FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESITONS

Q. Are reservations required?

While we try to accommodate walk-ins to the best of our ability, both the Zip Line Canopy Tour and Treetop Obstacle Course have scheduled start times.  During Peak Season, many departures on the Zip Line Canopy Tour and Treetop Obstacle Course will book out well in advance of the date.  During the Fall and Spring, we will only call-in staff and open the course if we have scheduled guests.   The best way to guarantee admission and no waiting is by advance ticket purchase.

Q. How do I book an ArborTrek adventure?

Tickets can be purchased in a variety of ways:

• Book Online, 24-hours a day
• Call (802) 644-9300 between 8am and 5pm (7pm in the Summer)
• Stop by our Welcome Center at 1239 Edwards Rd, Jeffersonville, VT 05464

*All-Day Adventure packages can only be purchased online or in person.

Group leaders seeking pricing and options should call (802) 644-9300 and ask to speak with a group sales rep.

Q. How safe is zip lining and the aerial adventure park?

Like other outdoor adventure sports, zip lining, climbing and aerial trekking expose participants to real risk and the possibility of loss or injury.  A number of these risks are necessary and inherent to adventure sport activities like these.  These are risks that cannot be eliminated without changing the essential nature and educational and other values of the activities.  In large part, the enjoyment and excitement of participating in adventure activities is derived from these inherent risks.  This said, ArborTrek takes a number of steps to minimize these risks, including but not limited to using industry-specific equipment, instructing participants in proper use of the equipment, inspecting the course prior to participant use, conducting regular internal and external reviews, participating in ongoing staff training and review, and setting activity-specific policies. While our staff work hard to minimize risk, it must be noted, all ArborTrek activities require user participation. It is critical that each participant pay attention to and follow all instructions and guidelines (posted or verbal), review and comply with participant requirements, and participate within their limits. Failure to follow instructions or attempting to bypass safety measures exposes oneself, other participants, and ArborTrek staff to increased risks. Over the years, ArborTrek has established an excellent safety record and we are very proud of the quality of experiences we have been able to provide to tens of thousands of guests. For more information, we encourage interested parties to review the Participant Requirements, Park Policies and the Participant Agreement.

Q. Can my children and their friends participate alone?

Guidelines for participation of a minor are set independently for each ArborTrek activity and should be reviewed prior to participating. Due to the nature of the activities, we strongly encourage parents to participate with minors, especially those who do not have extensive experience at height or in adventure sports. For more information, please review the Participant Requirements for each activity.

If you will be participating with a minor for whom you are not the biological parent, adopted parent or legal, court-appointed guardian, please be advised that each minor must present a completed Participant Agreement, signed by their parent or legal, court-appointed guardian prior to accessing the course. Participant Agreement can be downloaded in PDF format and turned in at the time of the program or faxed in advance to our office. Parents who are not present may also complete their minor’s participant agreement online using a computer or mobile device. Please call our office at (802) 644-9300 to request a link to the electronic participant agreement.

Q. What happens in the event it is raining or weather is inclement?

The Zip Line Canopy Tour, Treetop Obstacle Course, Climbing Adventure, and Team Building Programs run rain or shine.  Rarely must tours or programs be canceled due to inclement weather.  During periods of electrical storms, heavy icing, or high winds or extreme cold, we will first delay the tour or program.  Cancellations are a last option.  In the event that we must cancel a tour or program, we will provide you the option of a full refund or reschedule you.  If you have completed part of the course and the course must be closed due to inclement weather, the cost of the tour or program may be prorated and refunds issued, or we will work to reschedule you to complete the tour at another time.   We will only call you if we know the tour you are scheduled on will definitely need to be canceled or rescheduled.

Q. What is your cancellation policy?

Individuals and groups of less than 16.
Cancellation requests made more than 72 hours before the scheduled departure will result in rescheduling of booking, a gift certificate, or refund less 20% booking fee.

Groups of 16 or more.
Cancellation requests made more than seven (7) days before the scheduled departure will result in rescheduling of booking (within 365 days), a group credit, or refund less 20% booking fee. No refunds or date changes are available with less than seven (7) notice. Final group counts are due no later than seven (7) days in advance of the program date. Groups will be charged for the greater of the confirmed count or the number of participants who participate on the day of the program.

Q. Why is there a cancellation penalty if we cancel our tour prior to 72 hours?

When you book a tour, you are arranging for a program that requires us to reserve course space and equipment and to hire and train guides and support staff.  When you cancel or reschedule, we often incur the same costs and may have turned people away.   If you are unable to make your tour, tickets are transferable provided the accepting party meets all of the tour requirements and restrictions, and accepts in full all of the park policies.  There are no fees for transfers.

