If you've ever been to Las Vegas you'll probably be familiar with Stratosphere, the 1,149-foot-tall hotel and casino that towers above the famous Strip. If you're the adventurous type, you'd also know there's some fun to be had at the top in the form of three hair-raising amusement rides. Now there's a fourth. Claiming the title of the world's highest commercial decelerated descent, the SkyJump takes thrill-seekers on an 855-foot "controlled free-fall" at 40mph - think base jumping, but with a safety wire.
The SkyJump sees riders given a short safety lesson, suited up and hooked-up to a patented “descender machine" before taking the 100-story plunge off a small platform. As the ground approaches, the machine slows you down and brings you to a controlled landing - hopefully the only gambling will take place inside the casino... on the ground floor.
The whole process takes around 30 minutes and costs US $99.99 per jump.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring SkyJump Las Vegas to the Stratosphere,” said Frank Riolo, CEO of American Casino & Entertainment Properties. “This will not only be North America’s only skyjump, but also the highest skyjump in the world.”
The SkyJump is expected to open April of 2010 - if the other rides are anything to go by, my advice is to go at night... it's quite a view.
