the damage and the imminent danger of avalanches, debris flows or fallen trees. Air Zermatt also transported technical staff to otherwise inaccessible areas, for example to restore the power supply.
Avalanche blasting for safety
A significant part of the missions was dedicated to safety on transport routes. Air Zermatt carried out numerous avalanche blasting operations in close cooperation with safety officers. The explosive charges were set off precisely at the locations defined by specialists. These targeted operations made it possible for roads and railway lines to be reopened as quickly as possible.
Timber removal with the utmost precision
The heavy fresh snow also caused numerous trees to buckle, some of them on power lines or railway lines. Air Zermatt worked together with the regional forestry companies to remove the wood. These operations require precise coordination: while the pilot moved the wood in the air on a steel cable, the flight assistant on the ground instructed him by radio.
Evacuation of a hotel above Zermatt
The evacuation of a hotel at an altitude of over 2,000 metres above Zermatt was particularly impressive. The hotel was cut off from the outside world for several days. It was not possible to access the hotel by cable car, nor was an evacuation via the piste justifiable due to the acute risk of avalanches. In a large-scale helicopter operation, Air Zermatt evacuated over 110 hotel guests safely from the precarious situation.
Over 1000 rescues already this year
As some of the ski resorts in Upper Valais that are still open for the season were not fully operational due to power failures or the risk of avalanches, Air Zermatt recorded fewer winter sports accidents over the Easter weekend than in previous years. Looking at the winter as a whole, however, a different picture emerges: Air Zermatt has already carried out over 1000 rescue missions this year. This figure was only reached at the end of May last year. The most frequent missions involved classic winter sports accidents in the Upper Valais ski resorts.
