Over the past 16 years Skyline Ziplines has outfitted locations with over 500,000′ of zipline cable. Thanks to our patented technologies and engineered systems, we have made a reliable product and replicate itself in over 50 countries world wide. In this post we will provide a deeper understanding into our technologies and how they’ve revolutionized the global eco-tourism industry.

The Trend Towards Ziplines

There are a few key components that satisfy the average eco-tourists expectations; a stunning location, cultural interest, and an unforgettable experience. Destination resorts and entertainment centres are always seeking to perfect this formula. This has led them to try all combinations of new attractions and site renditions. By leveraging local topography in a sustainable manner, site owners can market numerous eco-tourist focused activities in the effort to create a healthy profit-margin. The activities started at hiking and kayaking and evolved into white-water kayaking, motorized vehicle tours, and eventually tree-top rope and challenge courses. Each new activity aims to create a more exciting experience and attract a larger client base.

One of the most sustainable and profitable of the bunch started as tree-top rope and challenge course. Tourists could experience the local landscape in an elevated and interactive way. The courses maintain minimal maintenance costs and suit most locations. Over time, they evolved into tree-top canopy tours, combining rope courses with small, low-tension ziplines.Over time, the novelty has wore off and tourists are now looking to the small percentage of commercial-sized ziplines for high speeds and expansive views. This is where Skyline gained traction and began to thrive.

Sustainable Construction

When designing a sustainable attraction, site owners must consider sustainability at every step to ensure the system lasts. At Skyline, we assist our clients in finding the optimal areas for construction that grant uninterrupted operation to existing attractions. To avoid any degradation to the land and natural beauty of a location, our custom designs leverage minimally invasive installation methods to preserve the surrounding land and green space.

Our skyTECH Eco-Tower structures start with a unique two-post design. This design represents a major step in zipline structure evolution and stays ahead of the competition. The two vertical posts connect the main zipline cables, overhead brake lines, and anchoring system. They also support the main deck, handrails, and stairs. Together, the posts have a small footprint of 4.5 ft² and can be anchored to concrete piers, existing geological features, or a concrete footing.

The small footprint of the structure is the most compact coverage in the industry and remains environmentally friendly. The Eco-Tower is economical to build and can be fabricated anywhere in the world. Its modular design allows for simple shipping and assembly. Operators can paint steel towers any color to blend into the environment. This adds a professional touch that clients appreciate.

Sustainable Operation

After a successful installation, the sustainability must flow throughout the operation of the zipline system. This includes minimal maintenance on the system itself and all line components.

The line components include the Launcher, Trolley, harness, Catch Block, and Spring Bank. The Spring Bank features a sequence of springs with varying stiffness and spacers.

The skyTECH Launcher is an ASTM- and DOSH-approved zipline launch device. It rapidly sets up and releases flyers under load once fully ready.

This industry first is designed to work with the skyTECH Rocket, Rocket Prone, and M8 (Magnetic Trolley). The skyTECH Launcher allows operators to experience greatly enhanced safety with reduced chances of guide error. Operators who run dual cables see the most advantages as only one guide is needed to launch two flyers at the same time. This lowers staffing costs, whilst increasing throughput speed equating to increased volumes, and increased profits. The robust anodized steel construction with stainless steel and aluminum components ensure the product will last for years to come. The lubricated mechanism and high-weather resistance enable year-round operation with a very low annual maintenance cost. The installation of a skyTECH Launcher eliminates the need for constructing expensive launch prevention gates which are a standard in the industry. An important note is that all participants have a secondary tether attached to the structure until the moment of launch.