A giant swing now greets visitors at the Grand Chamossaire peak in the Swiss Alps to attract tourists during the summer season.
The installation represents a strategic shift for the Villars ski resort as climate change makes winter snowfall increasingly erratic. By diversifying attractions, the resort aims to maintain revenue and visitor numbers when snow is absent.
The swing is located at an altitude of 2,110 metres [1]. This high-altitude placement provides thrill-seekers with expansive views of the surrounding mountains, while offering a new reason to visit the region during the snow-free months of July.
Martin Deburaux, the director of the Villars ski area, said the attraction is part of a broader effort to adapt to environmental changes. "We hope the swing will allow the resort to attract thrill-seekers during the snowless seasons as we prepare for more unpredictable snowfall," Deburaux said.
Visitors have already begun using the installation to experience the peak from a new perspective. Anais Fougairolles, a tourist who tried the swing, said, "You feel like you're flying."
The move toward "four-season tourism" is becoming more common across the Alps. Resorts that previously relied solely on skiing are now investing in hiking trails, mountain biking, and unique installations to ensure economic viability throughout the year.
“"You feel like you're flying."”
This installation is a physical manifestation of economic adaptation in the face of climate change. As the Alpine region experiences warming temperatures and unreliable winters, traditional ski resorts must pivot from a seasonal business model to a year-round destination strategy to avoid financial collapse.
