– New tree-top obstacles courses offer personal challenge in natural Vermont setting –

LONDONDERRY, Vt. (Aug. 22, 2012): Guests to the new TimberQuest Park at Magic Mountain will discover that there is a way to totally unplug from today’s hurried society and still completely recharge at the same time. Through a series of tree-top obstacle courses and zip lines throughout the park, the TimberQuest Park experience is uniquely designed to offer a challenge in self-discovery, thrills, and excitement, in an authentic, natural outdoor experience.

“TimberQuest was created because we all grew up climbing trees and playing in tree houses,” said David Rosow, Jr., founder and owner of TimberQuest. “It was challenging, fun, full of exploration, and it took you to places that you wanted to reach through your own power and imagination. We have recreated that youthful experience here in a place where all family members can share the thrill of playing in the trees together. At the end of the journey, everyone comes out happy and accomplished. That is the goal of TimberQuest.”

Rosow created the TimberQuest Park because he believed there was something missing in the traditional zip-line or “aerial adventure parks” as they are commonly referred to. He said the passion behind TimberQuest combines the challenges and obstacles of tree-top parks with the art of self-discovery. Participants choose different level courses that are easily color-coded similar to the level of difficulty of ski trails: green, blue, (red) and black. Similarly, the skiing culture at Magic connected nicely with TimberQuest.

“We were seeking to add outdoor activity during the off-season which captured the same sense of challenge, adventure, camaraderie and energy that a ski day on the slopes of Magic delivers”, said Jim Sullivan President of Magic Mountain. “The TimberQuest vision of a unique tree top obstacle course really meshed perfectly with what Magic and our customers are all about.”

Even though many traditional parks are geared toward tweens and above, the TimberQuest Park at Magic Mountain is designed for people all ages and abilities. A starter course, created for younger children or tweens and adults who want to ease into the sport of tree climbing and crossing, is just about three to four feet from the ground. Participants are harnessed and clipped in the same way as those on the main courses, but the lower height level allows parents and trained ground guides to assist all ages through the course.

Rosow sought out the best in safety devices and selected a contractor who has built parks across North America, South America, Europe and Asia, where parks and courses have been in vogue for many years. The TimberQuest Park at Magic conforms to the Professional Ropes Course Association”s (PRCA) standards – the United States” most stringent industry safety standards; and was built by an accredited PRCA contractor. The TimberQuest Park at Magic will be the first park built in the United States to the new American National Safety Institute standards. TimberQuest proudly sourced its construction lumber from local vendors.

“We are using a safe, simple state-of-the-art safety system throughout TimberQuest,” said Rosow. “Two smart safety clips keep you continuously connected throughout the course and on the zip lines. Our zip lines are “smart-lines” that have been engineered for all to ride and land safely without having to use your hands or gloves.”

The park is situated at the base of Magic Mountain ski area with 18 zip lines going downhill, across hill and some even go uphill. There are 65 elements ranging from beginner to intermediate to advanced including the Postman Walk, the Island Hop, Vine Walk, Kitten Crawl, and the Great Wallenda just to name a few of the routes. Course height varies anywhere from three to 40 feet from the ground, with some zip line rides being 350 feet long.

TimberQuest is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through fall foliage season until Oct. 31. For more information, details and to purchase tickets online, visit www.timberquestparks.com or call 802.824.5645 ext 113.

TimberQuest Park at Magic Mountain is the first of its kind in the region to provide the traditions of zip line and obstacle courses parks in the trees, with the passion for empowering individuals in an unplugged, natural environment.

Magic Mountain Ski Area, in Londonderry, Vt., is the only independently owned ski area in Southern Vermont and at age 50, is still one of the most exciting, challenging and authentic Vermont ski experiences. Different than the corporate resorts, Magic skiers and riders enjoy a mountain emphasizing natural, diverse ski terrain in an atmosphere of shared camaraderie for the sport both on the slopes and in the lodge after a long, rewarding day. Magic skiers love the mountain so much that they have invested in the ski area via The Magic Partnership in order to enhance and preserve it for future generations to enjoy.