JUNE 4, 2009 ISSUE
Hawksnest Resort Opening New Zipline at Seven Devils Facility
“Biggest on the East Coast”
Suspended more than 150 feet in the air and enthusiastically yelling, a Boone resident takes one of the first trips on Hawksnest’s new zipline course, which will open to the public next week. Photos by Sam CalhounIf you happen to be in the vicinity of Hawksnest Snow Tubing Resort in Seven Devils and see people soaring through the air, don’t be alarmed. Later this month, the longtime recreation destination located between Boone and Banner Elk is opening its brand new zipline course that, when completed, will feature 13 different cables with more than two miles of riding for people ages five and up. According to co-owner Lenny Cottom, Hawksnest Zipline will “definitely be the biggest on the East Coast.”
With local ski resorts staking their fortunes each winter on unpredictable weather patterns, owners and managers are looking for new ways to keep revenue streams rolling in throughout the year. Cottom said that he had been considering the idea of installing a zipline at the resort for the last few years.
“We’ve been looking for something to do during the summer and it just kind of worked out,” said Cottom.
Hawksnest’s new zipline is currently under construction with four of its cables already in working order. The zipline is being built by Universal Zipline Technology of Westfield, near Winston-Salem. The company has constructed zipline facilities in North Carolina, Tennessee, Costa Rica and Ecuador.
The zipline cables at Hawksnest zig and zag across the valley ranging from less than a dozen to more than 200 feet above the ground, giving riders incredible views of the property and all across the surrounding mountains.
“There’s not too many places that have views like this,” said Cottom.
In addition to the normal cables, Cottom is thrilled about the facility’s centerpiece, the SuperZip. When finished, the SuperZip will carry riders more than 2,500 feet while suspended more than 200 feet in the air.
Riders can ride the first six cables plus the SuperZip or ride all 12 cables (excluding the SuperZip) for $65. For $90, riders can ride al 12 cables, the SuperZip, and ride two additional cables.
Cottom hopes to have all 13 cables operational in the next two to three weeks.
To entice locals to come and check out the new zipline, Hawksnest is offering a $15 discount to local customers from Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties. A driver’s license will be required for proof of residency.
Customers are encouraged to call ahead for updates and reservations. Tours begin at 10:00 a.m., 12:00, 2:00, 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. Reservations are required. There must be at least two people in your party to make a reservation. Make reservations online at www.hawksnestzipline.com, email info@hawksnesttubing.com or call 828-963-6561.
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