The ski lifts at Snowshoe can provide sort of an adventure for the more faint-of-heart — a safe, relaxing ride, or a few minutes to take in the view if nothing else. If you're a bit more of a thrill-seeker though, Snowshoe just opened a new outdoor adventure opportunity that might be a good fit — a 350-foot zip-line buzzing overhead right through the Village.

Ben Brannon, Outdoor Adventure Manager at Snowshoe, said the new zip-line is the first in a network they plan to open on the mountain next summer.

“We've got two, side-by-side racing lines set-up,” said Brannon. “This is actually just the start of our zip lining program. Next summer, the intention is to build what will be the longest line on the East Coast, somewhere upwards of 4,000 feet. It'll start near the village here, and then end down near Shavers Lake.”

Brannon said the activity is really family-friendly. The side-by-side setup allows an opportunity for good-natured rivalries, and the lines can accommodate anyone in the 75-250 pound weight range.

This is Brannon's eleventh winter at the resort. He oversees a variety of activities that Snowshoe offers away from the slopes.

“Even if you don't ski or snowboard, we've got lots of great stuff to do up here,” offered Brannon. “Everything from the zip-line to snowmobiles. The snowcat tours in the evenings are very family-friendly, The Back Country Hut Adventure dining is a totally unique experience in a pretty small group setting, and it's one of the best meals on the mountain.”

Brannon said they plan to operate the zip-lines Sunday through Thursday from 2-8 and Friday and Saturday, and during the holidays, from 2-9.

Reservations aren't necessary and tickets can be purchased at The Depot in Snowshoe Village. One run on the zip-line will cost you $15, but additional runs can be purchased for only $5 if they're purchased at the same time for the same session.