By Alexandra Pecci
Correspondent

Think you have to ski to enjoy Wildcat Mountain? Think again. Wildcat’s ZipRider is now open for its fourth season.

“It’s kind of like a thrill ride,” said Kevin St. Gelais, ZipRider manager. “Some get scared, but usually by the time they’re done, they’re pretty thrilled.”

The ZipRider course is just under a half mile long and is 75 feet above the ground at its highest point, passing over forest, open fields and a gorged area at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.

Unlike canopy tours that require a full body harness and helmet, ZipRiders are chair-lifted to the top of the mountain and ride down on something that resembles an oversized swing.

“It’s a little more like a carnival ride or a roller coaster ride,” St. Gelais said.

“You get seated in the ride and buckled in.”

For people with a fear of heights, the idea of zipping down a mountain in the open air may not be too appealing.

“We experience a lot of folks who have a lot of apprehension when they get to the top of the ZipRider before they go down,” St. Gelais said, but even people who are initially nervous end up loving the ride when it’s over.

“They’re kind of scared, but they’re kind of thrilled, but they’re kind of excited.”

Summer days at Wildcat can be almost as jam-packed as ones in the winter.

There’s a lot to do besides riding the ZipRider.

“Wildcat’s a great place to come and spend the day with the family,” St. Gelais said.

A scenic gondola runs 2,000 vertical feet all day to the summit. It seats four people, is pet friendly, and offers views of Tuckerman Ravine, Mount Washington and the Presidential Range. There’s also an alpine disc golf course, food, and hiking and nature walks.

“The Appalachian Trail actually crosses right along the top of our mountain,” St. Gelais said.

Visitors can buy tickets separately or in packages, some of which include lunch. There are also special events throughout the season, like Wednesdays at Wildcat, which offer free interpretive nature hikes with a naturalist to places like Thompson Brook Falls and Trout Pond.

The ZipRider costs $20 for the first ride and $10 for each additional ride, and people often take advantage of the discount since they want to ride again and again once they’ve tried it.

“They love it,” St. Gelais said. “It’s definitely something that can get your adrenaline going.”

IF YOU GO:
What: Wildcat Mountain ZipRider
Where: Route 16, Pinkham Notch, N.H.
When: Open weekends through June 20, then daily through Columbus Day weekend, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather and wind permitting
Who: Riders must weigh between 75 and 275 pounds; must be at least 52 inches tall and not more than 80 inches tall
Cost: $20 for the first ride; $10 for each additional ride. For more information, call 888-SKI-WILDCAT or go to www.skiwildcat.com