Téléverbier has recently integrated a drone service into the resort’s operations. Developed as an additional resource for fieldwork, this project marks a significant milestone in alpine operational management.
Practical considerations
Prior to being rolled out, the project, led by Fabien Rollet, was reviewed extensively for almost a year. It was necessary to determine that a drone could be fully integrated into the demanding environment of a ski area with its changing weather conditions, complex terrain, other airspace users and strict regulations.
The development plan and operational framework were subsequently approved by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). Téléverbier is now one of the first resorts in Switzerland to develop a drone service as part of its operations, with solid regulatory foundations.
This preliminary work also defined an essential guiding principle: a step-by-step approach. Popular with paragliders, the resort is mindful not to unnecessarily restrict their freedom to fly. Furthermore, the drones’ noise and their presence in an alpine environment demands particular caution in terms of wildlife, especially chamois, ibex and birds of prey. Drones must not become an additional nuisance; they are a carefully managed resource, used only when necessary.
Practical assistance in real-world situations
The drone service currently provides support for managing the pistes, ski lifts and snow cannons. It is used for surveillance, inspecting ski lifts and quickly assessing the situation when an incident occurs. A recent example perfectly demonstrates its value. During the recent snowfall, the avalanche danger level was briefly raised to 4 (high) out of 5. Several avalanches occurred off-piste in unsecured areas. The resort was alerted, but had no detailed information on the circumstances or whether anyone was present.
In these cases, every second counts. The drone was quickly deployed to provide an immediate assessment of the situation. With its built-in loudspeaker, it can be used to communicate remotely with witnesses or people on the ground and can collect reliable information and transmit these elements to operational teams in real time.
It also captures aerial photographs and conducts photogrammetric surveying, which are useful for monitoring avalanches and expanding databases, particularly for the Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF), as well as mountain police units. Thermal imaging offers additional support when determining if an avalanche is recent or from some time ago – a key factor in dispelling any doubt.
It is, however, important to remember that the drone cannot yet detect buried victims. It is not a replacement for avalanche transceiver searches, specialised teams or the experience of our ski patrollers. It provides a quick overview, ensures a safe approach and helps define the best intervention strategy to avoid triggering a second avalanche when accessing the area. Experience in the field remains at the heart of this profession. Technology provides support, never a substitute.
Progress with purpose
The development of the drone service doesn’t stop there. In collaboration with a Spanish company, Téléverbier has contributed to developing a drone capable of detecting frequencies emitted by avalanche transceivers. In the future, this technology could reduce the time it takes to locate avalanche victims and further bolster the search and rescue response.
Other projects are also under review, including drones from a French firm designed to trigger preventive avalanches using propane and oxygen for targeted operations. These prospects show constant innovation, but always with a focus on responsibility and remaining in control. Caution is also applied with regards to artificial intelligence. In the mountains, data are complex, variable and highly context dependent. Entrusting crucial decisions to algorithms would be premature. Human experience, specialised knowledge of the terrain and the analytical skills of our ski patrollers remain the cornerstones of the profession.
In terms of hardware, DJI was chosen, despite an initial preference for European brands such as Parrot. Performance, reliability and cost informed the decision, based on strictly operational factors.
A resource, not a replacement
The drone service represents significant progress for Téléverbier. It improves response times, reinforces safety protocols and provides valuable strategic insight in critical situations.
Nevertheless, its integration is based on the firm conviction that technology must serve the people and the mountains. It complements our teams’ knowledge and insight without ever substituting it. It is part of a broader commitment to progress in a way that respects both the environment and other users who share this unique space.
In the mountains, innovation only has value if it is integrated with moderation. This is exactly the approach Téléverbier has chosen to adopt.
Mountain drones
“Creating a drone service at the heart of a Swiss ski resort – something that has never been done before – means building an entire ecosystem. We had to define clear objectives, a solid strategy and robust safety protocols, all while operating within a constantly changing administrative framework.
Flying a drone is never straightforward, and even less so when it comes to certain operations. Each mission requires detailed risk analysis, strict compliance with aviation regulations and close coordination with those on the ground.
Given the reluctance and complexity of the aviation sector, perseverance and strong shoulders were key to seeing this project through to the end.
Vertical Master, a company based in the canton of Fribourg, took on the administrative challenge by setting out a robust and viable case for the Federal Office of Civil Aviation, thereby making this project possible.
Now, I hope this project has a long future and that it becomes a community-driven venture, built around all those involved in mountain life, with respect for both the work of professionals in the field and the mountain environment, which remains at the core of our mission.”
Flying your drone in the ski area
The mountains are like a permanent film set! It’s hard to resist the temptation to fly your own drone to capture those special moments… However, in the ski area, you need permission prior to flying any kind of drone, even those weighing less than 250 grams.
Why do I need permission?
The ski area is a fragile environment with large numbers of skiers, ski lifts and safety interventions. Without explicit approval, flying is not permitted.
Here are the steps to take:
- Fill in the application form
Firstly, fill in the official authorisation application form. - E-mail your application
Once the form is completed, send it via e-mail to: drone@televerbier.ch
We recommend planning your application ahead of time, especially during holidays or events. - Wait for approval
No flight will take off without written approval.
Thank you for your understanding 🙏🏼
