Friday, September 25, 2015

Europe's Best Slackliners

High flyers! See Europe's best slackliners compete on a wire 1,624ft above Switzerland in an attempt to break the world record

  • For four days at the end of September, the world's top highline walkers will gather in Moleson, Switzerland
  • And on September 27, Europe's best will go head to head on six different lines up to 495 metres off the ground
  • Attendees of the festival will also have the chance to chat with the athletes and enjoy drinks and tapas  
This is an event that isn't for the faint-hearted.  
For four days each September, the world's best slackliners gather in Moleson, Switzerland, to show off their sky-high balancing ability in what is known as the Highline Extreme event.
But it's on Sunday that things will really come down to the wire, when Europe's finest go head to head on six different lines, ranging from 45 metres (148 ft) to 495 metres (1,624 ft) above the ground.
And for those who manage to conquer the wire towering over 1,600 ft above the Swiss mountains, they will also achieve a world record.
The adrenaline-seeking athletes are expected to show off their most impressive skills with nothing more than a single safety line tethering them to the rope under their feet.
Attendees of the festival will have the opportunity to chat with the intrepid wire-walkers, enjoy drinks and tapas in the evenings and, of course, experience the main event on Sunday. Tickets are available from 45 Swiss francs, or about £30, but how can you possibly put a price on witnessing first-hand such death-defying stunts? 
Competitors stand on lines during their practice for the main Highline Extreme event on Sunday in Moleson, Switzerland
Competitors stand on lines during their practice for the main Highline Extreme event on Sunday in Moleson, Switzerland
Guillaume Rolland of France precariously walks on a line, which towers above the mountainous terrain below
Guillaume Rolland of France precariously walks on a line, which towers above the mountainous terrain below
Friedi Kuehni of Germany balances on a wire, which appears to be high above the Swiss tree line, on September 25
Friedi Kuehni of Germany balances on a wire, which appears to be high above the Swiss tree line, on September 25
Oliver Ross of Austria takes on one of the six different lines blindfolded, tethered to the wire by just a red safety rope
Oliver Ross of Austria takes on one of the six different lines blindfolded, tethered to the wire by just a red safety rope
What a view! Guillaume Rolland of France stands above the mountainous Swiss landscape with his arms outstretched
What a view! Guillaume Rolland of France stands above the mountainous Swiss landscape with his arms outstretched
A fish-eye lens view helps to capture just how far off the ground the Highline Extreme event competitors really are
A fish-eye lens view helps to capture just how far off the ground the Highline Extreme event competitors really are
Samuel Volery of Switzerland attempts the 495-metre (1,624 ft) line, which, if conquered, will set a world record
Samuel Volery of Switzerland attempts the 495-metre (1,624 ft) line, which, if conquered, will set a world record
However, after making it part of the way across, Samuel lost his balance and fell off the towering slackline
However, after making it part of the way across, Samuel lost his balance and fell off the towering slackline
Here, Alex Schultz of Germany (left) and Samuel Volery (right) walk on two different lines while practicing for Sunday's event
Here, Alex Schultz of Germany (left) and Samuel Volery (right) walk on two different lines while practicing for Sunday's event
Attendees of the festival will also have the opportunity to chat with the intrepid wire-walkers (pictured) and enjoy drinks and tapas in the evenings
Attendees of the festival will also have the opportunity to chat with the intrepid wire-walkers (pictured) and enjoy drinks and tapas in the evenings

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