Work has started
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You may have seen it: this helicopter in action above Charmey was carrying an unusual load. Yes, the first slide on the fun trail has been successfully installed! It's a key milestone for this first-of-its-kind project in Switzerland, which promises thrills in the heart of the Gruyère region's exceptional landscapes.
XXL Helicopter Transport: Precision Logistics 💪
Delivered as kits, the toboggans must be transported and assembled directly on-site before welcoming their first adventurers in June 2025. Each section, weighing nearly a ton, was airlifted piece by piece to its location deep in the forest. It took six rotations, handled by Swiss Helicopter, to transport the 50-meter-long toboggan. This impressive operation required flawless coordination between the teams.
Challenges Met with Excellence 🎯
This first installation served as a full-scale test. Although the surveyor’s measurements were extremely precise, a few adjustments were needed on-site. As the surveyor explained, his work started with slope estimations, which were then refined to millimeter precision to ensure optimal placement.
Given the steep terrain and the forest location, the logistics were particularly complex. However, this first installation helped the team identify ways to improve the process for future setups and validate technical innovations and hypotheses. One key aspect was the precision of the foundations, installed this fall, which are crucial for supporting the upcoming structures.
What’s Next? 🚀
The next six toboggans will be built during the winter and installed after the snow melts, with the same commitment to efficiency and environmental care. It’s important to note that until the official opening, the trail remains closed, the toboggans are not yet operational, and access will be restricted.
While waiting to enjoy the seven toboggans, the Charmey resort, which opened last weekend, offers a variety of activities to make the most of winter in the heart of the Fribourg Pre-Alps. The adventure continues!
Article dated November 25, 2024
You've been waiting for it, and now it's here: the project to build 7 giant toboggans from the Vounetz summit has finally got off the ground! A first in Switzerland for a hiking trail that will feature slides ranging from 20 to 60 metres in length... thrills guaranteed! This fun trail promises an incredible experience for adventure and nature lovers. Follow the progress of the work before the planned opening in summer 2025 and get ready for unforgettable moments of sliding, with breathtaking panoramic views, in the heart of the Gruyère region.
A fun trail in full swing 🚧
Work is in full swing on the existing hiking trail. A mechanical shovel has been spectacularly transported, suspended beneath a gondola lift, along with tons of wood chips. The aim? To widen the path so that it becomes accessible to all, and to enable full enjoyment of this hiking trail with toboggans. The Massart Bike Trails team, experts in trail redevelopment, is in charge. They're going to provide us with 1.2 m wide paths, all nice and clean, some covered with wood chips and others with gravel. A real pleasure for hikers!
Durable foundations for a unique hiking trail 🌿
The work progresses with the laying of the foundations. And here, safety is not just an issue. To anchor the slides, we opted for a screw system to avoid the use of concrete. This choice limits the impact on the local ecosystem, preserves flora and fauna, and above all makes the installation reversible. In addition to being sustainable, this system ensures the stability of the slides while respecting the environment. An ideal solution for combining thrills and unspoilt nature on this play trail nestling in the Gruyère region.
The first slide is coming soon 🎉
Hold on to your hats: the first giant slide on the fun trail is due to be installed in early December! This will be the ultimate test to see if all the innovations are up to scratch. The objective? Slides that can be used all year round, even in wet weather and sub-zero temperatures. Our aim is to be able to open the toboggans in winter, except when the snow settles and invites us to enjoy the resort's other activities. A unique experience in Switzerland that will appeal to young and old alike, for a family activity in Charmey and total immersion in the exceptional Gruyère landscapes.
Footbridges for even more fun 🤩
And that's not all! Two footbridges will be built:
- One to link the toboggan fun trail to the ropes park.
The second will take visitors from the rope course to the Embarcadère.
So there's no need to waste a second!
So, who can't wait to try out this hiking trail with giant slides? 🔥 We're looking forward to welcoming you to an unforgettable experience! We'll keep you informed as work progresses. In the meantime, enjoy winter and all the activities Charmey has to offer!
