ZipRider Frequently Asked Questions

1. How safe is the ZipRider zip line cable ride?

Safety is the most important factor in every ZipRider zip line cable ride produced. No matter how profitable a ride is there is no feature more important than safety. Structurally the ZipRider zip line cable ride has been designed to the highest of standards.

We have held the safety factors equal to or surpassing that of the ANSI-B77 Tramway codes as well as the ASTM codes. Every component of the ride has been thoroughly reviewed and stamped by a professional engineering firm. We have also conducted extensive destructive testing on the ZipRider trolley.

Operationally the ZipRider zip line cable ride is the safest ride experience that you can offer your clientele. Unlike such rides as the Alpine Slide and Gravity Sled, where the guest is in control of the sled and ride outcome, the ZipRider zip line cable ride offers a completely hands-off adventure down the terrain of your resort. The guest is secured to the cable in three mutually exclusive areas. Once the trolley is put onto the cable, the wheel assembly completely encloses the cable and prohibits premature release, as does the brake assembly, which rotates into a locking position. The guest is also secured to the cable via a safety lanyard in the unlikely event of the device dislodging from the cable. These multiple safety redundancies guarantee that the rider never leaves the system.

2. What are the costs of installing a ZipRider zip line cable ride at our resort?

If you looked at the video, you can see that there is not an extensive amount of infrastructure beyond the launch and acceptor towers, the cables, and the ZipRider trolleys and harnesses, making the ZipRider zip line cable ride a very affordable revenue option for summer and wintertime operation. The ZipRider zip line cable ride can be installed as a two, four, six or eight cable system, and can have one to multiple spans depending on your terrain and client base. For more information email the inventor. We have multiple financing options available to guarantee a ZipRider zip line cable ride that works for you.

3. What kind of revenue can the ZipRider zip line cable ride generate?

Conservatively a two cable ZipRider zip line cable ride can run 40-50 riders per hour, and a four cable ride can run 80-100 per hour conservatively. The ZipRider zip line cable ride typically operates at a 70-75% earnings ratio (with no burden factored into labor costs). Labor costs are incremental relative to your ridership.

4. Does our resort require a specific type of terrain for a ZipRider zip line cable ride to work for us?

The ZipRider zip line cable ride operates with tensioned cables, which makes installation location options almost limitless. If you are able to view the video on our website you can see that the ZipRider zip line cable ride at the Park City Mountain Resort follows the contours of their terrain. To see if a ZipRider zip line cable ride will work at your location please submit your inquiry to us via our Contact Us page. Our engineers will conduct the first phase of our feasibility study, a cable sag analysis using a 95th percentile male (300 lbs) rider approximation. Tower locations and heights are typically dictated by operational and cable clearance issues.

5. How does the Zip Rider zip line cable ride work?

The key to the entire ride lies in the design of the ZipRider trolley. It has a (patented) braking system that is activated but not controlled by the weight of the rider. As the rider leaves the top loading station the brake is constantly applied, limiting the runaway and uncontrollable speeds seen in a traditional zip-line. The rider hangs four feet beneath the cable and is thus too far below the cable to interfere with the trolley and its braking system. The ZipRider trolley's brake system is adjustable, making it completely adaptable to any cable length and percent grade.

6. What are the annual costs associated with operating the ZipRider zip line cable ride?

There are variable costs associated with brake pad, wheel and harness replacements, as well as fixed annual costs associated with trolley and harness inspections, and cable and terminal brake replacements. For more specifics on your prospective ride please submit your inquiry to us via our Contact Us page.

7. Is the ZipRider zip line cable ride operational during the winter season?

The ZipRider zip line cable ride was originally designed as a year round revenue producer for mountainous resorts. It operates extremely well in the cold temperatures and even requires less brake pad replacement during the winter months.

8. What is the cable diameter and how often does it need to be replaced?

The standard wire rope diameter is ¾” 6X25 with a strength rating of ~69,000 pounds. This basic steel core wire rope has a minimal replacement cost and will need to be replaced at the end of every fourth operating year.

9. What type of harness is used, and does it require a staging area and orientation on its use?

The harness is designed by Sunrise Manufacturing Int'l, INC., the same manufacturers of the harnesses used in the Sky Coaster amusement ride and the Fear Factor television show. Feel free to visit their web-site at www.skydivewings.com . The harness design resembles a Bosons Chair used by big wall climbers, high-rise window washers and sailors. The major difference is that the rider sits farther back in a reclined position. This position prevents the rider from being able to touch or hit their feet as they enter the landing station. There is no need for a staging area since the two harness sizes can accommodate people ranging from 75-300 pounds.

10. How are the trolleys and harnesses transported back to the top of the ZipRider zip line cable ride?

Now installed with every ZipRider zip line cable ride is our equipment retrieval system. Once riders have reached the bottom platform and have exited the landing zone the operators attach the trolleys to the equipment retrieval system. Once activated, the equipment retrieval system pulls the trolleys and harnesses back up the cables to the top tower for the next set of riders.

11. Does the ZipRider zip line cable ride have maintenance and operations manuals?

Yes, both are available and have been developed with LM Civil, LLC engineering and in accordance with the ASTM Codes.

12. What type of customer does the ZipRider zip line cable ride appeal to?

The ZipRider zip line cable ride offers a unique ride experience that has cross-generational appeal, drawing not only children but their parents and grandparents. This ride provides a safe and exciting adventure that the entire family can enjoy together. Rider limitations are determined by weight rather than height, with 50 pounds being the minimum rider weight, and 300 pounds being the maximum rider weight. We try to design every ZipRider zip line cable ride to meet ADA guidelines in an effort to accommodate any guest with a disability.

The ZipRider zip line cable ride draws repeat ridership as the first ride tends to be a sensory overload. The first time guest tends to be too caught up in the excitement and incoming landing zone to take a few moments to appreciate the unique views that the ZipRider zip line cable ride offers. Once the guest knows what to expect, he/she will typically ride numerous times again to take advantage of the unique sight seeing capabilities offered by the ZipRider zip line cable ride.

13. What is the environmental impact of installing a ZipRider Zip Line Cable Ride?

Unlike such rides as the Alpine Slide, where trenches spanning the entire length of the ride are required in order to lay the tracks, the ZipRider zip line cable ride consists only of a top launch tower and landing platform, with no ground contact between these terminals. The only impact results from the installation of the tower footings and the entry and exit walkways.