Three snowboarders fall into crevasses almost side by side
Air Zermatt has recorded an increase in crevasse accidents in recent days. The recent snowfall at higher altitudes has meant that crevasses are covered with fresh snow and are not visible to winter sports enthusiasts. As a result, Air Zermatt has often been called out to rescue people from crevasses.
The Valais ski resorts are still very busy with winter sports. The rescue helicopters are called out to winter sports accidents every day. In recent days, however, Air Zermatt has recorded a marked increase in crevasse rescues. In the last two weeks alone, the rescue crews have had to go out seven times to rescue winter sports enthusiasts who have fallen into crevasses.
Monday afternoon was particularly challenging: within just four hours, three snowboarders fell into crevasses above Zermatt independently of each other. Remarkably, all three snowboarders fell within a radius of just ten metres. They were following tracks away from the marked pistes. Fortunately, the incidents were observed by patrollers who immediately raised the alarm with the Valais cantonal rescue organisation (emergency number 144). All three snowboarders were rescued unharmed or only slightly injured from crevasses seven to ten metres deep by Air Zermatt in collaboration with several rescue specialists.
Crevasse rescue: quick help, many helicopters
In crevasse rescues, the rapid response of the rescue crews is crucial. In addition to the rapid transport of rescue specialists and rescue equipment to the scene of the accident, such a rescue often also requires initial medical treatment at the scene. Air Zermatt's three twin-engine rescue helicopters with pilots, an emergency doctor and paramedics together with medical equipment are used for this purpose, as are helicopters from commercial operations. These are used to transport special equipment for crevasse rescues, such as compressors or tripods.
In addition, if necessary, further helicopters take off to pick up additional rescue specialists and fly them to the area of operation. Thanks to Air Zermatt's three bases, where helicopters are on standby, rescue specialists from Valais can be mobilised at short notice so that even remote accident sites can be reached quickly.