SkyJump Las Vegas

SkyJump Las Vegas Description

What do the Las Vegas Strip and skydiving have in common? 

For one, both can be adventurous, daring and downright crazy. Can you imagine if these two were combined? 

That's where the Stratosphere comes in. 

Similar to skydiving, SkyJump Las Vegas can be described as a "controlled free fall," with riders attached to a vertical zip line. Brave souls dive 855 feet from the 108th floor of the Stratosphere tower to a landing mat on the ground. During this ride, you'll soar at 40 miles per hour. The breeze you feel while descending down to the ground is like no other. 

Before the jump, you'll be given a short safety lesson and fitted into a jumpsuit. Next, you'll be connected to a patented "descender machine." One of the guides will lead you to the edge of a small platform. Here is where you'll leap out and plunge 100 stories down to the ground. 

Believe it or not, you don't really experience that queasiness in your stomach that you instantly get from a steep roller coaster drop. Sure, you might feel the butterflies before your leap (especially when you have to scoot your toes off the platform's edge), but once you take that step, it's smooth sailing. 

If you're still feeling apprehensive, this might bring you peace of mind -- guide wires will keep you from straying off course. In addition, right before reaching the ground the machine slows down, giving you more than enough time to prepare for a safe landing. The landing process is actually easier than getting off a ski lift. Once you land, you'll feel such a rush -- you'll want to run up and do it again. Bonus: If you're able to keep your eyes open during the thrill ride, you'll catch a remarkable view of the Las Vegas Strip.

Still too scared to go? Watching your friends take the plunge can be just as fun. Well...not really. Nothing can compare to actually taking the leap, so this is something everyone should experience. Besides, how many people can say they jumped from one of the tallest towers in the country? Put your scaredy-cat feelings aside and just do it. 

The first SkyJump opened in New Zealand. SkyJump Las Vegas will be the only SkyJump in North America, as well as the highest one in the world. 

-- Review by Jeannie Borbe