Boynes zipline adventure

Feb. 28, 2010

Natural High:Boyne’s Zipline Adventure
By Kristi Kates
Zipping down the ski hills at Boyne Highlands (Harbor Springs) and
Boyne Mountain (Boyne Falls) sounds like a great, typical way to spend
a winter afternoon in Northern Michigan, right? Well, what if
“zipping” were to take on a whole new meaning?
Both resorts are offering a brand new sport-like attraction, just
opened this year - the fun and fast Zipline Adventure, which is
available on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at the
Highlands and the Mountain. And for those of you who aren’t
necessarily fans of winter sports, the Zipline Adventure will be
available year-round, too.

RIDE, JUMP, ZIP
“Riders ride the chairlift up as a group to reach line number one -
the Heather Express at Boyne Highlands, and the  Mountain Express at
Boyne Mountain- and are then attached to the zipline using a harness
with safety lines,” explains Erin Ernst, Public Relations Manager for
Boyne, “participants then leap, jump, and run to launch from different
platforms. And as far as safety goes, the guides check seven points of
inspection on each person before each zipline to ensure a rider’s
safety.”
The ride itself, Ernst explains, features a series of not one big long
line, as one might expect; but seven lines “entertainingly routed”
through trees and across slopes at Boyne Highlands and at Boyne
Mountain. The lines, of varying lengths and heights, measure up to 500
feet in length and up to 50 feet high to ensure a varied and worthy
zipline experience; the total duration of each adventure is around two
hours as riders soar over the heads of skiers and snowboarders at
around 25 mph.

GUESTS AND GUIDES
Ernst recommends standard winter gear - “including hats, gloves, snow
pants, and winter jackets” - for the zipline experience, and boots are
necessary, as some walking and light climbing is involved between
lines. All ziplining gear including the harness and mandatory helmet
are provided, however, personal helmets may also be worn. For riders
using snow gear, resort personnel will pick up the skis and snowboards
at the start of the first line and will bring it to the last line for
the end of the tour; non-skiers and snowboarders simply walk to the
base of the slopes following their zipline experience. Ernst also says
that friends or family members are welcome to take photos of
participants while they’re on the ziplines. “And our guides are happy
to take photographs for guests, as well.”
“The interaction between the guides and the group is what’s really
great about the Zipline Adventure,” adds Richard Wren, Boyne’s Guest
Services Manager. “In addition to the thrill, the guides have as much
fun as the first-time riders. Even those who are hesitant to leap off
that first platform are soon jumping with ease and trying tricks after
only the first few lines.”

Riders at Boyne’s Zipline Adventures must be at least three feet tall
and weigh between 60 and 275 pounds. Cost for all ages is $59 with a
Boyne lift ticket or season pass, $69 without. Three sessions take
place on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 10 a.m., 1
p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Advanced reservations are recommended by calling
Boyne Highlands at 231-526-3835 and Boyne Mountain at 231-549-6056;
for more info, visit www.boyne.com.