ROPES CHALLENGE COURSE ELEMENT COSTS

The following price list is designed to convey a ballpark estimate of costs involved in constructing and maintaining a ropes challenge course. Prices do not reflect the cost of initial site visits, utility poles, guy wires and anchors, specialty equipment for custom jobs, or cost of site preparation (clearing, woodchips, landscaping, or building alterations). Further, the estimates provided herein do not represent a bid of any sort from AdventureSmith, Inc. or one of it's partner organizations.

Group Initiative and Low Ropes Course Element Costs

Portable group initiative elements generally run between $75 and $750 each; Constructed group initiative and low rope course elements can run between $250 and $2500 each. A modest course of 10 to 12 constructed elements built off of trees can generally be installed for $6500 to $8500 depending on the activities installed. Starter courses utilizing portable elements and low-prop activities can often be purchased for less than $3000. The cost of poles, site clearing and preparation, and travel expenses for the installation and training teams should be calculated separately. Such items might include but are not limited to installing landing surfaces, ground leveling, clearing, access controls, "theme"ing or facility development. It is not uncommon with some sites that these costs will be far greater than the cost of the elements themselves.

High Ropes Courses Costs

There are several different options in regards to technical risk management and operating costs. Options include but are not limited to:

  • Type of belay system
  • Number of trained staff that will be used in managing the system
  • Choice of equipment and hardware
  • Program philosophy and outcomes

The two most common belay systems are 1) static and 2) dynamic.

Static-belay high ropes course systems attach participants to overhead safety cables or steel track systems via sling lines (adjustable ropes with fasteners at the end). Obstacles on static belay high ropes courses are often designed as traversing activities. With traditional static belay systems participants are generally required to take a more active role in managing their own safety. With new continuous belay static systems (whether cable or track based) the system requires little to no management. In both systems, once a participant is up on the course, they generally remain on the course, completing several obstacles in a row before coming down by way of ladder or a dynamic element (zip line, big swing, or rappel). Participants who fall are frequently able to self-rescue and continue on the course. The number of staff required to operate a static high ropes course can vary greatly by design, skill level of the staff, timing constraints of the program, and type of course exit. In general, two trained staff members are recommended for a group of up to 16 participants, however, additional staff may be required.

Dynamic-belay high ropes courses attach a participant to a climbing rope that runs to a high anchor above the element and back to the ground. As the participant climbs, a person or persons are required to belay (to manage the slack and secure the rope in the event a fall) the climber. Dynamic belay courses are frequently installed higher off the ground. Elements are either vertical in nature or participants are required to climb a ladder, climbing wall, or staples to access the event. When a participant falls they are lowered to the ground by the belay. One trained staff member is recommended for each active participant unless time permits to effectively train participants to a level of belay mastery or in cases where mechanic or team belay systems can be designed to allow multiple belays to be supervised by a single staff member.

Traditional high ropes course elements constructed off of trees or utility poles generally run between $1000 and $2500 each before the cost of utility poles, guy wires, anchors, etc. A thirty-foot, four element dynamic-belay high ropes course built in trees and requiring little clearing might cost $10,000 to $16,000. A twenty-foot, 12-15 element static course based on poles would cost roughly $30,000 to $50,000. Custom courses, including either steel frames, continuous belay systems, or built into an existing structure can be considerably more expensive depending on the engineering. The cost of site preparation, training and travel expenses should be figured separately. Those interested in courses may also choose to theme out their course to better fit into their environment. Such costs are not included in the prices listed above.

Outdoor Climbing Walls and Climbing Towers

There are many configurations for outdoor climbing walls and climbing towers, some of which may also incorporate dynamic-belay high elements. Climbing towers are generally designed with three to five poles, thirty to sixty feet in height. The objective of most towers is to challenge the individual’s perceived limits and fear of heights. Climbing “structures” generally offer shorter routes, maximizing the number of opportunities for participants to climb, and focus on technical skill development. Both structures can be built with fixed or modular holds and specialty features–bulges, overhangs, slabs–can be added to vary the level of complexity. Interior staircases and roof structures are also a possibility. Climbing surfaces can be built with planks, textured wood panels, or imitation rock paneling.

Due to the number of options available, it is difficult to present an accurate idea of costs. After pole installation, a forty-foot, three pole tower is likely to cost between $18,000 and $36,000 depending on the number of climbing walls, vertical belay ropes course elements, type of belay, and wall features. For each additional pole, add $5000 to $8,000 more. Roofs, observation decks, steel stair cases, and other features like leaning and twisting designs can add considerable costs to the installation and design.

Indoor Climbing Walls

There are a variety of surfaces that indoor walls can be constructed from: 1) climbing holds attached to cinder block walls, 2) climbing holds attached to textured wood panels, 3) Modular panel systems, and 4) Imitation Rock.

Cinder Block Walls: Attaching climbing holds to a cinder block wall is the most cost effective method of building a climbing wall. Some features–bulges, flares, overhangs–can be included depending on the structure of the wall. Climbing holds are permanently anchored; it is recommended that modular systems not be used. The cost of a climbing wall with 4 to 6 climbing routes would generally be $5000 to $8000 before including safety equipment. Costs can range from $10-$20/sq. foot.

Textured Wood Paneling: Climbing walls built with textured wood paneling offer much greater flexibility. Additional features like overhangs, bulges, slabs, cracks, flares, and flakes can be added to offer additional challenges and variety. Holds are most often modular and can be moved to adjust routes and offer new challenges to programs that have returning customers or varying populations. The general cost of an indoor 4 to 6 route climbing wall can range from $18,000 to $35,000 before safety equipment is included. Costs generally range from $28-$45sq. foot depending on the complexity of the structure, height, and type of texturing used.

Modular Panels: Modular panel walls can be constructed off steel or occasionaly wooden frames. Additional features like overhangs, bulges, cracks, flares, flakes, and pockets can be easily added. Holds are most often modular, secured with bolts. The cost of modular panels can vary greatly depending on the structure required to hold them, height of the structure, and type of panel purchased. Costs generally range from $45-$70/sq. foot.

Imitation Rock: Using the same technology that is used in landscaping and amusement park structures, imitation rock surfaces simulate real rock. Anchors can be added so that additional modular holds can be placed or removed if desired, or the wall can be used "as is." A variety of features can be added and structures can be themed to add to the ambience of settings. Costs generally range from $65-$80/sq. foot. Complicated features and structures are not included in this price.

 

For more information on our challenge course consulting and development services, please call
(248) 481-2568 or visit us on the web at our main site, http://www.adventuresmithinc.com.