After long anticipation, the “Bighorn” has arrived, ready to zip in mid-June. Ron Betts, one of the owners of Treetop Fliers, said it’s a good feeling and he’s looking forward to serving eager customers.
South of Chase where the rest-stop was recently closed, Betts and his partners and crew are putting the finishing touches on the new trails up to the top of Three Sisters Falls (formerly known as Chase Falls).
The “Bighorn” starts at the second of the three small connecting falls. The line is 1,000 feet long, terminating in the newly landscaped picnic area. With the incredible view of the falls from a well-placed rock perfectly shaped for seating, spectators can watch the fun as well. Due to the vastness of the canyon, a person on the zipline is hardly noticeable in the scenery.
In addition to expanded hiking trails to the falls, there is a walkway passing under the Trans-Canada Highway toward a Village of Chase parking lot, adjacent to the public works yard.
The capital investment has been significant.
“Treetop Fliers is committed to the Chase community,” says Betts. “The plan is to bring traffic to other businesses in town as well.”
He said there were challenges along the way, mentioning the toilet facilities that hadn’t been cleaned for two years. Somehow maintenance of site had been neglected and responsibility fell to the new leaser-holders.
Zipliners will be transported up to the starting point.
Improved hiking trails remain open to the public with a good-sized picnic area next to a mountain stream.
The entire site is in the final stages of completion. The scenery is breathtaking; even sheep have been curiously watching as the project unfolds from the side of their mountain. For more info on the Treetop Flyers, see the website at www.treetopflyers.ca.
