November 20, 2008
Bretton Woods canopy tour debuts
by Mount Washington Resort/
A new, year-round canopy tour program at New England’s historic Mount Washington Resort, set to debut in late November, will put guests face-to-face and limb-to-limb with ancient hemlocks, spruces and white pines.
Nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike will enjoy one of the longest canopy tours in the U.S., comprised of 10 zip lines, two suspension bridges, hiking and even rappelling deep in the forests of Bretton Woods. The final tandem-cable zip line will bring participants back to the base area and also will be offered as a single-ride adventure.
With nature center stage, the Bretton Woods canopy tour also features experienced adventure guides trained as naturalists who will provide information about the local flora and fauna, as well as interesting anecdotes and stories about the area’s history.
Chris Ellms, director of ski area operations at Bretton Woods says: "We are so excited to bring this world-class eco-tour program to Bretton Woods. It promises to be the experience of a lifetime, full of thrills, adventure and awe-inspiring natural beauty with panoramic bird’s eye views of our forest and mountains."
Designed and constructed by Bonsai Designs, Inc., the canopy tour incorporates all of the natural beauty of the forests of Bretton Woods ski area. From grand vistas of the Presidential Range to the majestic canopy of old growth hemlocks, each zip was designed with the aesthetic in mind. The company ensured minimal disruption to the environment by incorporating the canopy tour into the existing ski facilities, using locally harvested wood and creating only four points of intrusion on trees used for course platforms. The innovative twin-cable construction with specially coated lines means less noise and less wear. The result is an eco-friendly program that honors the natural environment.
Alexa Bernotavicz, assistant director of ski area operations at Bretton Woods, explains: "The canopy tour is so much more than a thrill ride. It encompasses many components to create a comprehensive eco-experience. From the knowledgeable and friendly guides who are with you during the entire tour, to the mix of elements encountered, like rappelling, sky bridges, nature trails and, of course, zipping, this is a unique encounter with nature."
Situated in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Bretton Woods has an ecosystem rich in spruce, eastern hemlock and white pine. With an elevation range of 1,600 to over 3,000 feet, the area provides extensive habitat for all types of flora and wildlife. While zipping on the Canopy Tour, guests will experience changes in these ecosystems as they descend in elevation.
The Bretton Woods canopy tour features a hand-brake system and a dual cable for added safety. Zip lines range from 120 to 830 feet. Speeds on the single-ride, side-by-side zip line are estimated to be between 25 and 30 miles per hour. The entire canopy tour, including the zip lines, hiking, suspension bridges and rappelling, lasts approximately 3½ hours.
Costs for the full canopy tour start at $89 for resort guests and $95 for the general public. Guests can participate in just the side-by-side zip line for $15 per person. Tours consist of up to eight participants and larger groups can be accommodated. Reservations are required for all tours.
For more information about Mount Washington Resort, call 877-873-0626 toll-free, 603-278-1000 locally or visit www.MountWashingtonResort.com.
For a sneak peek of this exciting new adventure coming to Bretton Woods, visit Mount Washington Resort’s video library at the following link: www.mountwashingtonresort.com/winter_sports/video_library.
