Helicopters Deliver Emergency Groceries to Snowbound Saas-Fee
Heavy snow and avalanche risks have cut off road access to Saas-Fee, leaving the village temporarily isolated. To keep shelves stocked, retailer Coop has turned to helicopters for emergency food deliveries. Fresh groceries were flown in and quickly restocked at the local store on Postplatz.
The road to Saastal closed due to persistent avalanche danger across Switzerland. With no other way to transport goods, Coop arranged for a helicopter to carry fresh produce and perishables. The supplies were loaded, airlifted, and unloaded directly at the Coop branch in Saas-Fee.
This isn't the first time Coop has used helicopters for deliveries. In 2024, a landslide blocked the same route, forcing the company to fly in supplies. Authorities have since confirmed that both Saas-Fee and Saas-Grund stores now have restocked shelves.
While Coop has experience with airlifts, rival retailer Migros has ruled out similar measures for now. The operation highlights the challenges of keeping remote alpine communities supplied during extreme weather.
The helicopter deliveries ensure residents and visitors in Saas-Fee still have access to fresh food. Coop's swift response helps maintain essential supplies until road conditions improve. For now, the store remains operational despite the ongoing transport restrictions.
