On Sunday morning in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the women’s Olympic downhill was interrupted by a serious on-course incident that required an immediate and highly coordinated emergency response. Just seconds into her run, American skier Lindsey Vonn crashed heavily on the opening traverse, coming to rest on the slope in clear distress. With ground access limited and the safety of the race environment paramount, a rapid aerial evacuation was essential.

As the official Olympic rescue partner, the Avincis helicopter was tasked without delay by the event’s medical command. Our crew, positioned on standby, was airborne within minutes, operating in a complex alpine setting and tightly controlled airspace above the Olympia delle Tofana course. Close coordination with piste-side medical teams, race officials and emergency services ensured the rescue could be carried out safely despite challenging terrain, spectators and broadcast infrastructure.

After medical personnel stabilised the skier on the snow, the Avincis crew established a precise hover above the course. Due to the need to avoid contaminating the prepared ski slopes, the recovery required a long and technically demanding hoist operation. The patient was carefully secured to a gurney and safely lifted on board.

Reflecting on the mission, Avincis hoist operator Annalisa Raffin said:
“We are very proud that the operation was successful. The coordination between everyone involved, including the pilot and the rescue teams on the ground, was excellent. It was a complex recovery — the hoist had to be deployed from over 90 metres — but thanks to that strong teamwork, the mission was completed safely and smoothly.”

The skier was then airlifted to hospital for further assessment and treatment. This operation exemplifies Avincis’ commitment to preparedness, precision and partnership at the world’s biggest