The 130mph free fall in the shadow of the Eiger was terrifying – but I would do it again

Aerial pursuits have long been a top activity in the mountains and skydiving and helicopter sightseeing tours are as much a part of the summer offering in Europe’s top resorts as winter, but as destinations seek to expand their appeal beyond pure snow sports, there are more and more thrilling activities on offer in the mountains.

Grindelwald was the first to set the trend and is a pioneer in off-piste adrenaline. Their adventure park not only features a zipline, but also a new concept glider, where four passengers strap under the metal mache wings of a giant eagle. Unlike traditional ziplines, you take off from the lower station and accelerate to the top at speeds of up to 80 mph, before descending again. And unlike many other places in Europe, both are included free on a lift pass.

Although the same cannot be said for the Eiger Sky Dive, which is undoubtedly a big investment on top of the price of a holiday in Switzerland, it is an unforgettable experience that many people jump at the chance. to try.

must know

The Helicopter Skydive Eiger Jump costs CHF 690 per person and operates daily in summer and winter. The overall experience lasts two to three hours, starting with a safety briefing and includes a 15-minute scenic helicopter flight. The actual jump and descent takes about ten minutes. Several packages are available for video and photos starting at CHF 120. You can also offset your carbon emissions from the flight for an additional CHF 6.40 per person. Visit junfrauregion.swiss for more information on holidays in the region.

Get your adrenaline pumping with these thrilling off-piste activities

By Abigail Butcher

Get in on the action

Les Arcs, France

Launch headfirst on the new Les Arcs attraction, a zipline that reaches speeds of 130 km/h above the Flying Kilometer, the track that hosted the world ski speed record (251.4 km /h established in 2006 by Simone Origone). Fly the 3,500-foot descent from 2,680m to 200m alone, or go with a friend

Cost: €55 (£46) but a “flight” is included in the 6-day Paradiski premium pass

Delivered: lesarcs-peiseyvallandry.ski

Slip into the history books

St. Moritz, Switzerland

Hear the ‘Speech of Death’ (instructions on technique and what can go wrong), gear up with knee pads, spikes and a helmet before hopping down a toboggan and hurtling down the 4,000 m ice sled feet long in St Moritz, Switzerland to complete the legendary Cresta Run, which opened in 1885 and is recognized as one of the most dangerous rides in the world

Cost: CHF600 (£490) for a beginners course and five rides

Delivered: Cresta-run.com

Reach new heights

Lech, Austria

Focus on an introductory ice climbing lesson over frozen waterfalls in the Lech Valley. Even if you regularly climb at home, ice climbing with crampons and ice axes is a whole new daring experience.

Cost: €90 (£75)

Delivered: bergschule-lechtal.com

In the saddle

La Clusaz, France

Skiing behind a horse on the snow is an experience not to be missed. If you can gallop at full speed, this initiation session (30 min of initiation to horse and sport, 30 min of ski-joering) can be as fast or as calm (walking and trotting) but still as thrilling

Cost: €60 (£50)

Delivered: aravis-horse-riding