One of BCBusiness Magazine’s top 30 under 30 young professionals lives and innovates right here in the Columbia Valley.

Patrick Tolchard, the 29-year-old founder and co-owner of Valley Zipline Adventures, spoke with the Pioneer on his way home from the BCBusiness Magazine awards ceremony that was held in Vancouver last week.

Mr. Tolchard was honoured to receive the award and to have his family accompany him to the ceremony. He credits his family for their support and encouragement as Valley Zipline Adventures moved from a dream into reality.

His business partner Krista Berg also played a vital role.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without her,” he said.

Mr. Tolchard first tried ziplining in 2011 and was hooked. Six years later – in July 2017 – Valley Zipline Adventures opened outside Radium Hot Springs.

Last season, Valley Zipline Adventures welcomed over 3,800 zippers and raked in over $100,000 in its first five weeks of operation.

“Definitely it’s a rush and it’s fast,” Mr. Tolchard said, speaking about the zipline course as well as about his role in running the operation.

“Last year every day was adrenaline, just running,” he said.

Valley Zipline Adventures will open for the 2018 season on May 1st. Mr. Tolchard said he hopes to welcome twice as many guests this year.

In addition to the ziplining course, he and Ms. Berg are adding a freestanding 38-foot rock climbing wall that will include a jump-off spot for the bravest climbers. He said he expects the climbing wall to open in July.

For more information about Valley Zipline Adventures and the thrills that await, visit www.valleyzip.com.