The notion of Halloween-themed ziplining came to Big Bear Ziplines as they moved into their first autumn of operation. “Everybody comes up with things that are creepy and crawly during Halloween,” said Big Bear general manager Carolyn Beisiegel. “We came up with Zombie Ziplining, but we sat there and wondered if it sounded right. I said, ‘Hey, are you all willing to dress up? I’ll give you a uniform that’s ripped-up and dirty and provide all the makeup,’ and the guys were good to go with it.”
Big Bear Ziplines boasts eight ziplines, and even on a regular day the place is busy. But with the advent of Zombie Ziplining, allowing for people to have the experience of moving gracefully through the trees at night, enthusiasts are finding a whole new way to enjoy both ziplining and zombies.
Each zipline on the tour runs past a series of zombies lit up in trees. Beisiegel said the sight of the zombies was so startling for one girl that she tried to fight the forces of gravity and propel herself back in the other direction.
Visitors to Big Bear Ziplines are encouraged to dress up like zombies or in their favorite Halloween costumes as well. Even the ziplining novice in a Superman outfit will feel like he or she is able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.
“We do all the work for you here,” Beisiegel said. “You’re not holding onto anything. You can let go if you want, and the harness will carry you along. Some places do make you brake yourself, or work the gear on your own. We just want you to enjoy yourself and be safe.”
Zombie Ziplining will offer its Halloween-themed tours at 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Monday, October 28, 29 and 31. The cost is $99, and all reservations for Zombie Ziplining must be made in advance by calling (888) 947-2294. For more information, visit bigbearziplines.com.