Tested for You: We Took Flight on the Grand Chamossaire BalancAIR

It’s midday. Computers are shut down, offices empty out. Today, the lunch break feels more like an expedition. Our destination: the summit of Grand Chamossaire to discover the brand-new BalancAIR, inaugurated on this first Friday of July.

Just a few minutes on the Roc d’Orsay gondola are enough to reach the summit. But before setting off on our adventure, we make a stop at Rocco Cantina Italiana. Seated on the terrace, with clouds drifting across the sun, we enjoy lunch at altitude. Above us, the striking silhouette of the BalancAIR is already catching everyone’s eye. Even from a distance, it looks impressive.

A climb that sets the tone

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With lunch over, it’s time to continue the ascent on foot to the summit of Grand Chamossaire.

The trail is short, but undeniably steep. Before long, conversations give way to the sound of steady breathing as the climb begins to make itself felt. With every step, the swing draws a little closer, until it finally seems almost within reach.

At the summit, a delightful surprise awaits us. A young ibex calmly watches the visitors. Curious, it almost seems as though it, too, is discovering this new installation perched at an altitude of 2,112 metres.

Watching… before taking the plunge

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Before giving it a go ourselves, we take a moment to watch the first participants.

In pairs (with the option of up to three people at a time), they settle onto the enormous swing suspended above the void. Moments later, they launch into a wide, spectacular arc. From the summit, the sight is almost mesmerising. The swings are impressive, yet remarkably smooth.

While waiting for our turn, it’s impossible not to admire the view.

Beyond the thrill itself, the BalancAIR offers a spectacular viewpoint over the Alpes Vaudoises and far beyond. In front of us, Lake Geneva sparkles in the sunlight, while the Tours d’Aï and Tour de Mayen rise proudly above Leysin and the Rhône Valley. In the opposite direction, the eye wanders across Chaux Ronde, Le Chaux, the Diablerets massif, Pic Chaussy and countless Alpine peaks. A breathtaking 360-degree panorama that almost makes you dizzy… before you’ve even stepped onto the swing.

As if to complete the scene, two young ibex kids wander calmly across the summit, as though this spectacular new attraction had always been part of the landscape.

It’s our turn!

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Bags stay on the ground. Phones and cameras too. This time, it’s our turn.

We settle into the two seats side by side. The operators fasten the safety belts, check every attachment, then ask us to place our hands on the bar in front of us.

A few seconds later, the swing is slowly pulled backwards.

There we are, suspended in the air, leaning slightly forward. A minute that feels much longer. Silence settles in. The wind becomes noticeable. The mountains suddenly seem even bigger. Then the swing is released.

In a split second, we dive into the void before soaring back up towards the panorama. The sensation is striking. The first swing almost takes our breath away, but very quickly the feeling of falling gives way to an incredible sense of freedom.

With each pass, the scenery unfolds beneath our feet. The nervous laughter from the start soon turns into broad smiles as we simply enjoy the moment.

Verdict: an experience not to be missed

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BalancAIR is the perfect combination of adrenaline and breathtaking scenery.

Unlike a typical thrill ride, it's not just about speed or height. What truly makes the experience special is the setting. Suspended high above the mountains, you'll enjoy spectacular panoramic views while experiencing something truly unique.

After all… a lunch break has never felt so much like an escape.