Backgrounder - Adventure Park Makes Mt. Sima a Major All-Season Tourism and Recreation Destination

Government of Canada funding: $1,555,880
Government of Yukon funding: $119,200
Great Northern Ski Society funding: $27,000
 
The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is helping the Great Northern Ski Society (GNSS) transform Mt. Sima into an all-season recreation destination with an investment of $1,555,880. The park is the outcome of a feasibility plan developed by the GNSS, which was previously funded by CanNor in April 2010.

To create an all-season Adventure Park, Mt. Sima’s current winter sports and recreational facility will be expanded to include a WildPlay Element with aerial adventure course and two-line high-speed zip lines.

WildPlay Ltd. will install the ZOOM Zip Line and Monkido Aerial Adventure Courses. The WildPlay Element Adventure Park will feature climbing and swinging activities over bridges, walkways and other obstacles suspended between poles in the forest. The GNSS will work with WildPlay Ltd. to ensure ongoing quality and related safety measures. The park is based on the best aerial tree-to-tree adventures in Europe. It includes two courses – one for children and a full one for youth and adults, plus a demonstration area where guests are trained and practice before starting their adventure.

The ZOOM Zip Line includes two lines. Guests will wear an adjustable paragliding harness for comfort and safety and take a vehicle or chairlift to the top of the hill to zip down at speeds over 90 km/hr while admiring the spectacular views. A second fast, but shorter line will take guests downhill to within a 15-minute walk or quick shuttle ride to the lodge and guest services area.

The WildPlay Monkido aerial Adventure Courses and ZOOM Zip Line will be new and exciting tourism products that will provide a strong incentive for tourists to stay longer in Whitehorse and the Yukon. It will also provide family-oriented fun and activity for Yukoners who already enjoy Mt. Sima in winter.

The new WildPlay Element Park will create new year-round employment for seasonal employees and employ up to 20 staff during peak seasons. It will significantly extend Mt. Sima’s operating season which currently relies mainly on winter weather conditions.