Introduction
The zip-line in the ski resorts is an activity strong of its success and has a reputation to guarantee thrills. Indeed this attraction can be done alone or in pairs leading its passengers in a descent just as long as the cable with speeds that could pass 100 km/h. It also provides a sensation similar to that of hovering while offering a breathtaking view of the mountain because the flights are usually at a height of several tens of meters high.
Mechanism
The principle of the zip line is as follows, after the traveler has put on a harness designed to protect his pelvis, this equipment, connected by two carabiners to a pulley, slides along a cable carrying the passenger along the line. The cable in question is extremely solid and is the same kind of cable used for the harness. The cable is provided in a thickness of 12 mm and has the capacity to support a weight of up to 9 tons. In addition, during a zip line flight, the more the cable is stretched, the faster the flight is. This is why at the end of the course it is slightly raised to allow a slowdown on arrival. Such a mechanism has the advantage of not needing much slope so that the zip line can slide quickly. Thus, in the case of a conventional zip line, the harness travels a slope of 3.5%.
Requirements
To fly over a zip-line, it is necessary to be at least 8 years and to weigh between 30 and 150 kg. And, access to the zip-lines is not given to person that are not in good physical shape, like those with cardiac problems, epileptic problems or asthma. Access is also denied to pregnant women.
Price for one flight
According to the resorts, the all-inclusive passes for a zip-line flight varies between 30 and 60 euros.
Basic equipment
The necessary equipment to practice zip-line is included in the price of the flight. This entails basic material, this means the sling, or climbing harness, tether, carabiners, and a pulley.
Equipment for protection
The equipment for protection is also included in the price, and consists of the helmet, to avoid accidents at the start of the end, and also gloves to avoid hand injuries because of the cable. Of course it is recommended to wear warmly because the speed of descent varies between 70 and 120 km/h.
Val Thorens
Val Thorens has a MEGA ZIP-LINE that offers the possibility to fly for 1300 m with a speed reaching 100 km/h.
Super Besse
Super Besse and Auvergne are equally equipped with a giant zip-line. The resort also offers an attraction of 1600 m with a speed of almost 120 km/h for a thrilling experience on 45 m altitude.
Orcieres
The “Roll Air Cable” is the name of the zip-line in Orcieres 1850 which is also one of biggest in Europe. It is accessible in summer and in winter, and is since 2009 the to do attraction of the resort.
Chatel
Chatel has 2 zip-lines linking one behind the other on a track of 2523 m and reaches a top speed of 100 km/h. The 2 attractions allow for individual flights and flights in pairs.
La Bresse
In the Vosges, the zip-line in La Bresse, is accessible by 4×4 and consists of a track of 1350 m, and worth the detour by offering a perspective passing at the top of the mountain.
Alpes d’Huez
The basic of extreme sports X-FLY of Alpe d’Huez has 2 zip-lines including each with a track of 400 m.
La Colmiane
The La Colmiane resort has a zip-line that is separated in 2 sections and consists of a track of 2663 m and you can reach a speed of 130 km/h.
