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“You’ll be fine, Lotte!” I encourage my ten-year-old daughter while she’s swinging in the harness, with a wink. swiss alpine breeze At about 11,000 feet. She screams as, with a crack and a rattle, her tiny form explodes EuropeThe world’s tallest zipline, soaring at speeds of up to 80 mph over the crevasses of Verbier’s Tortin Glacier. With her safe arrival, my smile diminishes and my stomach clenches with icy claws as the realization hits: I’m next.
There had already been enough drama on the High Line, as we both came close to and then retreated from the Mont 4 zipline launch platform at least four times (a record, I’m informed by attendant Jean-François). With the mothership motto of “Lead by example”, before you say “Bochy!” Can shout. (“Help” in the local dialect) I’m flying about a mile (this highly accomplished zipline is also the longest in the Alps) in Lotte’s arms and she’s screaming with joy, “We did it!”
During a three-night stay in the Verbier-Val du Bagnes-La Tzomaz region, an easy two train journeys from Geneva airport, we didn’t have much did not do. Mother & Daughter vs. Wild’s 72 hours have been extremely exciting and the surprises keep coming like cuckoo clocks. We’ve gone up (on via ferrata), down (on fat-tire scooters), and in (discovering secret mountain doors), as well as staring into a zipline chasm and surviving a cow herd stand-off. But – and this is the important element – we did it together.

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As a working mom, spending time with my kids is the ultimate luxury and on our first mother-daughter trip I fully intended to give my oldest child the most precious gift I can: complete attention. We’re not alone on this mini break, having teamed up with four other mums, kids and a “fun aunty”, determined to “get your niece involved in activities outside her comfort zone, things you can’t do at home”.
That box is ticked immediately. The next day her niece and my daughter are climbing a steel cable (called a via ferrata or “iron way”, tied to the rocks), pretending to herd the mountain goats in between, to the amusement of the mountain guide. While most people know this region as Switzerland’s largest skiing domainIn summer it is a wonderful outdoor playground. And because nature doesn’t have power points, in both seasons it’s an invitation to turn off the technology.
De-plugging begins in Bonacisse, its own little galaxy nestled in the farthest corner of the 325 square kilometer area. Our tent site at Camping du Bonachisse perfectly reveals the fairy tale nature of the valley, located at an altitude of 5200 feet, where the road stops and the peaks begin. Hidden in the spruce glades and clearings are a mini zipline playground and even a pop-up pool.

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The re-wilding is rapid, jumping on logs, excited child talk blending into a sweet symphony that includes water bass beats and songbird staccato. iPhone 0. Nature 1.
We learned that there was a second campsite here in the valley, which has now been buried by a landslide and taken the bridge with it, cutting Bonacisse off for two months. While searching for the (only) restaurant nearby, where we swing fondue sticks like Star Wars lightsabers, I start to think how much I’d love to be stuck here for two months. The walk back to camp under the apricot alpine glow betters any 4K screensaver. The cherry on top of this alpine gateau is falling asleep to my daughter’s softly breathing lullaby, a soothing soundtrack to my soul.
The next morning before checking into our downtown hotel (chic) Verbier Hotel Where we find luxurious beds and hearty breakfasts, with Jacuzzi), we visit the engineering masterpiece of the Mauvoisin Dam from above.
Turbocharged waterfalls tumble off the mountain sides and create cauldrons in the turquoise water. Then we’re inside the mountain itself, exploring a hand-carved tunnel that houses a photo gallery recording the lives of 1800 mainly Italian dam workers. Lotte and I zoom in on her rockabilly hairstyle and Marilyn Monroe pinup.
as one adventure lover I’ve encouraged my active daughter to be adventurous and curious, but after taking the (free) shuttle to Verbier a seed of thought blossoms: Has the disciple become the master? Scooting through alpine meadows from La Chaux Gondola station to bustling Verbier, she roars forward while I lean on the handlebars, both brakes on. She’s rappelling down a three-story tower at the Treetop Park ropes course while agile seven-year-olds race ahead of me. And on the Mont 4 Zipline it hits me – my girl is growing up.
A post zipline high we’re celebrating “a life celebration”, sharing homemade blueberry tiramisu at Le Dahu. We discuss three things we learned on our last day: that we can overcome fear; That it’s okay to let go of situations that don’t feel ‘right’; And above all, it’s important to pause and celebrate accomplishments by placing a cherry (or blueberry) on top.
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As I watch her bound down the mountain like a free, unleashed lamb on a tiramisu sugar rush, I add my personal, newly learned fourth lesson: Make space for the moments. Giving up technology has charged our own batteries – just one nature-filled long weekend has created mountains of original memories that will last a lifetime.
Felicity traveled to Verbier and as a guest of the Swiss Travel Network.
how to get there
Airlines including British Airways, easyJet and Swiss fly direct from the UK to Geneva. Flight time is 1 hour 45 minutes. Aer Lingus flies direct from Dublin to Geneva.
From Geneva, you can take a train to Verbier travel switzerland In less than two hours. Point-to-point tickets start from £40 one-way.
Verbier, Val de Bagnes – For every night spent at La Tzomaz, visitors receive a free Verbier Infinite Playground (VIP) pass, which provides discounts throughout the entire summer season.
where to stay
A tent pitch at Le Camping Bonachisse starts from 8 CHF (£7) and tipis with breakfast, floor mattress, sleeping bag and pillow are 39 CHF/£36 for adults (14 years+) and 22 CHF/£20pp for children (2-14 years, under 2 years free).
Prices at the four-star Hotel de Verbier start at £285 (302€) for a double room and £588.02 (528.62€) for a family room, which can sleep up to five people.
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