At an altitude of 2,110 meters: the giant swing that dropped our jaws

At an altitude of over 2,100 meters, facing the peaks of the Alps, a new attraction opened this month that is certainly not for those with a fear of heights: a giant 12-meter-high swing that lifts three passengers to a 90-degree angle before releasing them into a free-swinging motion over the valley. The new facility in Grans-Chamossaire, Switzerland, provides plenty of thrills, but it represents a more serious story: the attempt by Alpine ski resorts to reinvent themselves during the summer and prepare for a future where snow becomes less predictable due to climate change.

"There are some butterflies in the stomach, you can't deny it, but the moment you get on it, it's just amazing. You feel like a bird," 37-year-old Alexandra Anchuz, who tried the attraction with her family, told AFP.

The swing stands at the summit at 2,110 meters, supported by a V-shaped metal structure. The seats are designed with inspiration from an Alpine ibex. Once passengers are strapped in, a system of cables and pulleys gradually lifts them to a 90-degree angle, leaving them hanging face-down. Then, the safety cable is released, and the swing drops forward. The descent is accompanied by screams and cheers, followed by a breathtaking view of the green valley and rocky peaks.

70-year-old Marc Trouper described his experience as a mix of fear and excitement: "It's scary, exactly as I expected, and then I was just speechless. The descent is breathtaking, and the view is just great."

Adapting to a Changing Climate

Alpine ski resorts have been seeking ways to attract travelers outside the ski season to better utilize their infrastructure. Climate change has made this need increasingly urgent.

"We are really trying to diversify our offering," explained Martin Devraud, director of the Villars-Gryon-Diablerets resort. He noted that similar swings, already established in Megeve and La Clusaz, France, allow the resort to offer attractions that operate regardless of snow conditions.

While the resort has seen record visitor numbers in the last two winters due to shifting snow patterns, management is not counting on this trend to last. "It is clear to us that we are dealing with climate change," Devraud said. "We conducted a study examining our snow potential for 2050, and we are preparing for a future with less or less predictable snowfall."

Aiming for Summer Growth

There is currently a massive gap between seasons: the resort hosts over 700,000 visitors in winter compared to just 100,000 in summer. The goal is to triple summer attendance in the coming years by adding more activities. Beyond the swing, the resort promotes hiking trails, mountain biking, and temporary "Land Art" installations, such as those by the artist Saype.

The location was chosen strategically to keep the resort's wilder, quieter areas preserved for those who visit the Alps specifically for nature.