Q. Is food available for purchase at the park?

Small snacks–candy bars, trail mix, etc.–are available for purchase at the ArborTrek Welcome Center.  We do not offer any beverage services at this time.  A number of excellent options for fine and casual dining, as well as, convenience stores and groceries exist in the nearby area. Our staff are happy to make recommendations.

Q. Can we bring food on the tour?

We encourage participants to drink and eat prior to or following participation in their adventure and strongly discourage guests from bringing snacks or water bottles along with them on the Zip Line Canopy Tour. The Treetop Obstacle Course and Climbing Adventure are located in close proximity to the Welcome Center and it is possible to stop during the ticketed time to snack and take breaks.  During warmer months, picnic tables are available for use by guests.

Q. Where is ArborTrek/Smugglers’ Notch located?

We are located at 1239 Edward Rd, Jeffersonville Vermont, 05464.  Detailed directions to ArborTrek, including recommendations for travel routes during the winter months when the historic Smugglers’ Notch Pass is closed, are available in the ArborTrek Tour Prep Guide and online. Please note, the town of Jeffersonville is located in Cambridge, Vermont.

Q. Is parking available at the site?

Parking for cars and passenger vans is available at the ArborTrek Welcome Center (1239 Edwards Rd, Jeffersonville, VT). If you will be arriving in a coach bus, RV, or are towing a trailer, please call our offices at (802) 644-9300 in advance for parking additional options.

Q. Are restrooms available when on the tours?

We have three restrooms located at our Welcome Center.  We encourage everyone to use the facilities and  not to over-hydrate prior to their scheduled tour departure.  The Zip Line Canopy Tour passes through a remote, wooded area located roughly 1.0 mile from the Welcome Center.  At 20 to 80 feet in the air, there are no options for a restroom.  The Treetop Obstacle Course, Climbing Adventure, and Team Building elements are located in close proximity to the Welcome Center.  To use the restrooms during a program, it is necessary to remove all participant gear and harnesses.  Harnesses must be re-checked prior to entering the course again.  Please note, de-gearing and re-gearing will be held against your allocated time on the course.

Q. How good of physical shape do I need to be in to participate in an ArborTrek adventure?

The adventure challenge programs at ArborTrek are designed for participants in moderate to good health with average to good mobility.  We recommend participants familiarize themselves with the requirements, restrictions, and risks of each program prior to committing. In general, the Zip Line Canopy Tour is gravity-fed and less strenuous than the Treetop Obstacle Course or Climbing.  The Treetop Obstacle Course and Climbing Adventure are designed to physically and emotionally challenge guests of differing physical abilities.

Q. Is there a weight limit?

Yes, each of our courses have weight requirements and restrictions set by the course designer.  Important, all weight requirements are based on clothed weight prior to harnessing.  When participating in cooler months, especially in the winter, participants should take into account the weight of additional clothing and boots which can add 10 to 15 lbs. of weight.  All participants are weighed prior to accessing the course.  Participants who are over the weight limit, will not be granted access to the course.  No refunds will be afforded to participants who fail to meet posted tour requirements.  We encourage participants who do not know their weight to stop by and weigh in prior to purchasing tickets.

• Zip Line Canopy Tour – Max weight of 250 lbs. (112 kg); For participants <= 5’4″; 220 lbs. (98 kg); For participants <= 5’0″, 180 lbs (80 kg)
• Treetop Obstacle Course – Max weight: 275 lbs (123 kg)
• Climbing Adventure – Max weight: 275 lbs (13 kg)
• All participants must fit properly into the harnesses and personal protective equipment. 

Q. Why is there a weight limit?

Weight limits are set by the course designer in adherence to industry-accepted practices and in conjunction with ArborTrek staff to minimize risk to each rider, other participants on the course, and ArborTrek staff. Mass is one of the most significant factors in determining incoming speed of a rider on a zip line. For this reason, we have set strict limits based on a combination of weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) to minimize risk.

Q. What if I do not meet the participant requirements?

We strongly encourage all participants to carefully review all participant requirements, restrictions, and park policies prior to booking.  In booking, group leaders and all participants acknowledge that the final screening process will take place on-site upon arrival.  ArborTrek staff are authorized to deny any guest participation if they fail to meet any of the participation requirements, or if it is deemed they might pose a risk to themselves, other members of the group, or our staff.  No refunds will be issued if participants are denied access to the course for failure to meet screening or participation requirements (including exceeding the weight or height requirements), choose to depart the course early, or are removed from the course for their inability to follow guide instructions or to participate safely.

