When you hear the name West Mountain, the first images to cross your mind are probably of skiers and snowboarders riding down snowy slopes in winter. However, starting this summer, visitors will remember West for its brand new Aerial Adventure Park at the top of the mountain.
On Friday, June 28, we had the exclusive chance to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for this new attraction and get an early look at everything it has to offer.
Enjoy a Relaxing Ride to the Mountaintop
Our morning began with a scenic ride up the West Express Chairlift, which is conveniently located right by the Main Lodge.
With guidance from the friendly staff, I took a seat on the chairlift and relaxed on my way to the mountaintop. The ride up only took about 10 minutes, and when it was time to get off, there were more workers ready to help if needed.
Introducing Queensbury’s Newest Summer Attraction
After the whole group had arrived, the staff led us down a gravel path as we took a short hike into the woods toward the Aerial Adventure Park. The trail is easy to follow, and before you know it, you’ll reach the entrance and get a preview of what to expect in the park, including wooden treetop platforms, rope ladders, and bridges.
For the ribbon cutting ceremony, everyone gathered around a small clearing as Queensbury Town Supervisor John Strough, Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Michael Bittel, and West Mountain Co-Owner Sara Montgomery each took turns speaking. They all emphasized how exciting this attraction is for the region and its development into a year-round destination.
The Montgomerys have been working hard to improve West Mountain year after year, and the completion of the Aerial Adventure Park is their latest accomplishment and a new adventure for them.
Climb, Glide & Traverse the Aerial Adventure Park
When the ribbon cutting finished, we all toured the Aerial Adventure Park and got a close look at the treetop trails and obstacles visitors can experience this summer.
The park is four acres large and extends deep into the woods. Visitors attend ground school, a tutorial about safety and traveling through the park, before choosing their treetop trail and heading out on an adventure. In total, there are six trails with varying difficulties. It’s recommended that kids and beginners start on one of the two yellow (easy) trails, before advancing to the others.
As the staff explained, what makes West Mountain’s Aerial Adventure Park special is that the trails spread out throughout the park rather than travel in straight lines. On your chosen trail, you’ll progress through the park and encounter everything from a spider web to zip lines, a moving sidewalk, a log wave, a rolling vine, and more.
Each trail can take approximately 12-15 minutes to complete, aside from the black trail which has the highest difficulty. The park is designed for adventurers ages 7 and older, and all ability levels are welcome.
Celebrate Your Success at the Main Lodge
Our morning at West Mountain concluded with a walk back to the West Express Chairlift and a ride down to the Main Lodge area. The view looking down was breathtaking as you can see the surrounding Glens Falls Region in the distance.
While you can return home after successfully completing the Aerial Adventure Park’s trails, we recommend checking out West’s renovated cafeteria in the Main Lodge. Featuring an amazing selection of food and drink options, this spacious dining facility is ready to be your new hangout spot.
Ready to plan your summer trip to West Mountain? The Aerial Adventure Park will have its grand opening on Monday, July 1, 2019, and tickets are available online today!
