河南 劉同功

In the summer of 2021,the world's longest treetop walkway opened in one of the most picturesque areas of the world,the Alpine resort of Laax,Switzerland.So,after a long winter of difficult lockdown restrictions,Brits looking for a much needed adventure in the great outdoors were able to experience a real“first”,as they were invited to experience Switzerland from a whole new vantage(優(yōu)勢)point.

The 1.5 km treetop walk is nestled in the canopy（樹冠） of the trees up to 28 metres above the ground.One of the project's highlights is the 73-metre-long slide,which visitors can use to spiral down from the trees above back to the earth,designed for all of the family to experience.Four platforms with seating spaced throughout and a unique view of the iconic Alpine landscape also offer a refreshing natural experience for the whole family,with opportunities to teach children about the local flora and fauna（動植物群）thanks to information boards along the way.

In keeping with the region's green and sustainable ideas,the treetop walk was built entirely from regionally sourced wood,designed to blend in with the surrounding nature,therefore keeping the impact on the environment to a minimum.Indeed,during the winter months,the walkway will be freed of snow using an electric snowblower,both quieter and more sustainable than a gas-operated alternative,enabling visitors to use the walkway year-round.The entire walkway is wheelchair accessible,with lifts at both ends of the path that take guests from the ground up to the walkway above.

Martina Calonder,spokesperson for Laax said,“Many of us are dreaming of an idyllic escape in the great outdoors this year,as we look to move forward from the tough months experienced in 2020,and this treetop walk will be the perfect tonic.Ideal for families wishing to reconnect their children to fresh mountain air and wildlife or even roadtrippers through the Alps after a picturesque photo opportunity and a new perspective of the forest,the treetop walk is designed to bring people together,slow us down,and make us stop,breathe,and appreciate the fresh air.”

Reading

Check

1.What does the underlined word “first” refer to in paragraph 1?

A.A kind of delicious food.

B.A new way of doing exercise.

C.A new way to spend holidays.

D.A new way to feel natural beauty.

2.Why are information boards put up along the treetop walkway?

A.To give directions.

B.To ensure visitors'safety.

C.To inform visitors about plants and animals.

D.To provide accommodation service.

3.Which word can be used to describe the treetop walkway?

A.Traditional.B.Eco-friendly.

C.Automatic.D.Complex.

4.What does Martina intend to do according to her words in the last paragraph?

A.To praise the walkway.B.To introduce the treetop walkway.

C.To recommend Switzerland.D.To advertise the treetop walkway.

Language

Study

Text-centered chunks

lockdown n.

活動（或行動）限制

nestle v.位于；坐落

highlight n.亮點

iconic adj.符號的；偶像的

blend in with與……和諧；與……協(xié)調(diào)

keep...to a minimum把……降到最低

be freed of清除掉……

idyllic adj.詩情畫意的

tonic n.使精神振奮的東西

slow down減速；慢下來