The Mountain Rescue Team of Zermatt
Have you always wondered how the rescue services in Zermatt are organized and what tips our ZERMATTERS mountain guides have to offer for a safe mountain tour? Find out more in this interview with ZERMATTERS mountain guide and mountain rescuer Helmut Lerjen.
With its numerous 4,000-meter peaks, Zermatt is a favorite among mountaineers. High summits, impressive glaciers, and varied routes make it a paradise. But things don’t always go according to plan: unexpected situations, sudden changes in weather, and exhaustion can quickly put mountaineers in danger. Air Zermatt is well-known for its countless rescues. But how does a mountain rescue actually work? Air Zermatt works closely with the mountain guides from ZERMATTERS — day and night, one of the guides is on call and ready to respond at any time.
The following 15 ZERMATTERS mountain guides are rescue specialists with the Valais Cantonal Rescue Organization (KWRO): Anjan Truffer (Rescue Chief), André Imboden, Emanuel Julen, Fabian Mooser, Helmut Lerjen, Klaus Tscherrig, Michael Lauber, Patrice Biner, Reinhard Zeiter, Richard Lehner, Robert Andenmatten, Samuel Anthamatten, Simon Anthamatten, Thomas Grichting, Thomas Zumtaugwald, and Yann Dupertuis.
During a mission, the ZERMATTERS mountain guide serves as a mountain rescuer and expert in the mountainous terrain to rescue mountaineers in distress. This is exactly what happened in mid-July 2025 on the Lagginhorn, when ZERMATTERS mountain guides and rescue specialists Emanuel Julen, Richard Lehner, Thomas Zumtaugwald, and Helmut Lerjen were on site alongside Air Zermatt and other rescue specialists:“Two mountaineers alerted the operations center shortly before 9:00 p.m.,” says Helmut Lerjen (known as Helmi). They were stranded just below the Lagginhorn. Conditions were catastrophic: darkness, thick fog, a stormy westerly wind, and snowfall prevailed. Helmi recalls the two mountaineers:“Both were completely exhausted, and one was also suffering from snow blindness. One of the mountaineers had a body temperature of only 24° C and had to be resuscitated.” There is only one photo from the rescue operation—it shows the conditions on the mountain.
“My ancestors were all mountain guides and mountain rescuers. Even as a small child, I was fascinated by stories about mountain guiding and rescue work”, Helmi says of his career. He has now been guiding guests and rescuing people in distress for over 25 years — already in the fourth generation. For Helmut Lerjen, this is a passion. But this passion involves not only enjoyable tours with guests, but also difficult rescues and recoveries:“I’ve taken part in many land-based rescues and body recoveries, whether at night or during the day. Body recoveries are also part of the rescue work. You never really get used to the fates of those who’ve had accidents or to the images of the victims, who are often horribly maimed”, Helmut explains, “but unfortunately, it’s a job that has to be done".
The extraordinary rescue on the Lagginhorn was recently honored with the Lifesaver Medal by the Carnegie Foundation. The Carnegie Foundation honors people who risk their own lives or health to save others. The award was presented to the entire team that participated in the rescue. For Helmi, one thing is clear:“Every rescue in the mountains works only as a team. Everyone in our team can rely on each other blindly”. For over ten hours, the rescuers worked through the night under the most difficult conditions to save the mountaineers.
You can read more about the rescue on the Lagginhorn and the tribute in Air Zermatt’s press release.
Our recommendation: Tune in to the Alpha Zulu podcast for more exciting conversations and stories from Air Zermatt!
Even experienced mountaineers can find themselves in difficult situations. Often, it’s the seemingly small things that are underestimated. This is how situations can escalate in a chain reaction: the sky clouds over slightly in the distance, the route is harder than expected, but you’re determined to reach your goal, and calling for help is out of the question because you’ve completed similar tours before — and suddenly you’re stuck. Such misjudgments can have devastating consequences, which is why Helmut’s golden rule, “start early and be back by noon”, is something every mountaineer should keep in mind. If you realize you won’t make it in time, it’s better to turn back too early than too late. Anyone who realizes that the situation is deteriorating and time is running out should call for help sooner rather than later. Aborting a trip or alerting rescue services is not a sign of weakness; on the contrary, it demonstrates a sense of responsibility.
This is precisely why mountaineers rely on the experience, knowledge, and judgment of local mountain guides. The ZERMATTERS mountain guides are trained specifically for such situations and can thus ensure the necessary safety on a tour. This is exactly why mountain guides are passionate about their profession: to safely guide guests through the unique mountain world, to share their expertise and knowledge, and to create experiences that will be remembered for a lifetime.
It’s well known that Zermatt is a popular mountaineering hub. But carefully selecting the right tour can be a challenge, since Zermatt has 38 four-thousand-meter peaks within its municipal boundaries — and there are even more four-thousand-meter peaks in the immediate vicinity. Beyond the well-known routes to the Matterhorn, the Breithorn, the twins (Castor and Pollux), and the Monte Rosa massif, there are many other tours that often get overlooked during research: The Rimpfischhorn is a long and varied rock climb that ZERMATTERS mountain guides consider the best preparation for the Matterhorn, due to the similarity in the rock. For alpinists who feel more at home on snow and ice, the Alphubel offers an exciting two-day tour just outside of Zermatt. For highly ambitious mountaineers, the Rotgrat on the Alphubel presents a new challenge — allowing them to experience the mountain as a rock climb nonetheless!
It doesn’t always have to be a 4,000-meter peak, because many summit and climbing routes in Zermatt — even those below the famous 4,000-meter mark are unique, varied, and unforgettable. Among these, the Riffelhorn ranks as one of the most popular pure climbing routes, and the Gorge Adventure, a dynamic via ferrata, is a true highlight in Zermatt.
Are you interested, but still have questions or can't find the tour you're looking for on the website?
1. Contact
The ZERMATTERS Homebase is happy to assist you via E-Mail or phone and will work with you to plan your tour.
2. Arrangements
Once the tour is booked with all the important details (hut accommodations, travel arrangements, gear, etc.), a ZERMATTERS mountain guide will be assigned to you.
3. Meeting Point and Tour
On the day of your tour, you’ll meet your ZERMATTERS mountain guide at the agreed-upon meeting point and experience your mountain tour exactly as you imagined it!
4. Farewell and Return
After the tour, you’ll surely be left wanting more. Don’t forget to rate your tour and plan your next visit. Ask your mountain guide for recommendations on your next tour (every guide has a favorite tour—maybe it’s the perfect one for you!).
Are you an experienced mountaineer looking for your next big challenge? The Täschhorn is Helmi’s home mountain and is one of the most varied routes in the Valais Alps. Read more about it and experience your ascent of the Täschhorn with your ZERMATTERS mountain guide!
Helmut Lerjen, born on February 8, 1973, grew up in Täsch and is a ZERMATTERS mountain guide and mountain rescuer. He is now the fourth generation to pursue this passion, which he has been doing for over 25 years, delighting guests from all over the world. As a member of the ZERMATTERS cooperative, “Helmi,” as he is known, is an integral part of the company and brings his expertise and skills to exciting tours — always accompanied by a hearty laugh and unique stories that only he knows!
