The zip line has arrived at Sugarloaf Mountain.

My first encounter with one was at Heavenly Valley ski resort in Lake Tahoe a couple of years ago. Two riders seemed to be flying overhead to the sounds of zzzziiiippppp! It looked like a really cool thing to do some day.

That day came last Thursday, when I got my first upclose experience with the new zip line at Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley.

Not really knowing what to expect, our group assembled outside the base ski shop. Several pieces of equipment were spread out on the ground and my thoughts of military basic training came rushing to me. Were we harnessing up for a mountain climb, a search and rescue or possibly jump from an airplane?

“Welcome to the Zip line,” said Erik McClure, formally from Winslow and our guide for the session. McClure is a “liftie” during the winter months at the mountain resort and most recently worked at the golf course this summer.

Jim McCormack rides the new Zip line at Sugarloaf Mountain. (Dan Cassidy photo) He gave us the basic instructions of the equipment we would be wearing. The gear consists of a nylon fullbody, belt-like harness, two lanyard straps of different lengths, two self-locking carabineers, a fully-adjustable helmet and a “trolley.”

The beginning of the zip lines is at the top of the Skidway chairlift where McClure gave us final instructions. “We really don’t want to get ‘bunged’ up,” McClure said, as he explained how the harness system works.

The runs begin in the woods and ends up on the backside of the Competition Center, with the cable running right over Gondi Brook.

Transferring from working on the golf course, it didn’t take him long to love his new job, as I watched him flying through the trees something like Tarzan.

Two of the six zip lines were operating during the first weekend according to McClure.

“We have five running now and expect to have the sixth running by next week,” said Jim McCormack, Zip Line Manager.

Business was brisk for the opening weekend with about 80 riders taking their first runs.

Safety is of great concern for operators and guides like McClure. The cables are strung through a narrow passage attached to large trees at either end, strong enough to carry a 275-pound rider, the maximum allowed.

Riders climb up on a platform where their harness and lanyards are attached to the cable with the trolley wheels. A second lanyard is also attached for safety. The ride is nothing short of a complete adrenaline rush!

Once on the zip line, gravity takes over, whisking passengers towards the end of the ride, where a braking system operated by another guide gently slows you as you arrive onto the next platform.

About the Zip line

The six lines run in length from 160 to 240 feet. The cost of riding the Zip line is $39 per person and takes between one an one half and two hours to complete the course. Tours are scheduled to leave at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and are open to 20 spots per group. Reservations are recommended.

The Zip line is scheduled to be in operation Fridays through Sundays depending on demand.

Riders must be a minimum height of three feet and weight at least 60 lbs. and no more than 275 lbs. All riders must wear a helmet, which will be provided at no additional charge.

It’s best to wear hiking boots or sneakers. Open toed shoes, sandals and bare feet are not permitted.

Riding the Zip line requires being in good physical shape. There will be some hiking and climbing when moving from one zip line to the other. If you have any medical conditions, you should consult with your medical provider before participating in this activity. All riders are required to sign a liability waiver. Riders under the age of 18 will require a parent or guardian signature.

Weather also plays a factor in Zip line riding and operations may be suspended due to inclement conditions.

For reservations or additional information call 1-800 THE LOAF.

If you’re bike riding, rollerblading, rock climbing or Zip Line riding, do so safely and don’t forget to wear a helmet.