FAQWhat is a Canopy Tour and how is it different from a zipline ride? A Zipline Course uses poles and towers to connect ziplines and can be built almost anywhere. Most often, a zipline course will require some hiking and climbing of towers. Usually more of a thrill ride than a tour.
A true Canopy Tour is built in the trees of a forest. On a Canopy Tour, riders traverse steel cables connecting a series of platforms in the trees, walk wire rope sky bridges, climb tree-based staircases and may even rappel back to earth. A Canopy Tour course is an ecologically-oriented sightseeing adventure with a bird’s eye view of the canopy of the forest. This type of tour usually includes information about the ecology, geology, biology and history of the area in addition to the thrill of ziplining.
How long does it take to complete the tour? Our Eco-Adventure is approximately 2 to 2-1/2 hours long, including check-in, orientation, gear-up, flight school, the canopy tour and gear-down.
What if I am afraid of heights? We welcome the fearful and bring out the fearless in you. Our well trained SkyGuides will be with you every step of the way. Your safety and enjoyment are our highest priorities. Your adventure begins with a relaxed orientation where you will meet your SkyGuides. Next is gear-up, then it’s on to ground school to learn zipline basics, test your new skills on our practice zipline and have a chance to ask questions. You can even try the practice line twice if you like. During your tour you’ll be secured to a safety cable at all times. Your SkyGuides will handle all of the transfers for you. All you have to do is relax, take in the tree-mendous views and enjoy the ride. Once you step off that first platform we think you’ll be hooked and want to return to zip again and again.
How high will I be off the ground? Once you leave the ground you will be anywhere from 10 feet to 75 feet above terra firma.
What should I wear? First of all, dress for the weather. We operate year-round in the rain, snow, heat and cold. Wear comfortable clothing, not too loose, not too tight. Remember, you’ll be up above the ground, no skirts. Closed toe and heel shoes (think hiking or tennis shoes) are required. Long hair must be tied back for safety. Short shorts are permitted but they aren’t so comfortable when you’re wearing a waist harness. Please do not wear anything you do not want to lose, such as jewelry. You will be asked to remove everything from your pockets. Leave your cell phones, money clips and wallets in your car. We don’t want them falling out during the tour and injuring our wildlife. We do have assigned containers for each tour to hold your car keys at the gear area. Please leave your valuables at home or locked in your car. Lake Geneva Canopy Tours is not responsible for any lost, stolen, damaged or misplaced personal property.
Can I bring a still or video camera? Yes you may, but it must remain secured to your person at all times. Just be sure to let us know when you check-in that you’ll be bringing a camera along, we’re happy to help you properly secure it. If your camera does not have a wrist strap you can purchase one in our Welcome Center for $5.00 plus tax. Also, most of our SkyGuides teams are equipped with a digital camera to snap some candid and group shots. Be advised however that taking photos “on the fly” is not always as easy as it looks, especially with simple “point and shoot” cameras. We do not guarantee the quality or quanity of the photos taken by the LGCT staff. If you’re looking to capture “that special moment” in pictures we suggest you bring your own camera or arrange for your photographer to accompany you on your tour. The photos that our SkyGuides take are generally available within 48 hours after your tour for your review and purchase at our online photo studio. top
Do you operate in the rain? Yes, we do. Be advised, the canopy tour and racing zipline will be closed if the conditions for lightning are present and will not reopen until we receive the all clear. We generally will delay the start of scheduled tours to permit lightning storms to pass rather than cancel tours, whenever possible. We also close in the event of high winds (sustained winds over 30 mph). If we know we will be closed, we will try to contact you at the number and/or email you provided when you booked your tour. You may rebook for another day or time, request a gift card for use at a later date or you may request a full refund if your tour is canceled due to weather or other unforeseeable conditions. top
What if it is too cold outside? We operate year-round in the rain, snow, heat and cold. Dress for the weather, winters can get quite cold in Wisconsin. Like skiing, zipping in the cold can be fun, if you’re dressed for it. Our best advice, as with all winter activities, is to layer your clothing. What should you wear? Start with long underwear, a comfortable winter jacket, warm socks, insulated boots and a knit cap (no fuzzy ball on the top). Be sure to bring a pair of glove liners to go under the gloves we provide. You just might want to bring a cap with a face mask on those bitterly cold days. Also, keep in mind this is a natural environment, trails do get muddy during rainy weather so water proof/resistant boots help to keep your feet dry. top
