The Bascule: La Clusaz’s New Swing Will Have You Whooping Like a Kid
This winter La Clusaz announced a new attraction in the resort that offers a novel way to view the Aravis mountains. It is hard to imagine what more the area could add to entice visitors. It already has the legendary La Balme for freeride fans, the Manigod ski area with the biggest night skiing in France, and it sits next to France’s favorite ski resort Le Grand Bornand.
But the answer, it turns out, is a giant swing.
We sent La Clusaz local Jim Duncombe to check it out.
A Swing with a 15 Metre Drop
The Bascule, which translates to seesaw or tilt, is exactly what it sounds like—a swing but on the edge of a cliff. It is built for three people at a time and unlike the playground version, you do not have to kick your legs to get it going.
Instead, you get strapped into a harness while the operator runs through a short safety briefing. Then, much like an Alton Towers ride, the floor beneath you drops away and you are slowly winched backwards up to the highest point of the structure.
The operator begins a dramatic countdown, then pulls the release rope, sending you hurtling towards the valley below.
Check out the video captured by the Bascule cameras.
The Rush
Remember when your dad used to pull you as high as he could on a swing before letting go? It is like that except you are 1800 metres up in the French Alps with nothing but air beneath you. The initial drop gives you that rollercoaster stomach flip and the first swing through the bottom turn forces a mix of screams and laughter from everyone onboard.
After a few wild arcs the motion slows to a gentle sway, giving you time to take in the view—the Aravis range high above you and La Clusaz far below. Then it is time to unclip, legs still shaking slightly, and watch the next group get launched into the abyss.
Video of Jim and family swinging, taken from the picnic area.
Getting There
The swing is perched above La Clusaz, looking down towards Lac de Confins and the Pont Perce. To reach it, take two lifts from the town centre. We skied there but pedestrians can access it too with a lift pass add on when booking.
Worth It? Absolutely
It is right up there with the best ski resort novelties such as zip lines, husky rides and snowbiking. And at just 20 euros per person, it is a bargain.
Bonus: there is a picnic spot next to the swing, complete with a free to use barbecue. So you can make an afternoon of it, watching others get hoisted up and flung into the void before skiing back down to town.
To book, go to La Clusaz’s website.
Add Comment