Top Weekend Getaway for RIT Students: Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures

As a student at RIT, I'm always excited to check out new places in Rochester, especially when friends from campus suggest them. Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures came up in our group chat not too long ago, and I couldn't help but see what all the fuss was about. Finding places like this makes college life more fun and memorable, whether it's a break from studying or just a reason to hang out with friends outside.

How I Found Out About Bristol Mountain

It all began when some friends posted pictures from their last trip on Instagram. The pictures of their zipline rides and aerial obstacle courses looked great. They talked about how much fun they had and how exciting it was to finish hard rope courses and fly over the trees. Hearing their first-hand stories about working together, having fun, and a little friendly competition made the place sound like a must-see for anyone who likes adventure and the outdoors.

How to Get There

Getting around was easy thanks to WhatsApp groups of students who shared rides. We all got together and took an Uber, which cost about $22 per person round-trip from RIT to Bristol Mountain. If you don't have a car, just going with a big group can help you save money and have more fun on the ride. As we left the city and the hills started to appear, the excitement grew. It was clear that something special was waiting for us ahead.

Prices and Information

Depending on the package you choose, most aerial adventure activities cost between $50 and $60. We chose to have access to all of the park's zipline and rope courses so that we could see everything. It's a good idea to plan on spending $75 to $85 for the day, including travel, snacks, etc. The park provides all the safety gear and training, and the staff is always there to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable before they start the higher elements. If you only want to try one feature, you can buy a single-attraction ticket.

Seeing Bristol Mountain

The mood was lively and friendly as soon as we got there. The main lodge and lift area are in the middle of green woods and adventure zones, which are great places to take pictures. With its climbing sections, swings, and high platforms, the aerial park tested both physical and mental skills. There are courses for all skill levels, from easy to very hard, so everyone in our group found one that was right for them. The guides were very excited, giving us advice when we were stuck, and getting us excited before the zipline.

Later, we all tried the zipline, which was the best part of the trip for everyone. The whole day, we were surrounded by beautiful scenery, like green trees, fresh mountain air, and the sounds of people cheering each other on. It was more than just a thrill ride; it was about pushing limits, making friends, and celebrating each other's big and small wins.

Final Thoughts and Advice

• Buy your tickets ahead of time, especially on weekends, when time slots fill up fast.
• You may want to bring your own gloves to make climbing more comfortable. You can rent gloves, but most people like to use their own. 
• Plan to bring your own water and snacks because there aren't many options on site, and they cost a lot.
• Bring a camera or phone with a safety mount (highly recommended) to take pictures. You'll want to remember the times you were at the top of the course and flying on the zipline. 
• If you want to save money, carpooling with a larger group can lower transportation costs even more. Sometimes, group bookings come with discounts.

RIT students who want to have fun outside close to campus should go to Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures. Don't be afraid to ask friends for suggestions, share travel costs, and try new things. You might find your next favorite weekend getaway!