The 7 Best Ski Resorts for Ziplining in North America

1. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

In the Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia area, you have options courtesy of Ziptrek Ecotours, an outfit that operates five different high-flying experiences. These cater to different crowds and interests, but if you want to go big, look no further than The Sasquatch®.

This zipline stretches over one mile, and you’ll reach speeds above 60 miles per hour during the ride. It starts at Blackcomb and deposits visitors at Whistler, traveling hundreds of feet above Fitzsimmons Creek. Ziptrek Ecotours calls The Sasquatch® the “longest zipline in Whistler, all of Canada, and the U.S.A.” Need we say more? If heights and high speeds are less your thing, Ziptrek’s Bear Tour is the best option for first-timers.

2. Snow King Mountain Resort, Wyoming

According to the ski area, Snow King, Wyoming’s zipline is the steepest in North America. It maxes out at 36 percent grade in the most extreme section where speeds of up to 60 miles per hour are possible. Luckily, Snow King eases you into the experience.

The first zipline in the tour functions as a beginner area, allowing you to gauge your confidence level. There are some visual distractions that might help you forget that you’re hundreds of feet off the ground, too—from the Snow King zipline, you’ll spot the towering Grand Tetons and the nearby Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Finish the day with a wander around Jackson, one of the West’s most famous resort towns.

3. Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah

For big vertical drops and high speeds, Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah’s zipline tour, is tough to beat. Hosted in both the summer and winter, the tour features four ziplines, one of which is nearly 4,000 feet long. During the tour, guests will descend over 2,100 vertical feet—which, according to Sundance, is the largest zipline drop in the U.S.—as they reach speeds as high as 65 miles per hour.

The views are equally thrilling, including glimpses of Mount Timpanogos, the peak that stands above the ski resort at 11,752 feet. There’s a reason Sundance made POWDER’s most scenic ski runs list.

4. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Bretton Woods is the largest ski resort in New Hampshire. It also houses a zipline network that makes up the Canopy Tour, which includes nine lines that range from 120 feet to 1,000 feet long. Here, visitors reach up to 30 miles per hour as they zip through the air. The duration of the tour depends on the number of participants, but be prepared to commit at least an hour and a half of your day. The hours, we suspect, won't drag, though—time files when you're having fun. 

5. Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana

Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana, boasts the state’s longest lift-served zip line tour. The mightiest line on the tour spans 1,900 feet or about one-third of a mile. Thanks to the dual ziplines on offer, you can challenge your friends to a friendly rivalry—who can get to the next platform first?—while soaking in views of the surrounding (and picturesque) Flathead Valley. You’ll want to bring some hiking-friendly footwear along for the ride as, according to Whitefish Mountain’s website, the tour involves a moderate amount of hiking.

6. Grouse Mountain, British Columbia

Perched above the densely populated Vancouver, British Columbia, is Grouse Mountain. For Vancouver residents, the ski area functions as a closer and more laid-back alternative to the region’s major draw, Whistler Blackcomb. So, Grouse Mountain is a city hill, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer an alpine escape from the chaotic streets below.
 
Aside from skiing, there’s the 45-minute, three-zipline mountain tour, which floats through the treetops of Grouse Mountain. Dual ziplines facilitate side-by-side runs, while the surrounding mountains and cityscape supply the views. Gazing down at Vancouver’s glittering skyscrapers while soaring through the air is an experience you don't want to miss.

7. Heavenly Mountain Resort, California

Hiking, tubing, scenic gondola rides—in the summer, Heavenly Mountain Resort, California, features a number of non-skiing activities. Included are two ziplines, the Red Tail and the Hot Shot. The former is for kids and spans 100 feet, while the latter, for adults, spans 1,000 feet. During a ride on the Hot Shot, you’ll hit between 30 and 40 miles per hour. If you’re looking for another activity that delivers similar downhill thrills, opt for the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster.