Thrill-seekers can now experience a thrilling adventure flying over the majestic Swiss Alps on a massive mountain swing that propels riders off the edge of a cliff.
At Villars ski resort, visitors can now take on the BalancAIR swing, a 12-meter-high attraction situated 2,110 meters above sea level. This adrenaline-pumping ride accommodates up to three riders at a time as they are launched out over a breathtaking Alpine descent. Riders are securely fastened into saddle-style seats attached to a structure resembling an Alpine Ibex. They are then pulled back to a 90-degree angle before being released high above the valley floor.
Alexandra Henchoz, 37, confessed her nerves before trying out the swing with her husband and 10-year-old daughter. She described feeling a pit in her stomach before being strapped into the harness but expressed that the experience was nothing short of incredible, likening it to the sensation of flying like a bird.
The swing, unveiled earlier this month, is part of the resort’s strategy to attract more visitors beyond the traditional ski season, adapting to the impacts of climate change. Martin Deburaux, head of the Villars-Gryons-Diableret ski area, emphasized the resort’s commitment to diversifying its offerings to counter the effects of climate change.
According to Martin, the 12-meter swing provides an alluring attraction that can operate independently of snow conditions. Despite record winter visitation numbers in recent seasons, the resort acknowledges the necessity of planning for the future amidst warmer conditions.
Addressing the challenge of climate change, Martin highlighted the importance of finding alternatives to sustain employment and the tourism economy centered around the ski lift facilities.
While the resort typically hosts over 700,000 visitors in winter and around 100,000 in summer, officials aim to draw more visitors outside the ski season with the new swing to boost off-season tourism.
Among the adventurers trying out the swing was Marc Truffer, 70, who described the experience as frightening yet astonishing. He shared that the descent was terrifying but the ensuing view was simply magnificent.