Thrill-seekers now have the opportunity to glide above the majestic Swiss Alps on a massive mountain swing that propels riders off a cliff’s edge.
At the Villars ski resort, visitors can experience the BalancAIR swing, a 12-meter-high attraction positioned 2,110 meters above sea level. This exhilarating ride accommodates up to three riders simultaneously as they are securely fastened into saddle-style seats attached to a structure resembling an Alpine Ibex. The riders are then gently pulled backward to a 90-degree angle before being released, soaring high above the breathtaking Alpine landscape.
Alexandra Henchoz, 37, shared her pre-ride nerves before testing the swing with her husband and daughter. Despite feeling anxious initially, she described the experience as incredible, likening the sensation to that of a bird in flight.
Introduced just this month, the swing is part of the resort’s strategy to attract more visitors year-round, especially outside the conventional ski season, in response to changing climate patterns. Martin Deburaux, the head of the Villars-Gryons-Diableret ski area, emphasized the importance of diversifying offerings to adapt to evolving weather conditions. While the resort has seen a surge in winter visitors in recent years, the need to plan for the future in light of warmer temperatures is paramount.
With over 700,000 winter visitors and approximately 100,000 summer visitors, the resort aims to leverage the new swing attraction to boost off-season tourism. Marc Truffer, 70, shared his mixed emotions of fear and amazement after the ride, highlighting the stunning view as a highlight of the experience.