Swiss air rescue services kept busy over holiday season

Switzerland's Rega air rescue service was called out 240 times at the turn of the year a around 30% more than the same period last year. Air Zermatt also recorded many missions over the festive season. + Get the most important Swiss news directly in your inbox The beautiful mountain weather once again drew many people to the slopes at the turn of the year, Rega reported. Rega crews were called out over 240 times between December 31, 2024 and January 2, 2025. The figures reflect the weather conditions, leisure behavior and travel activities of the population and foreign tourists. They are subject to natural fluctuations. For example, the number of missions was higher on a sunny New Year's Eve and New Year's Day than on a rather gloomy Berchtold Day. According to the press release, Rega crews flew more than half of the missions for winter sports enthusiasts who had suffered accidents. Rega was called out second most frequently for illnesses such as strokes and cardiovascular diseases.