Jackson Hole Mountain Resort boosting summer recreation

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is set to open up its Grand Adventure Park for the summer on Saturday.

This year’s newest addition is the Aerial Adventure Course, a network of zip lines, balance beams, logs and cargo nets – all suspended in the air. Jessica Milligan, vice president of Product Sales & Service, said the new course will complement the resort’s bungee trampoline, rock climbing wall, mountain bike park and disc golf course.

“It’s something that can push people outside their envelope, and give a real sense of risk and risk taking, ” said Milligan. “At the same time it is really safe.”

In 2011 the Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Act was passed, giving ski resorts across the country more opportunity during the summer months.

“A lot of things came with that,” said Milligan. “This challenge course, such as mountain biking parks, zip lines, etc.”

The Aerial Adventure Course is designed for progression, so the higher you go, the tougher it gets. Jamie Barrow, with the course’s creator Bonsai Design, said it’s for just about anyone.

“The course was designed to allow participation from about 5 years old, to if you can walk and breathe you can go play in there.”

It requires a harness and several safety precautions, so Milligan said participants can feel at ease.

“An avid climber or adventurer, or someone not so comfortable off the ground, I think it’s just going to be a lot of fun.”