Zipline

A zipline is an activity you can enjoy while skiing on your holiday. Follow our tips and discover this thrilling experience.

What is zipline?

The zipline, born in the Alps

A zipline is a form of transport that involves gliding along a cable stretched between two points. It takes its name from Tyrol, a region of the Alps that spans both Austria and Italy. Originally, this system was used to carry goods over deep valleys or rivers. In France, it was in the Vosges mountains that the outdoor leisure version of the zipline was first developed – and since then, it has spread to most mountain regions.

Accessible to almost everyone, a zipline lets you glide safely along a taut cable above the ground, using a pulley system, and enjoy breathtaking views of the ski resort’s slopes – with the thrilling sensation of flying, much like the bunjride. We’ll also show you the best spots to try bunjride.

Fly safely

This ski activity is perfect for thrill-seekers and speed lovers. At top speed, you can reach up to 120 km/h. Safety standards are extremely strict. Zipline sessions are supervised by a trained guide, who will provide full instructions and assess each participant’s ability to launch into the void.

To take part, you must be in good physical condition, with no heart problems, epilepsy, asthma, or pregnancy. The minimum age is 8 years old. The zipline is open to anyone weighing between 30 and 150 kg, and tandem flights are possible. Depending on the type of harness, you can glide along the cable either sitting or lying down.

Our top resorts for this winter

What equipment do you need for ziplining on a ski holiday?

A concentration of skills for a maximum of thrills

Ziplining gives an incredible feeling of gliding, thanks to the equipment used. To zipline, you wear a harness that supports your hips. This harness is connected by two carabiners to a pulley that slides along the cable. The cable is the same type as those used for lifting on construction sites. Measuring 12 mm thick, it is strong enough to hold up to 9 tonnes.

The tighter the cable, the faster you go; at the end of the ride, it rises slightly to help slow you down. The pulley has wheels fitted with ball bearings, allowing it to glide smoothly. This system has the advantage of needing only a slight slope to reach high speeds; typically, a classic zipline cable is set at a 3.5% incline.

The required equipment for ziplinong

The cost of harnesses, lanyards, pulleys, and carabiners is included in the price of the ride, which typically ranges from €30 to €60, depending on whether you choose to go solo or tandem. This price also covers personal protective equipment: helmets and gloves.

Wearing a helmet is essential to prevent collisions with the cable or landing platform. Hands must also be protected, as they are sometimes needed to control speed, and gloves help avoid burns caused by friction against the cable. Finally, it’s important to dress warmly due to the speeds you can reach (between 70 and 120 km/h) and the altitude, even though the ride usually lasts around one minute.

Where to practice ziplining during your ski holiday?

The highest in the world

It’s located at Val-Thorens resort, at 3,200 metres altitude. This mega zipline offers a breathtaking view of the glacier during a 2-minute flight.

The most thrilling experience

This is the Roll Air Cable in Orcières 1850: a 1,870-metre zipline that takes riders on an exhilarating flight, 150 metres above the ground and sometimes just 15 metres from the rock face.

The greatest vertical drop

Fantasticable in Super Besse, a 1,600-metre zipline, lets you reach a top speed of 120 km/h over a vertical drop of 240 metres — the largest in France.

The most natural experience

At 70 metres high, the Valfréjus zipline lets you soar over the Charmaix stream and snow-covered fir trees.

The longest in France

It awaits you at La Colmiane resort, in the Alpes Maritimes: the descent takes place on a 2,663-metre-long cable.

The most diverse

Among many ski activities, La Plagne offers 8 ziplines for enthusiasts, with the course ending in a thrilling Base Jump.

Guaranteed thrills in the Abondance Valley

The 1,200-metre Fantasticable in Châtel is accessible via the Rochassons chairlift and lets you soar above the village of Plaine-Dranse.

Thrills at Alpe d'Huez

A 400-metre zipline is set up at the Xfly leisure centre, right in the heart of the ski area.

Close to the fir trees

The zipline at La Bresse, in the Vosges, is reachable by 4x4. Stretching 1,350 metres, it lets you reach speeds up to 110 km/h just above the treetops.

At night

The zipline cascade at Les Aillons, in Savoie, can be done at night… thrills guaranteed. Love speed and adrenaline in the air? Experience similar sensations on the slopes by riding an inflatable tube with snowtubing, a unique sliding activity.