The use of ski area premises and facilities and participation in activities at Vista Ridge Recreational Association is subject to the conditions set out in the Exclusion of Liability and Assumption of Risks Notice and the Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement (the "Release Agreement")
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions before visiting our Aerial Park! If your questions aren't answered here, please send us a message on Facebook or via email, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Who can use the Aerial Park?
Our Aerial Park is for everyone aged 6 years or older who are able to meet our minimum reach requirement (5'11'' or 180cm for the classic course and 4'7'' or 140cm for the kids course) and all other access requirements for our park.
What should I wear and bring?
Athletic type clothing that is easy to move in is recommended and closed-toe shoes are required. Layers are a great idea too so that you can remove articles as you get moving and warm up! Check the forecast and dress accordingly - we climb rain or shine! Avoid baggy clothing that can get caught in your gear. Excessively baggy clothing will not be permitted and long hair must be tied back.
You may wear a hat and glasses/ sunglasses while you climb, but we recommend a glasses retainer and snug fitting hats so you don't lose them while you're in the air! Watches are allowed, while all other types of jewellery/ accessories are not permitted as they pose a risk of injury.
How athletic do I have to be?
The Aerial Park is built in a linear design, meaning you must work your way through all games. Overhead
reaching and ladders are frequent throughout the course. There are a couple of areas where you may choose to bypass harder games, however this is a physical activity that will require physical exertion. Moderate fitness is recommended.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes! Call guest services to make your reservation as this activity is based on departure times and availability.
Can I book online?
Not at this time. We know, we're living in the stone age. You can make a booking by calling our office.
How long does it take to
complete the course?
We recommend giving yourself between 2-3 hours to complete the full course, including the safety demonstration.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 24 hours notice to cancel a booking, anything cancelled within 24 hours and "No Show" bookings will be subject to a fee of $20 per person on the reservation.
What happens if it's raining?
We climb rain or shine! However, if there is extremely heavy rain, thunder, lightening, or high winds, we will evacuate the park. We will bring you to a safe location for 30 minutes, but if the weather has not passed, we will issue a rain check for you to return at another time.
What are the age, height & weight restrictions to participate?
You must be 6 years of age or older to climb our Aerial Park. You must be able to reach a minimum height of 4'7'' (140cm) for the kid's course, and to climb the full course, you must be able to reach a minimum of 5'11'' (180cm). The maximum weight for our course is 300lbs (136kgs). You must also fit the harness properly. See here for our full list of access requirements for participation.
Can I participate if I am pregnant?
No. The risk is too high for this activity.
Do you have options for people with disabilities?
We try to accommodate everyone the best we can, but are limited to the capacity of our gear and the linear design of our park. Give us a call to see if we can meet your needs. We would love to create a great experience, incorporating your access requirements within our park.
Do I need to bring any special safety gear or equipment?
No, the only thing you must do is wear closed-toe shoes and dress appropriately for the activity. We will provide you with the specialized gear required to climb.
What if I am late?
Please be on time as our safety demonstration runs on schedule. If you are late, you will have to wait until the next available departure. We ask that everyone arrives at least 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled departure to complete the check-in process.
Can I eat lunch there?
Our food and beverage service will be open with limitations at certain times throughout the week for drinks, snacks and take-away.
Does my child require
a chaperone?
Vista Ridge requires that any child under the age of 13 be accompanied by a chaperone at our facility. A chaperone is described as a responsible adult, aged 18+ years. There is no daycare or adult supervision on the premises and unattended children are expected to abide by all rules and guidelines set out and to generally be respectful of the facility staff.
Children aged 6-8 years who meet all of the access requirements for our Classic Course, are required to be accompanied in the air by an adult OR older sibling to maneuver through the course alongside them.
Do I need to complete the safety demonstration if I have done it before?
Yes. To ensure you are familiar with the equipment and proper zipline form, we require you to complete the safety demonstration each visit.
What if I need to take a break, get some water or use the washroom?
There will be an opportunity after level 1 to come down from the course and take care of business. If you need to use the washroom, see one of the guides to help get you out of your harness, and again once you have returned to get you back into it correctly. If you leave the roped area of the park, your harness will need to be checked by a guide before you continue climbing.
To maximize your climbing time, we recommend using the washroom before you check in for your departure, as well as bring your own water bottle to drink from. You may leave your bottle at the base of the park for ease of access.
Can I bring my cellphone or camera up into the park to take pictures?
Yes you can! It's an awesome view from the top, and we'd love for you to have something to remember your trip by! However, due to overhead danger that cellphones and cameras pose, it is your responsibility to ensure it stays secured while you climb. Make sure you ask one of our guides to take your group's photo before you leave too!
Please note: no other personal items (wallets, keys, bags, etc.) are permitted while in the air. A locker can be purchased in the main day lodge for a loonie ($1).
What happens if I fall?
Our harness and lanyard system will only let you fall a short distance before catching you. Once you catch your breath, you can get back onto the course yourself or one of our well-trained guides can assist you if you're having difficulty.
What happens if I get hurt?
While we work hard at Vista Ridge to minimize the risk to you during all of our summer activities, there is some inherent risk in participating, especially in the Aerial Park. We have guides certified in First Aid on site at all times who have gone through extensive training to ensure that we can provide the best service we can in case of injury.
If you are hurt on the park, but can walk, notify a guide and we will provide First Aid. If you are hurt on a game, call for help and our guides will lower you to the ground where we can continue First Aid and ensure you receive additional assistance if needed. Our guides are watching at all times and will be able to detect if assistance and/or First Aid is required.
We ask that all climbers pay close attention during the safety demonstration before entering the Aerial Park, and to follow all of the guides' instructions both on the ground and in the air, to not only ensure your own safety, but the safety of all other climbers.
Have a question not answered here? Feel free to send us a message on
Facebook or via email, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Vista Ridge
1 Spruce Valley Drive
Fort McMurray
Alberta, T9H 5B4
Phone: 780 743 8651
Fax: 780 743 6280
Email: vistaridge@shaw.ca
Find us on Social Media!
Hours of Operation
Golf Aerial Park Mini-Putt
Skate Park / Playground Frisbee Golf
Always call our information line
(780 799 7669) or check the
Facebook page before coming out for
daily operational updates.
