Police and emergency services quickly mobilized a large number of resources to search for the victims after the avalanche. The rescue team consisted of eight helicopters, experienced rescuers from Air Zermatt, among others, guides with avalanche dogs and local fire teams.
“In such cases, every second counts to save lives,” said an employee of the rescue services at the beginning of the afternoon. “Thanks to the rapid, large-scale deployment of the emergency services, worse has been avoided,” the Swiss police said afterwards.
Everyone was found alive. Eight people were injured, including one seriously injured. Two of the 16 skiers were taken to hospital by helicopter.
Three other people were evacuated from the top of the Alphubel, where the accident took place, above Saas Fee, to prevent further avalanches.