Multiple high-altitude rescue missions within a short period
On Sunday, Air Zermatt was called out to several demanding high-altitude rescue missions within the space of around two hours. Three helicopter crews and several rescue specialists from the Valais Cantonal Rescue Organisation (KWRO) were deployed. In the evening, Air Zermatt responded to a second wave of rescue calls. For two mountaineers on the Matterhorn, however, all help came too late.
Two mountaineers found themselves in distress on the Alphubel. They were stranded in high-alpine terrain and were unable either to continue their ascent or descend without assistance. An Air Zermatt crew rescued the two mountaineers by helicopter.
A further mission took place on the Nordend in the Monte Rosa massif. A snow bridge had collapsed, blocking the route of five mountaineers. They were unable to find an alternative route. As it was no longer possible for them either to continue safely or to retreat, Air Zermatt evacuated the mountaineers from the terrain and flew them to the Monte Rosa Hut.
A rescue mission on the Matterhorn ended tragically. Two mountaineers fell near the Solvay Hut. The rescue crew dispatched to the scene was only able to recover the two victims’ bodies. A third person had witnessed the fall and was in a state of shock. Air Zermatt evacuated the person from the Matterhorn by longline and flew them to the base in Zermatt for further care.
A total of three Air Zermatt helicopters and several KWRO rescue specialists were deployed during the various missions.
Second wave of rescue missions in the evening
At around 7 p.m., Air Zermatt received a second wave of alerts through the Valais Cantonal Rescue Organisation KWRO and the 144 emergency number. Once again, two mountaineers were stranded on the Matterhorn at an altitude of more than 4,100 metres. They were unable to continue under their own power and had also run out of drinks. Working together with a KWRO rescue specialist, the crew evacuated the two mountaineers by longline from the shoulder of the Matterhorn and brought them to safety.
Almost simultaneously, another crew was called to the Kleines Dirruhorn. The rope of a two-person climbing team had broken. The two mountaineers were therefore no longer able to secure themselves or continue their tour safely. Air Zermatt located them in the challenging terrain and rescued them by helicopter.
A further alert took the emergency crews to the Monte Rosa region, where a group of four had encountered difficulties. Following an aerial search, the crew succeeded in locating the group. All four mountaineers were evacuated uninjured from the inaccessible terrain and flown to the Air Zermatt base in Zermatt.
The simultaneous missions required close coordination between the crews and precise rescue work under high-alpine conditions. Thanks to the cooperation between the Air Zermatt crews, the rescue specialists and the KWRO, everyone involved in the second wave of missions was brought to safety.
Heat is changing conditions in the high mountains
Hot and sunny weather conditions once again prevailed in Valais on Sunday. The persistently high temperatures are also affecting the high mountains, with temperatures above freezing being recorded even at altitudes of around 4,500 metres above sea level. As a result, conditions in the mountains can change rapidly.
In addition to the high-altitude rescue missions, Air Zermatt was called out to seven further medical emergencies in the Upper Valais region.
