Planai-Hochwurzen and ÖAMTC Air Rescue Forge New High-Altitude Partnership

In a move set to redefine safety and logistical standards in the Alps, Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen and ÖAMTC Air Rescue have officially launched a comprehensive strategic partnership. Announced this week at the foot of the Planai, the collaboration merges elite helicopter expertise with large-scale cable car operations to streamline everything from emergency rescues to heavy-duty mountain maintenance.

While the two organizations have worked together regionally for years, this formal alliance marks a "milestone" shift toward integrated alpine management.

More Than Just Rescue

While emergency medical response remains a core pillar, the partnership extends deep into the daily technical operations of the resort. The collaboration will cover several key areas:

• Logistical Airpower: ÖAMTC helicopters will now handle the precision transport of snow cannons and heavy materials for cable car maintenance.

• Operational Training: Joint rescue exercises and specialized winter training programs for staff to ensure seamless "ground-to-air" coordination.

• Event Innovation: New safety and logistical concepts have been developed for major winter sports events (such as the Schladming Nightrace), with full implementation scheduled for 2027.

Setting New Alpine Standards

For the leadership at both organizations, the partnership is about proactive safety rather than just reactive response.

"This collaboration is another milestone in our long-standing regional partnership," said Marco Trefanitz, CEO of ÖAMTC Air Rescue. "A key component will be the joint development of operational processes... setting new standards in quality and safety."

Peter Weichbold, Managing Director of Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the trust built over decades of informal cooperation. "Our shared goal is to continuously improve processes in alpine operations and thus ensure the highest standards for both our guests and our employees."

A Look Ahead

The timing of the partnership aligns with a period of massive modernization for both parties. ÖAMTC is currently upgrading its fleet with next-generation Airbus helicopters, while Planai-Hochwurzen is coming off a major 2025/26 infrastructure boost, including new high-capacity chairlifts.

By combining the "vertical expertise" of air rescue with the "horizontal reach" of one of Austria's busiest ski resorts, the partnership aims to create a blueprint for how modern mountain resorts can operate more efficiently in an increasingly complex alpine environment.