How safe is it? While any adventure activity carries a certain amount of risk, we work very hard to manage that risk. Your safety is our #1 concern. Managing risk starts with the best trained SkyGuides in the business. Before leading a tour group all of our SkyGuides undergo extensive training and testing which embrace quite a range of subjects, including course hardware and safety systems, inspection and routine maintenance, safety equipment fitting and supervision, high-angle rescue and course evacuation as well as basic “feel good” First Aid. Every SkyGuide is required to complete continuing education and periodic re-certification. Our course was built to meet or exceed ACCT professional building standards and is inspected daily. top
What if I have never zipped before? Most of our participants have never zipped before. Not to worry, our Ground School Introductory Video will give you a basic understanding of our procedures and your SkyGuides will lead you through Ground School before we take you on the course. Ground School gives you a chance to test your new skill just a few feet off the ground, so you get the feeling of what zipping is all about before you go out onto the course. top
Do you offer Team Building? Yes we do! Our Team Building programs involve real and imaginary ground-based obstacles, presenting physical, mental, and emotional challenges that invite a group to explore teamwork strategies and demonstrate for themselves the importance of planning, cooperation and communication. For more information contact our course manager, Phil Kroll, at 262-248-9271. top
Do you have group rates? Most definitely! We offer special online pricing for groups of 8 to 24, so call your friends and family to join you in your adventure. For groups of 25 or more contact us at (262) 248-9271. Group rates are available Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays. top
What if I have to cancel? Please see our Cancellation Policy. But we really hope you can make it. top
Will I be in a group with my friends/family? Each tour can accommodate up to 8 people. If you’ve made reservations for 8 or less at the same date and time, you will zip together. If you’ve made reservations for a larger group, please contact us and we’ll do our best to fulfill your wishes. top
Who can zip? Our canopy tour is designed for use by people who are in reasonably good health weighing between 70 and 250 pounds with average mobility and strength. All participants will be weighed at check-in and must meet our weight requirements. The minimum age is 7 years, however, children 16 years of age and younger must be accompanied through the course by at least one participating adult and be able to participate independently of the adult. The minimum requirement is 1 Adult per 7 Youth 16 years of age or younger. Please note that a parent or legal guardian must sign a release form in advance for anyone under the age of 18. If you have a medical condition of any kind which limits your physical activity you must notify us prior to the tour. If you are pregnant, have heart, leg, arm or back problems, or any other serious illnesses, you will not be allowed to participate in the tour. You will not be permitted to participate in the tour if you are under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or impairing legal drugs. Lake Geneva Canopy Tours reserves the right to exclude anyone from participating in any and all activities for any reason which might compromise the health and safety of you, our clients, and our staff. Exceptions to any requirements are at the discretion of the management. top
What equipment will I wear on the course? You will be fitted with a waist and chest harness, a trolley, 2 lanyards with carabiners, leather gloves, and a Petzl helmet. Our safety equipment is similar to rock climbing equipment, but specially designed for a zipline course. top
How can I pay? What if I don’t have a credit card? You can pay for your on-line reservations through our secure site, with a Visa, MasterCard or Discover. You can also pay by check or money order, but we must receive payment 21 days prior to your tour date to allow time for the funds to clear. You may also stop by our Lake Geneva office and pay for your reservations in cash. top
Can I celebrate a special occasion? Absolutely! We would love to be part of your celebration. There is no better way to enjoy our Eco-Adventure than with a group of friends, family, colleagues or co-workers! Bringing a group to Lake Geneva Canopy Tours to celebrate your special event is easy, affordable and fun! Contact Us to plan the details and arrange reservations for your special event. top
When do I need to arrive for my tour? In order to give our staff adequate time for check-in and for you to prepare for your tour we require you to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time. If you are not checked in at least 5 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time, your reservation will be forfeited. top
Are reservations required? No, reservations are not required but they are strongly recommended to insure we have guides available to serve you. Each tour is limited to 8 participants and tours fill-up fast. For the best zipline experience, we strongly recommend you make your reservations early. We promise to do our best to accommodate walk-ins on a space available basis. top
May I tip my SkyGuides? What’s normal? Yes, our professionally trained SkyGuides work hard to ensure that you have an educational, enjoyable, and thoroughly memorable experience. The tipping guideline is the service industry standard of 12-17% per person for good service. Feel free to tip more for great service. top
Can I zip if I’m pregnant? No. Pregnant women will not be allowed to zip. top
More questions? Call us at (262) 248-9271.
