| Objective: Ride the world’s largest zipline in Icy Strait Point, Hoonah, Chicagof Island, Alaska, USA |
Cables: 6 side by side |
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| Starting Height: 1,320 feet |
Ending Height: Sea level |
Top Speed: 65 mph |
| Ride Length: 5,495 feet |
Ride Duration: 90 seconds |
Average Grade: 25% |
Ride the world’s largest zipline in Icy Strait Point. When it opened, it was the longest. Now, there may be longer ziplines, but with six cables, it is still the largest. On the ZipRider, you’ll fly over a mile down the mountain above the Alaskan coastal rainforest. You’ll fly over a mile down the mountain above the Alaskan coastal rainforest. In a seated harness, you’ll reach speeds up to 65 mph on the exhilarating 90-second ride down to sea level.
| To the ZipRider | A Walk to the Launch Platform | Preparing for Takeoff | Flying down Hoonah Mountain | An Abrupt Sudden Landing | Plan Your Visit | FAQs |
Directions to ZipRider
After your ship docks at the floating pier at Wilderness Landing, take the green Transporter gondola to explore Hoonah. If you are ready to zipline, head straight to the Icy Strait Point Adventure Center to check in. Catch the red SkyGlider gondola to climb up steep Hoonah Mountain. At the top is an overlook, where you can see Port Frederick and the cruise ships below. There are also tents where you can grab food and drinks.
A Walk to the Launch Platform
At your meeting time, show up at the ZipRider shed, and they’ll tell you when your group can begin. Then, they lead you down a trail for about a quarter mile through the thick forest to the launch platform. The ride time is about 30 minutes after the meeting time as riders from the previous group launch in waves. Hopefully, you have used the facilities back at the overlook, otherwise there are plenty of trees to provide cover. When you see cairns on a stump, the platform is right around the corner.
Preparing for Takeoff
The attendants lead us onto the bridge to the launch platform. After a safety blurb, we walk up a few steps to a railing above the next riders. We watch this group take off and we are mentally prepared for what’s next. This is a well-oiled machine. They had to bring up a lot of infrastructure and equipment to install this platform. That doesn’t include the gondolas on this island. After the riders launch, it takes a total of seven minutes for each cycle.
When you hear the riderless harnesses zoom back up, you know it’s almost time for your turn. You step onto a block beneath the dangling harness. For the ZipRider zipline configuration, you sit on a supported swing, which is more comfortable than a rock climbing rig. The team securely fastens belts over your shoulders and chest, and that’s it. Soon, they shove the door open and your feet are just dangling into open air.
Flying down Hoonah Mountain
3, 2, 1. There’s no turning back now. It’s really happening! A strong rush of wind hits your face. The rig begins speeding up extremely quickly and you hear the loud zipping noise as you slide down the cable. The first seconds are a blur as you don’t know what to expect while accelerating rapidly beyond the cliff.
The scenery below looks like an Impressionist painting, all short rapid strokes of light green and dark green treetops. It feels like they have removed the floor from under your feet. Very soon you will reach the top speed of 65 mph. Let your primal scream roar!
Then, the ride seems to settle on a brisk steady pace. The movement is smooth and thrilling. Lean back, keep your feet up, and hold your arms in. If you stretch your arms out like a wing, you can steer or stabilize a spin. Otherwise, keep your arms in an aerodynamic tuck with legs straight out. If you are filming with your camera, hold on tight.
After you have cleared the trees, you notice sunlight reflecting off the calm waters of Port Frederick. Along the horizon, the mountains of Chichagof Island rise from the sea. There are six parallel cables, but everyone is in the zone. Look around, see the ship below and the curving coastline. Soar through the air like an eagle.
An Abrupt Sudden Landing
Ninety seconds flies by faster than you think. Then, you start to see a lake, large houses, and trucks. Before the landing, bend your knees and keep your feet up. The trolley system activates and releases a loud braking sound from the recoiling spring. Within a split second, you come to a complete stop. After the attendant unclips your harness, you can go tell everyone how amazing the ride is.
Video Tour
Plan Your Visit
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Frequently Asked Questions about the World’s Largest Zipline
Are there any physical requirements?
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Are there any other requirements?
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| What is the ride like? The ride accelerates very quickly to almost the top speed in the first few seconds. Then, the ride becomes rather smooth throughout while descending a 25% grade. At the bottom, there is a sudden abrupt landing. |
| How long is this excursion? The total time will be about 1.5 to 2 hours. After receiving your ticket at the Adventure Center, you have 45 minutes to reach the meeting spot at SkyPeak. The line at the ride entrance can be up to 1 hour. |
More Epic Adventures
If you are looking for other epic adventures, check out the following. Try ziplining in Costa Rica. Would you paddle in Antarctica? How about climbing to the top of Kilimanjaro? Or trekking to Everest Base Camp?