The Aiguille Rouge Tyrolean traverse

Tyrolean traverse is a very popular activity in parks such as accrobranches, amusement parks and even water parks, but what better way to combine the thrill of flying at top speed with the beauty of nature in the mountains.

But do you know where the zip line comes from?

Tyrolean traverse takes its name from its region of origin, the Tyrol, an alpine region in Austria and Italy. Hundreds of years ago, they were used by Italian soldiers in rescue operations to avoid the most inaccessible areas of the mountains. The zip line was the fastest means of transport in the mountains, and the first models were made from rope. Since then, helicopters and aeroplanes have taken their place in the mountains. Zip-lines are now made of steel, which is much safer than rope, and are used almost exclusively for leisure activities. Tyrolean traverses are still used for military training.

Tyrolean traverse, altitude, speed and records

The longest zip line in France, and also one of the longest in Europe, is at La Colmiane in the Alpes-Maritimes and is 2663 metres long.

The longest in the world is in the United Arab Emirates, at 2800 metres.

As for the world's highest zip line, it can be found in the Swiss resort of Verbier, at an altitude of 3,300 metres. It has overtaken the one in Val Thorens, at 3230 metres.

And the fastest is in North Wales at Bethesda, in the Zip Word park, and promises a descent at 160 km/h.

The Les Arcs zip line has nothing to be ashamed of, with its altitude of 2,700 metres, its 1.8 km distance and its speed of 130 km/h.

From the Arc 2000 station, take the Varet cable car to reach an altitude of 2680 metres, at the exit of which is the zip-line activity. The Tyrolean traverse ends at Arc 2000, close to the Olympic flame.

Take a break on the panoramic terrace at Varet

Before your descent, you can admire the breathtaking view over Les Arcs from the Varet panoramic terrace. A panoramic solarium where you can relax, grab a bite to eat or have a coffee in the coffee shop.

Ideal for accompanying adults, who will love watching you zip down the mountain. They can then ski down in winter, walk down in summer or take the gondola.

This activity is not recommended for pregnant women or people with pacemakers.

For the solo zip line :

Minimum weight: 25 kg

Maximum weight: 120 kg when seated, 100 kg when lying down

Maximum height: 1.90 m when lying down, no maximum when sitting.

For the duo zip line:

Maximum weight: 150 kg combined and no difference in weight of more than 40 kg between the two people.

Helmets are strongly recommended for the sitting position and compulsory for the lying position.

Ski, snowboard and après-ski boots are accepted for the sitting position.

Only snowboard and après-ski boots are accepted for the lying position.

After your break on the panoramic terrace, it's time to work up the courage to head for the zip line.

You'll be greeted by a team of operators who'll be able to reassure you despite the 1,800 metres of length and 520 metres of difference in height that you'll be descending in less than 70 seconds. You are warned that the average speed is 130km/h, so make sure your pockets are closed and that you don't drop anything during your descent.

You can then choose to descend in the seated or reclining position, the latter being accessible only to single passengers.

You'll move on to fitting the safety harnesses, and you'll be in a comfortable position. If you feel any discomfort, let the instructor know.

Take a few seconds to look at the view one last time, take a deep breath, the gantry opens and you're off.

You start off at high speed, then the zip line slows down a little before arriving at a speed of around 60km/h, stopped by the installation's brake.

A little souvenir to keep

To immortalise the moment, a photo is taken at the moment when your sensations are at their strongest. It can be downloaded free of charge from the YUGE application.

Price of the zip line

55 per person

35€ with the essential pass