Nate gets some serious air!
We were all excited to wake up at the Big Sky Resort’s Summit Hotel and get going with an activity-packed day…without getting in our car for a change! We grabbed a quick bite to eat in the Mountain Mall, then arrived at BaseCamp (located right next door on the plaza) for our first two activities of the day.
If you’re a guest at Big Sky Resort (or a day guest), you’re going to want to spend some time getting acquainted with BaseCamp…your information and reservation center for all kinds of outdoor fun.
First up for us? A 9 am reservation for the Big Sky Zipline and Bungee Trampoline.
Calvin (left) and Nate (right) with our Big Sky host Dax Schieffer, all geared up and ready to go!
Having never tried a zipline before, we really had no idea what to expect, but our three guides quickly put the group (of approximately 12 guests) at ease with their friendliness and professionalism. While still at BaseCamp, they assisted us in putting on our harnesses and helmets (on which they attached name tags so everyone got to know each other that much faster), then we set off on a short (but fairly strenuous) hike up into the forest to the first line.
Hiking through the trees to our first zipline.
After a safety talk and demonstration by one of the guides, we lined up for our first ‘zip’ over the lodge pole pines. Calvin was determined to go first (and didn’t chicken out!). After his 12-point safety check (which the guides performed for every guest at every line), he took off 60 feet over the ground!
I was too rattled to get a good video, but by Nate’s turn, I did my best to capture his ‘take off’ on our Pit Stops for Kids Cam, along with the 12-point safety check for any anxious parents!
When my turn came, I will admit to a few nerves, but it was the most fun I’ve had in a long time! The sensation of flying over the trees was spectacular! Of course, the boys quickly wanted to get fancy; the guides were more than happy to teach them how to fly with no hands and even upside-down!
The session includes three separate zip lines (the second two in close walking distance to the first). In all, you sail over 1250 feet over streams and forest!
Calvin takes about his experience on the cam:
Plan on the entire event taking 1.5 hours. Kids have to be at least 45 lbs to participate. If you, like me, have a little one who is not big enough (but definitely brave enough), he or she can try the bungee trampoline (one ride for $10) located directly at BaseCamp while the others zipline. (But word of warning, when they get back, they’ll want to try this out, too!)
Toby gets in gear for his bungee trampoline session.
And promptly manages a flip!
Note: Reservations in advance are almost always needed. Call 406-995-5769.
Extra Tip: If you have a parent or other adult who would like to watch but not participate, the guides are happy to have you along. You can’t hike all the way to the lines, but they guide you to a great location lower down the mountain to catch all the action.
Costs: $59 per person
Other on-site activities offered at BaseCamp:
High Ropes Course (review to come!)
Bungee Trampoline
Climbing Wall
Paintball (11 years and older)
Scenic Lift Ride
Mountain Bike and Equipment Rentals (separate building)
If you think you’ll want to do more than one, BaseCamp offers ‘Adventure Paks’ (bundled deals) on the above activities. Choose any two activities for $109/person or any three for $149/person. Another great deal for families staying outside the resort is the ‘Family Fun Pool and Lift‘ Package, which combines a scenic lift ride with use of the Huntley Lodge outdoor pools, starting at only $5 for ages 10 and under to only $20 for adults.
Date last visited: July 2010.
Distance off the interstate: Big Sky Resort is ten minutes off Hwy 191. It’s easy to access from anywhere in the Big Sky/Yellowstone area.
Website: Big Sky Resort
Directions: From Hwy 191 (near Bozeman), drive 39 miles to Hwy 64. Turn right (west) and drive nine miles to the Mountain Village.
As I disclose with all compensated reviews, our family experienced the Big Sky Zipline at no cost. This compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.
Up Next: We tackle the High Ropes Course!
Big Sky
