Unique Alaskan Experiences

Icy Strait Point, located about 50 miles north of Juneau, Alaska, has opened North America's longest and highest zip-line tour. The 5,330-foot-long zip line takes thrill seekers from the heights of a mountaintop to the beach below. "Guests will receive a brief history on the area and its people on the drive up the mountain to the start of the ride," said Johan Dybdahl, president of Icy Strait Point. "Wildlife sightings -- Sitka black-tailed deer and Alaska coastal brown bear -- along the way are common."

The zip-line launch pad sits amid dense forest 1,330 feet above sea level. Riders are buckled in securely, and within seconds are treated to an eagle's-eye-view of the surrounding mountains and ocean.Traveling at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, riders reach the bottom in 90 seconds. Six individual cables allow up to six passengers to launch simultaneously or independently. Built by ZipRider, the zip-line features a braking system that is activated, but not controlled by the rider's weight. Once the rider leaves the loading platform, the brake is constantly applied, eliminating the uncontrollable speeds seen in traditional zip-line systems. In addition, the rider hangs four feet beneath the cable and cannot interfere with the trolley or its braking system.

Rider restrictions are based on weight rather than height, with 90 pounds being the minimum and 275 pounds being the maximum rider weight.

Because the zip-line consists of only a launch tower and landing platform and no ground contact between the two terminals, there is minimal impact to the environment. As with Icy Strait Point's other shore excursions, cruise passengers may reserve their zip-line tour when they book their cruise, during their cruise, or upon arrival at Icy Strait Point, if space is available. Independent travelers may also visit Icy Strait Point and enjoy the available tours in addition to the zip-line. For more information, visit http://www.icystraitpoint.com/.

Take a virtual ride at: http://www.ziprider.com/media/video/icy-strait-point/index.php

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