Aerial attraction will take Edmonton's river valley to new heights

The Snow Valley Aerial Park, a first of its kind in Canada, is set to open during the May long weekend in Edmonton.

Climbers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages will finally get anopportunity to put on a harness and start exploring.

Set right next to the Snow Valley ski hill, it stands on part of the Rainbow Valley Campground.

• Massive aerial park, first in Canada, approved for Snow Valley site

"We have eight less tenting sites, and a tower," said Tim Dea, spokespersonforSnow Valley.

"We thoughtan outdoor activity for the summer would be a great addition," he said. "Get out, be active outdoors together with your family."

The free-standing and self-contained aerial park was built by German-based companyKristallTurm.

"This is our flagship product, this is our best product," saidJean-PhillipeTondreau, chief operating officerofKristallTurmNorth America.

"This structure is about 50 feet high, at the top level, so it could create some mental challenges for some people."

The aerial park is designed with over 100 different elements or games. Each one is rated with colourslike a ski hill, with different levels of challenges.

The easiest challenges areon the bottom level and the most difficult are at the top. And they'renot for those who don't like heights.

Safety is a priority forclimbers, who are provided with a harness that uses a patented "Clic-It" lock system.

Thereare two attachments and one can only be removed if the other is securely fastened.

There are no age limits for users, but there are height requirementsto ensurethat participants can reach and attach their own safety lines.

The structure also contains some elements designed specifically for Edmonton.

There are skis and snowboards for some of the crossings, as well as a chair lift, if you need a break.

There's even a coal mining cart from when there was coal miningin the river valley. And the camper trailer high upin the structureis right at home in the Rainbow Valley Campground.

The Snow Valley Aerial Park opens to the public on May 20.