Mountain Rescue Austria

Mountain Rescue in Austrian Ski Resorts: 

Mountain rescue in Austrian ski resorts is a mix 

- volunteer organisations and 

-resort-specific slope rescue teams. 

Initial assistance is often provided by slope rescue, more serious incidents may involve mountain rescue services or helicopters. 

It's crucial to understand that these services are not always free, and you or your insurer will likely be responsible for the costs.

Key Information by Resort:

St. Anton / Ski Arlberg:

• Rescue Service: Yes, including local rescue and helicopter services.
• Insurance: The Arlberg Safety Card (ASC) is an optional add-on that reimburses rescue costs within the Ski Arlberg area. As of the latest information, it costs approximately €20 for up to 8 days and €35 for 9+ days/season ticket. A "Bergbahn rescue card" (lift pass add-on) may also be available for under €20 for a week.
• Recommendation: Purchase the Arlberg Safety Card and ensure your travel/ski insurance explicitly covers helicopter and rescue costs.

Ischgl:

• Rescue Service: Yes, with a piste rescue team.
• Insurance: There is no clear statement that the standard ski pass includes rescue or evacuation coverage, nor a dedicated "rescue card" like in Arlberg. Forum discussions suggest visitors often cannot find equivalent insurance directly from the resort.
• Recommendation: Rely on external travel/ski insurance that specifically covers mountain rescue and check with the local resort upon arrival for any optional rescue add-ons.
• Rescue Service: Yes, with regional alpine rescue services.
• Insurance: No evidence suggests that the ski pass (e.g., Ski ALPIN CARD) includes rescue or evacuation costs.
• Zell am See / Zell am See-Kaprun:

Recommendation: Ensure your ski/travel insurance explicitly covers rescue and evacuation costs. Inquire at the resort's information desk for any optional rescue add-ons.

General Recommendations for Skiing in Austria:

• Always Carry Proof: Have your rescue card or insurance proof readily available and present it if requested at the scene of an accident.

• High Costs: Be aware that helicopter rescues can be very expensive, often costing thousands of euros.

• Comprehensive Insurance: Your insurance should explicitly cover:

  • Search & rescue / evacuation / helicopter

  • On- and off-piste (if you plan to ski off-piste)

  • Repatriation

• Check at the Resort: Always ask at ticket offices or info desks if the lift pass includes rescue coverage or if an optional rescue card is available, as local options can vary.

• Emergency Numbers: Know the alpine rescue number in Austria (140) and the European emergency number (112).

• Policy Limitations: Be aware of exclusions, such as accidents under the influence of alcohol or reduced coverage if safety gear is not worn.

Additional Resources:

• Austrian Mountain Rescue (Bergrettungsdienst)

• Mountain Rescue Tyrol

• Austrian Alpine Club (Alpenverein)