Taking on the highest Zip Wire in Europe

With the weather looking like it would change today (which it has, snow is falling yay) yesterday afternoon looked like the perfect zipline slot for the group.

The Tyrolienne is located at the top of Orelle so there are two routes to get there. The easier of the two, which we took, is via the Moutiers chairlift followed by Grand Fond up to the top of Orelle. There is then the glorious red run down ‘Mauriennalle’ into resort, two more chairlifts up ‘Peyron’ followed by ‘Bouchet’ and you cannot miss it. The alternate route is via ‘Caron’, ‘Cime Caron’ and then taking a sharp left you will locate the black run ‘Combe de rosael’ down into Orelle.

The eager young ones in the group were up there first to check it out and at first thought that they were in a for a long wait when they saw a huge queue, but it was just the line of spectators.

As we were in a group of 11, it was great to see that the staff at the Tyrolienne were very organized and great with the kids. You cannot book so you just have to hope when you arrive you will not be waiting too long. Also a problem they have due to the altitude, the highest point in the Three Valleys at 3,230m, there can be too much wind to fly so make sure that you check the weather beforehand. Children must be over 8yrs old and anyone under 10 years must be accompanied by an adult.

After signing some quick paperwork you are given a harness and your skis, poles or board are all strapped onto the back. You just have to then navigate your way out of the door! Up on the platform, again the staff were great dealing with everyone as quickly as possible. As you are attached to the lines the harness becomes a seat with two wires to hold you secure.

The children were the first to fly off with the adults at the back with not quite so much enthusiasm! I had warned the group from my last flight that it is not as extreme as it looks and afterwards this was the general consensus. Once you are given the green light with a slight push you are off! The first part of the line is the steepest however after this you do not pick up a huge amount of speed so there is plenty of time to take in the mountain views, to the left, right and below as you fly over the top. At the other end depending on your speed and weight you might just need to do a ‘wiggle’ to bring you right to the landing stage where you are swiftly unclipped and can then ski away. For most of the group, taking the zip wire was a preferable and quicker option than a change of mind and having to ski back to Val Thorens.

It is definitely a great activity to tick off the list and a great addition to any holiday. At 50 euros each it is not the cheapest family activity in resort, but it does provide great amusement for all. The build up is certainly much longer than the flight itself at just 1 min 40 seconds. As the highest zipline in the world though, it is not something you get to do everyday. I made the mistake of discussing my recent parapente flight with the family and I think that could now be on next years list!