Basket : Drones in Ski Safety

A skier is buried beneath the snow after a late-night avalanche on the slopes of Val Thorens. Within minutes, a buzzing drone equipped with a powerful thermal camera locates the missing person through the darkness and the storm, guiding the rescue team to the exact spot. According to PlanetSKI, in February, a drone was used to inspect a small avalanche in Les Menuires, helping rescue teams during their response efforts.

New drone technology implemented in Val Thorens, France, and Verbier, Valais, Switzerland, is now integrated directly into resort safety protocols. Both resorts have established dedicated drone teams, typically made up of ski patrol and technical staff who receive regular training. According to a report from Val Thorens, drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras are used to scan avalanche zones or help locate missing people. This organised approach means drones have become a reliable, routine part of mountain rescue operations.

At Basket, we are passionate about technology that strengthens our team and the safety of mountain environments. According to a recent PlanetSKI report, Val Thorens has introduced a drone for ski area surveillance, marking a first in Europe. (An Autonomous Drone for Ski Area Surveillance: A World First, 2025) These results demonstrate measurable improvements and confirm that drone integration is a major step forward for mountain safety, offering substantial value to ski resorts. (French Ski Area Using Drone To Help Save Lives, 2020)

The drone flies autonomously over known tracks or areas prone to avalanches, and during search-and-rescue efforts after an avalanche. Equipped with a powerful thermal camera and AI, it can scan far more area than the human eye, even at night or in fog. (French Ski Area Using Drone To Help Save Lives, 2020) While this technology greatly enhances search efficiency, it is important to recognise certain limitations. Severe weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall, high winds, or low visibility, may affect drone performance or flight safety. Regular technical maintenance and battery management are also essential to ensure reliability. (Wankmüller et al., 2019, pp. 1-9) Additionally, staff must undergo specialised training to operate drones and interpret thermal camera data effectively. (Xavier, 2020) We believe this innovative drone technology will soon be standard at most ski resorts. (French Ski Area Using Drone To Help Save Lives, 2020)

References

(November 1, 2025). An Autonomous Drone for Ski Area Surveillance: A World First. Val Thorens Press Kit 2025-2026. https://www.valthorens.com/app/uploads/2025/11/planches-press-kit-2025-2026-vf-maj-octobre-hd.pdf

(October 19, 2020). French Ski Area Using Drone To Help Save Lives. Avalanche News Archive 2020. https://www.avalanche-center.org/News/2020/2020-10-19-France.php

(October 19, 2020). French Ski Area Using Drone To Help Save Lives. Avalanche News.

https://www.avalanche-center.org/News/2020/2020-10-19-France.php

Wankmüller, C., Truden, C., Korzen, C., Hungerländer, P., Kolesnik, E. & Reiner, G. (2019). Optimal allocation of defibrillator drones in mountainous regions. Computers 74, pp. 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compenvurbsys.2019.02.001

Xavier, F. (October 14, 2020). French Ski Patrol Using Thermo Imaging Drones For Avalanche Rescue. Unofficial Networks. https://unofficialnetworks.com/2020/10/14/thermo-imaging-drone-avalanche-rescue/

(October 19, 2020). French Ski Area Using Drone To Help Save Lives. Avalanche News. https://www.avalanche-center.org/News/2020/2020-10-19-France.php