Berkshire East Ski Area Opens New Zipline Park
New Aerial Park in Western Massachusetts Opens Zipline Canopy Tours
Jul 5, 2009
Summer: 'Tis the season for ziplines in western Massachusetts.
Catamount Ski Area in South Berkshire County opened its brand new aerial adventure park, in May, 2009; in June, two zipline facilities followed suit in tiny Charlemont, Massachusetts in northern Franklin County, just east of the Berkshires and south of the Vermont border. First Zoar Outdoors, a 20-year old outfitter, opened 9-element zipline course, then Berkshire East, a nearby ski area, unveiled its new park, with two separate courses currently open and a third, more advanced course, planned .
Berkshire East Canopy Tours Opens New Zipline Courses
The Base Area Course is designed for novices and younger children. It includes two ziplines, 400 feet and 500 feet long; including dual racing lines, which enables participants to ride alongside (or race with) their friends. The Mountaintop Course is an intermediate course, which follows the western ridgeline of Mt. Institute, crosses some of the ski trails, and looks out over the Deerfield River Valley. It contains six ziplines, ranging in length from 250 feet to 800 feet, with each successive zipline being longer than the last; dual racing lines are available here, as well. The course takes about 3 1/2 hours.
A third, advanced course is in the works. The Valley Jumping Tour will jump from the summit of Berkshire East over a valley to a mountain peak 2,200 feet away, and then jump back again. The ziplines will be between 250 and 350 feet above the ground, making this course one of the highest and longest in the United States. Dual racing ziplines will be available, enabling participants to reach speeds of up to 50 m.p.h. The course ends with a ride down one of the ski area's chairlifts.
Practicalities at Berkshire East Canopy Tours
Berkshire East is located on River Road just off of Route 2 in Charlemont, Massachusetts. Conveniently located to attract Berkshire County tourists, Charlemont is near the North County towns of North Adams (home of Mt. Greylock and Mass MOCA), Williamstown (home of Williams College and the Clark Institute), and Pittsfield, the Berkshire County Seat. Plus, it's near the Franklin County hub of North Hampton, as well.
Berkshire East provides all zipline safety equipment (harnesses, ropes, hardware, caribiners, helmets). Note that the course uses a passive gravity braking design, which means that zipliners don't have to brake by pulling down on the cables; gravity does the work instead..
Wear clothing that is comfortable but not too baggy. Shoes are required; no sandals or water shoes are allowed. Secure glasses with a head strap, tie long hair back, and don't wear dangling jewelry. Helmet cameras are available for rental, although zipliners may bring their own provided each camera has a security strap. Refreshments are available at the main lodge; a retail store is planned.
Hours are 9:00 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. during the summer peak season, and reservations are strongly encouraged, especially for groups. Walk-ups will be accommodated when possible. Minimum age is 8; minimum weight is 70 pounds; maximum weight is 275. For more information: 413-339-6618.
For nearby tourist attractions, see Berkshire County Resources.
