This comes as no surprise, as a reduction in the number of mountain airfields has been up for discussion since last year.

In 2014, the Anzeiger von Saanen reported that the Federal Council had made the decision to lower the number of mountain landing sites from 42 to 40. A year and a half after that news was released, Gumm and Rosenegg-West have been selected to permanently cease operations.

According to an official media release, the decision was the result of “a balancing of interests between the objectives for nature, landscape, and wildlife protection on one side, and the concerns of flight training on the other side.” 

Mayor Aldo Kropf is unhappy with the decision, stating, “We had always hoped that we could keep both landing sites,” insisting that Gumm is important for the region. He added: "I have a feeling that the closure is primarily a spoonful of sugar for environmental organizations. In my eyes, Gumm and Rosenegg have been sacrificed.”

Environmental groups VCS and WWF, which are united against aircraft noise, welcome the Council’s decision. Yet, they are still battling for more progress on closure of the mountain airfields, and suggest the Council is too susceptible to strong pressure from helicopter companies. 

Heliskiing is a burgeoning tourist activity in the region, and whether or not entities other than the helicopter companies will feel the pinch is still unknown.