High Element Only

The Alpine Tower is an extremely versatile programming tool for team building.. It provides powerful experiential learning opportunities for both individuals and teams. It can be a component of a full program or a stand-alone option.

The Alpine Tower is a triangular shaped 50ft tall structure. It has 3 triangular platforms spaced at approximately 15ft, 40ft, and 50ft off the ground. There are 2 climbing ropes at each corner of the triangle, allowing up to 6 people climb at once. Each rope has different challenges to provide both access for individuals of all skill levels, and to promote choice. Different challenges may include

• Secure wooden ladder with large hand and foot-holds
• Climbing holds of varying sizes
• Climbing poles at different angles, up to fully vertical
• Swinging poles
• Cargo nets
• Multiline ropes

Each climbing rope is set up at the start of each program day. Ropes are anchored securely to the Tower. Figure Eight -on a Bight knot is used, with a carabiner, to attach climber to the harness. A facilitator is attached to the other side of the rope and anchored to a Belay Station. Facilitators belay climbers using an approved belay technique to limit risk of falls. Team members provide “back-up” belay responsibilities, holding onto the rope after the Facilitator, for redundancy in the system.

Duration

Alpine Tower climbs can be scheduled for a minimum of 2 hours for up to 20 people. Expect the first 30-45 minutes to cover the preparation, equipment, and orientation to climbing. The remaining time allows climbers to climb on up to 6 different routes. During these open climbing programs, individuals will have the opportunity to climb multiple times. Time will be extended to account for larger group sizes; eg 30 people may be scheduled for 3 hours, to ensure there is enough time to climb.

Eligibility

In order to climb the Alpine Tower, individuals must properly fit in a seat-harness and helmet, and be wearing close-toed shoes with heels, that sit securely on the feet. The course design limits climber’s weight to 350lbs and below.

Climbing is contraindicated for individuals with

• A history of heart attack or cardiovascular condition
• Pregnant(check with your doctor)
• Has had an organ transplant(check with your doctor)
• History of serious neck, back, or spine injury

Access

With advance notice staff at The EDGE have training to adapt many elements on the tower for people with disabilities, those in wheelchairs, those sensory needs, etc. Individuals must have torso control and use of their upper body. Climbers who need extra physical support, who have vision limitations, or who are non-verbal may utilize a side-climber. A side climber refers to an able-bodied person, typically someone they know in their group who climbs with them (Belayed on a separate rope) and helps them with balance, support, direction, or communication as-needed.

The Alpine Tower can benefit individuals in the following ways:

• Enhance self-esteem
• Promote physical fitness
• Encourage adventure, risk-taking, and creative problem solving
• Encourage participant to simply try his/her best
• Build respect, choice, communication, and support.

The Total Team Challenge™ (TTC)  takes team development to new heights! Its unique design combines the individual excitement of a high ropes course while keeping group interaction a key component. Individuals will rotate through at least 7 stations on the ground in addition to climbing.

Teams of 2-8 to climb together while members on the ground work with them to move across the course. They start by climbing the Cargo Net to the first platform. Traverse a series of 4 challenges that require swinging, walking across cables, stepping onto a moving platform, and then swing off the final platform.

Rescues are more likely on the Total Team Challenge, and all facilitators on the course are trained to securely perform rescues. Climbers are first coached through how to self-rescue and need to have the strength to pull themselves up from a seated to standing position to be most successful.

Eligibility

In order to climb the Alpine Tower, individuals must properly fit in a seat-harness and helmet, and be wearing close-toed shoes with heels, that sit securely on the feet. The course design limits climber’s weight to 350lbs and below.

Climbing is contraindicated for individuals with

• A history of heart attack or cardiovascular condition
• Pregnant(check with your doctor)
• Has had an organ transplant(check with your doctor)
• History of serious neck, back, or spine injury

Total Team Challenge is for high school students and older (college students & adults). The TTC operates best with teams of up to 36 participants at one time when part of a TDC program. Capacities of up to 90 may be available for TTC-Only programs.

The Total Team Challenge requires more physical coordination and balance than the Alpine Tower.

Duration

TTC climbs can be scheduled for a minimum of 2 hours for up to 20 people. Expect the first 30-45 minutes to cover the preparation and orientation to the course. The remaining time allows climbers to climb. This course still requires team members in the group who are not climbing to assist with the 7 stations on the ground. Due to the physical demands of this course, climbers typically climb once and are done, and time accounts for that.

While facilitators set your group up for a successful experience, it truly depends on how efficient and communicative the group is on completing all 7 stations that are required to move climbers from the start to the finish.

Access

The EDGE may be flexible with some course components to accommodate individuals with extra support needs. However, there is only way up the TTC, and that is the Cargo Net. Some individuals may choose to climb the net and return to the ground. There are no other ways to exit the course except by completing the entire course, or by a facilitated rescue. Climbers who have vision limitations or are non-verbal may utilize a side-climber. This person is an able-bodied person, in their group who climbs with them and helps them with balance, support, direction, or communication as-needed.

Benefits of a TTC Program

• Connection and trust between members
• Improvement in planning & communication
• Greater understanding of collaboration and interdependence
• Strengthening organizational culture
• Situational leadership, value of diverse roles
• Insight and empathy toward others
• Identifying and effectively using resources