A balancing act

SkyTrek Adventure Park will challenge both your body and your mind

I'm not going to lie: there were a few points during my journey through the high ropes challenge course at SkyTrek Adventure Park when I thought a mid-air rescue would be necessary.

Balancing on a log bridge suspended between two cedar trees is enough to make anyone question their ability to take another step. Even though I was safely secured by carabiners and a harness, there were points when, staring at the ground 12 metres below, I wondered what I had been thinking when I opted to attempt the black course—the most demanding of the three high ropes courses. SkyTrek, it seems, challenges not only physical abilities but mental ones too.

Fortunately, I was assured by Veronika Stevenson, the manager and founder of SkyTrek, that if such a rescue was needed, the guides could have had my feet back on the ground within 15 minutes. I spoke to Stevenson as we walked to the Sky Tower, where I would step off a 12-metre platform to simulate a free fall. Again, I was safely strapped in (and as soon as I stepped off the edge I began a steady but controlled fall to the ground), but there is something about voluntarily leaping from a ledge that goes against all instincts, even when you're perfectly aware you won't plunge to your death. 

"It's all about taking that first step," said Stevenson.

Find the monkey in you

SkyTrek attracts all ages (just look to the videos on the park's website for proof) and has something for a range of ability levels. There is a children's jungle gym and tree adventure; the Sky Swing, a pendulum-style swing that pulls you back 15 metres before releasing; a climbing wall; the aptly named log climb, where people ascend swinging logs; and finally, the three high ropes challenge courses—green, blue and black—which get progressively harder. Being a fairly active person myself, I opted for the most formidable of the trio.

Safety is a priority: participants first go through a safety course, that teaches the correct use of the carabiners, ziplines and harnesses. At no point did I feel unsure of how to use the equipment—and, if I had, participants are always under the watchful eyes of the guides, all of whom have been professionally trained. 

And that brings me back to my time perched on a log between two cedars, holding on for dear life to a couple of cables. Did I summon a rescue squad? No—because I knew if I made it across the bridge, I would have the satisfaction of knowing I'd conquered my doubts. And, yes, I did feel a distinct sense of accomplishment when, after many slow and tiny shuffling steps, my feet touched the solid platform on the other side.

The next time you're driving in the Revelstoke area, I suggest you stop at SkyTrek Adventure Park. You might be surprised at what you can do, too.