This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.

Precision in the Peaks: Savoie Hélicoptères Deploys Airbus H125 for Avalanche Control

In the high-altitude terrain of the French Alps, aerial work operator Savoie Hélicoptères is utilizing the Airbus H125 to perform critical avalanche control missions. According to a feature story released by Airbus on February 18, 2026, the operator relies on the single-engine helicopter’s performance capabilities to secure ski resorts and mountain infrastructure following heavy snowfalls.

The operations, often conducted in challenging “hot and high” conditions, require a seamless blend of pilot skill and mechanical reliability. As detailed in the manufacturer’s release, the H125 allows crews to trigger controlled snow releases, mitigating the risk of natural avalanches that could threaten lives or close essential transport routes.

The Mechanics of Aerial Avalanche Control

The primary method highlighted by Airbus involves a high-stakes coordination between the pilot and a “blaster”, an explosives expert positioned in the rear of the aircraft. The process requires the pilot to hover with extreme precision near the mountain slope while the blaster ignites a fuse and drops an explosive charge into a specific “start zone” on the snowpack.

According to the release, communication is paramount. The blaster provides a constant stream of verbal cues to the pilot, confirming when the door is open, the charge is lit, and the payload has been deployed. The helicopter must then maneuver away quickly and safely before the detonation triggers the slide.

The Right Tool for the Job

Savoie Hélicoptères selects the H125 for these missions due to its specific handling characteristics in thin mountain air. The aircraft, formerly known as the AS350 B3e, holds the world record for the highest altitude landing and takeoff. Its Safran Arriel 2D engine provides the immediate power response necessary to maintain a steady hover against turbulent mountain winds.

Maxime Gaillard, a pilot with 22 years of experience, emphasized the aircraft’s role in these operations in the Airbus feature:

“With its versatility, power and reliability, the H125 has revolutionised mountain operations. The H125 is a very agile aircraft.”

, Maxime Gaillard, Pilot, via Airbus

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The helicopter’s design also aids in safety; the “flat floor” and optional floor windows allow pilots to maintain a vertical reference, looking directly down to position the aircraft exactly where the blaster needs to be.

Operator Profile: Savoie Hélicoptères

Based in Marnaz (Haute-Savoie) with a secondary base in Saint-Crépin (Hautes-Alpes), Savoie Hélicoptères has established itself as a key player in the region since its founding around 2015. Data regarding the company indicates it operates a fleet of five Airbus H125 helicopters within France, servicing major ski areas such as Courchevel, Megève, and Val d’Isère.

While the Airbus story focuses on manual explosive deployment, the operator is also known for utilizing the “Daisybell” system. This method involves slinging a metal cone beneath the helicopter which ignites a hydrogen-oxygen mixture to create a gas explosion above the snow, eliminating the need for handling physical explosives inside the cabin.

AirPro News Analysis

The timing of this feature coincides with a period of heightened avalanche risk in the French Alps reported in February 2026. The ability to rapidly secure mountain slopes is not merely a safety protocol but an economic necessity for the region. Ski resorts and mountain passes cannot operate until these “preventative releases” are confirmed.

By utilizing helicopters, teams can secure an entire valley in hours, a task that would take days to complete on foot. The reliance on the H125 underscores the aviation industry’s integral role in maintaining the operational continuity of the winter tourism economy, balancing raw power with the surgical precision required to prevent tragedy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Airbus H125?

The Airbus H125 (formerly AS350 B3e) is a single-engine light utility helicopter renowned for its high-altitude performance and ability to lift heavy external loads.

Why are helicopters used for avalanche control?

Helicopters allow experts to reach inaccessible mountain peaks quickly and deploy triggers safely from the air, securing large areas much faster than ground teams could.

Where does Savoie Hélicoptères operate?

The company is headquartered in Marnaz, France, and operates primarily in the Northern and Southern French Alps.

Sources

• Airbus