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ZipRider @ Grindelwald

ZipRider @ Grindelwald

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Started by Getjim in Ski Chatter - 8 Replies

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Getjim posted Dec-2008

This has just opened in Grindelwald. The First Flyer originated in the USA where it is known as a Zip Rider.

The First Flyer gives four people the chance to simultaneously yet independently, glide through the air on a length of cable about 800 metres long, at speeds of up to 84km/h.

In effect the construction is four parallel Tyroliennes, which link the starting and finishing platforms without supporting masts. Guests sit in a special harness which is very similar to that used for paragliding. The harness is attached to a safe roller mechanism.

I'll be giving that a go in January!! :P :shock:



http://www.ziprider.com/video-gallery/snowbird/index.html

Ise
reply to 'ZipRider @ Grindelwald'
posted Dec-2008

getjim wrote:This has just opened in Grindelwald. The First Flyer originated in the USA where it is known as a Zip Rider.

The First Flyer gives four people the chance to simultaneously yet independently, glide through the air on a length of cable about 800 metres long, at speeds of up to 84km/h.

In effect the construction is four parallel Tyroliennes, which link the starting and finishing platforms without supporting masts. Guests sit in a special harness which is very similar to that used for paragliding. The harness is attached to a safe roller mechanism.

I'll be giving that a go in January!! :P :shock:



http://www.ziprider.com/video-gallery/snowbird/index.html


heaps of fun for sure :D

but I would point out that it's odd that they originate in the US and yet the construction is made up of "Tyroliennes" :D I think they've had some some Hollywood copy writers there :D The difference is those sit harnesses which unless I'm entirely wrong originate in the working at height access industry and are also used to enable disabled to have a go at things like zip lines and abseiling.

anyway, loads of fun, is it open in the winter though?

Getjim
reply to 'ZipRider @ Grindelwald'
posted Dec-2008

Yep. Opens 20th December. Most of the text is pasted from the Grindelwald website so I think a bit of literary license has been used in the descriptors.

Looking at the Zip Rider site it looks like the seats and their harness system are patented but they do look like a working at height type seat.
There's a self braking system fitted as well. :shock: so it's a totally hands free sytem, just open the gate and off you go.

Ise
reply to 'ZipRider @ Grindelwald'
posted Dec-2008

getjim wrote:Yep. Opens 20th December. Most of the text is pasted from the Grindelwald website so I think a bit of literary license has been used in the descriptors.

Looking at the Zip Rider site it looks like the seats and their harness system are patented but they do look like a working at height type seat.
There's a self braking system fitted as well. :shock: so it's a totally hands free sytem, just open the gate and off you go.


brilliant, bring back photo's :D

Ise
reply to 'ZipRider @ Grindelwald'
posted Dec-2008

One of the papers did a bit on this :

http://www.20min.ch/ro/news/suisse/story/25669496

Getjim
reply to 'ZipRider @ Grindelwald'
posted Dec-2008

Thanks for that ise. I'll be there 10th Jan, can't wait. :P

RoseR
reply to 'ZipRider @ Grindelwald'
posted Dec-2008

They actually have one of those over the cliff tops in The Isle of Whight.
I'm a laydee

Getjim
reply to 'ZipRider @ Grindelwald'
posted Dec-2008

Ahh but can you ski on the IOW?

Topic last updated on 21-December-2008 at 15:34