Q. What if I get scared?

It is not uncommon for guests to have some level of anxiety regarding their participation in a zip line or adventure park.  In fact, most of our guests express some level of concern or fear. Prior to entering the Zip Line Canopy Tour or Treetop Obstacle Course, all participants are led through an introduction and participate in a Ground School.   Ground school provides an introduction to the equipment and instruction in course procedures and the skills required to continue onto the course. Both the Zip Line Canopy Tour and Treetop Obstacle Course are designed with a new user in mind.  The level of challenge, and in most cases, height above the ground, increase as participants proceed through the course. As such, we do not expect that each guest will be perfect at all skills following ground skill, but that they will gain experience and skill as the proceed through the course. Additional points of egress have been designed to help participants depart the course early if it is determined by ArborTrek staff or the participant that they do not wish to continue.  Please note, no refunds will be provided to guests who depart the course early. In cases where a minor elects to depart the course early, it may also be necessary for a responsible adult to accompany them off the course.  Early departures on the Zip Line Canopy Tour are uncommon.  Participants on the Treetop Obstacle Course that are nervous are encourage to attempt the easier courses first before proceeding to the higher and more physically challenging sections.

Q. What are the hours of operation?

Our Welcome Center is open from 8am to 7pm during Peak Season (mid-June through Labor Day) and 9am to 5pm most days during the rest of the year.  Tour availability and departure times can be checked online or by calling (802) 644-9300.  We strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance to ensure availability.

Q. What shoud I wear?

Guests should come dressed for the weather and be prepared to be outside in the elements for the duration of the tour.  We recommend wearing several layers as conditions on the courses can change during the span of the tour. Consideration should be given to the type of program.  In general, the Zip Line Canopy Tour is a passive activity; the Treetop Obstacle Course and Climbing Adventure are more active; and Team Building sessions revolve back and forth between periods of activity and passivity.

• Warm Weather (60˚F or above): Light pants or long shorts, long- or short-sleeved shirt, wind jacket, sturdy, closed-toe shoes or light hiking boots, rain gear, bug repellent, and sunscreen.
• Cool Weather (30˚F to 60˚F): Long underwear, turtleneck or long-sleeved shirt; sweatshirt, sweater or fleece jacket; long pants, light-weight jacket, athletic shoes or light hiking boots, light fleece or wool gloves, and rain gear.
• Cold Weather (30˚F and below): All cool weather gear plus a pair of insulated, waterproof boots, winter-weight jacket, ski pants, neck warmer, fleece or wool hat, ski goggles or wrap-around sun glasses with retainer strap.

Clothing Notes:

• For best comfort in the harnesses, we recommend long pants or longer shorts.  Shirts should be long enough to tuck into the pants to prevent the harness from rubbing on the skin.
• Guests with long hair should bring a hair tie or clip to pull their hair back.
• Sun glasses or ski goggles are recommended during cold weather and on days where rain or snow is predicted.  We recommend that all glasses be secured with a retainer strap.
• Dress prepared for periods of activity and inactivity.
• Guests must wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots.  Sandals, flip flops, slip-ons, barefoot running shoes, and Crocs are NOT acceptable and guests without proper footwear will be turned away without refund.
• ArborTrek cannot be responsible for lost or stolen goods on the tour.  Please leave all valuables including jewelry at home.

Q. Can I bring a camera?

Yes, cameras and video cameras are welcome on the course. We recommend small, durable cameras outfitted with a retaining strap and/or protective case. We do not recommend bringing cameras or cell phones that do not have secure retaining straps as it is not always possible to retrieve dropped objects from below the tour.  Only hands-free cameras may be used for taking video or pictures during zip line crossings. While cameras are allowed on the Treetop Obstacle Course, the risk of damage to the camera is higher due to the nature of the activity. ArborTrek cannot be liable for any lost or damaged cameras or phones brought on the course. All such devices are brought at the participants’ own risk and participants agree to assume responsibility for any loss. Photo packages are available for the Zip Line Canopy Tour.  Sorry, we do not currently offer photography for the Climbing Adventure or Treetop Obstacle Course.

Q. I’m bringing a group. Do you have group rates?

Yes, we have developed group rates and packages for small and large groups. In general, groups of 8 or more paying in one transaction are eligible for group rates. Please call our office at (802) 644-9300 and request to speak with a group sales representative for more information and current rates.

Q. Which activity should I choose?

All ArborTrek tours are all designed to provide novel experiences that educate, entertain and inspire.  If you like to get physical, we recommend the Treetop Obstacle Course. It provides a variety of challenges at different level with options for children as young as 4 years old If you’re looking for a more leisurely ride,  be sure to check out our award-winning Zip Line Canopy Tour. The tour is mostly gravity-fed and requires minimal physical exertion.  If you can’t choose and want to try it all, try our Awesome All-Day Adventure package.  Zip, trek, and climb all in one day.