WHISTLER SUPERFLY ZIPLINES
In the competitive zipline market in Whistler, this project involved creating two of the longest ziplines in Canada while building for safety and mitigating environmental impact.
Client: The Adventure Group Whistler
Location: Whistler, British Columbia
Project Type: Buildings
ISL’s Role: Prime Consultant to Design Build Contractor
About This Project
In the competitive zipline market in Whistler, this project involved creating two of the longest ziplines in Canada while building for safety and mitigating environmental impact. ISL provided structural engineering services from conceptual design to construction administration for this $1-million design-build with the contractor, MacDonald and Lawerence Timber Framing.
The Ziplines were approximately 1.3 km and 1.2 km in length respectively. Launch and landing platforms were constructed of a heavy timber frame and the ziplines used highh strength wire rope.
The land was conceptually surveyed using handheld GPS, with results informing conceptual design of the ziplines. A detailed professional topographic survey informed the detailed design stage.
The correct slope intention was determined through detailed design, with the rider drag estimated and calculations checked against existing zipline speed records. Ultimately, a counterweight ballast system was created, which enabled the length to be adjusted due to climatic conditions (keeping the cable profile consistent) for year-round operation.
Helicopters maneuvered machinery and materials into place, and the correct installation of structural components was enabled by the detailed shop drawings and surveyed layout.