Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Snyder.
Hi Casey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my work with Zip KC as a Scare Actor for their haunted trail experience, Exiled: Trail of Terrors, during their 2020 haunt season. It did not take long for me to fall in love with the experiences and events they hosted on the Zip KC grounds, and after two seasons working Exiled and a few KC Timber Challenges (5k Obstacle Course series), I trained to be a Zip Guide. Had I ever been ziplining before? Not at all. Was I afraid of heights? Yes, a little.
Being a scare actor during October and auxiliary staff during the Timber Challenges had given me enough experience with the company to know I wanted to be a Zip Guide, even if I hesitated to step off the edge. But my confidence was growing, I was thrilled to be learning new things every day, and I’m thankful now to have taken the leap to try something especially new.
When Manager applications opened up a couple months into my Zip Guide employment, I applied and was soon after trained for the leadership position. My involvement in Zip KC grew exponentially as I managed hiring new Zip Guides and scare actors the following season, picking up experience with reception, staff management, equipment inspections, course maintenance, and so, so much more. With each day, new opportunities arise to learn new skills, meet someone new on tour, or make new memories with the funniest people I’ve known–and with each year, new challenges and responsibilities to balance and learn from.
I’m thrilled where life has taken me these past several years and honored to have learned so much from my leadership and mentors. It’s been 2 years since I have taken on the role of Assistant General Manager, and right now I look forward to what I will learn in the latter half of the year and the experiences we will craft before it ends.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are a few notable challenges that we have encountered during the years, impacting Zip KC, its staff, and even patrons. Several years ago, COVID-19. Then, in the past few years, the increasing intensity of heat waves during the season has heightened the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke for both participants and guides–emphasizing the importance of heat acclimation and proper hydration and nutrition.
We challenged ourselves last season by hosting a new kind of experience–Horn and Hoof: A Macabre Pop-Up Bar & Gift Shop–and collaborating with the Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs, KS for their Knights of Lights event, running the zip line course Zip KC built there many, many years ago. Running these experiences in the Winter was a challenge for us–but a welcome one, as it brought a new opportunity and experience to our staff and patrons.
We’ve been impressed with Zip KC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The amount of passion behind each experience we offer out at Zip KC sets us apart from other adventure parks in the area. Our guided tours allow participants to enjoy the course without the responsibility of performing procedures or safety at height. Zip KC’s guides provide a personalized experience to each group while keeping safety at the forefront of their mind. They often leave impressions on tours and are mentioned in reviews left by patrons. We are very proud of our Zip Family!
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outdoor adventure, a group activity for the whole team, or just a way to stay active… Get your hiking shoes and come out to Zip KC! From ziplines, obstacles courses, to haunted trails and carnivals, we do it all year long!
We have over a mile of zip lining reaching speeds up to 55 mph! Our Kansas City Zip Line Ultimate Adventure Tour starts off with a short and scenic “Hike and Zip” off the bluffs of the Kansas River. Then, your adventure will continue onto our 65-foot tower! Soar 1/4 of a mile, continue zipping from tower-to-tower, then end with our one-of-a-kind ZERO GRAVITY line. The Ultimate Adventure Tour provides you with 3 hours of scenic views and heart-pumping action!
Our KC Timber Challenges is our 5k obstacle course mud run series! We have events year-round that are suitable for all fitness levels! Whether you’re looking to compete or just get out and have an exciting challenge and experience the woods – We’ve got it! Join us for our final 2026 Timber Challenge on Saturday, September 5th!
Don’t find ziplining scary enough? Exiled: Trail of Terrors & Carnival is a heart-pounding haunted forest experience that takes you deep into the dark, twisted outdoors–nestled deep in the woods at the home of Zip KC and the KC Timber Challenge. This isn’t just a casual stroll. It’s a heart-pounding trek through rugged, pitch-black terrain swarming with deranged inhabitants. Immerse yourself in a haunted carnival like no other, where the games bite back and the performers are just a little too eager to meet you. Twisted treats, eerie entertainment, and bone-chilling surprises await around every corner. We open every Friday and Saturday in October!
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is a daily goal. Every day I aim to succeed in one way or another – whether that relates to showing up and accomplishing goals for myself, helping others accomplish their goals, or success at work. In broader terms, success would be the completion of a goal with a favorable outcome. I have found it more important to recognize and celebrate our smaller successes. For many, that can be getting all the chores done around the house, having an empty kitchen sink, or simply taking care of ourselves.
As long as we show up for ourselves and do the best we can on any given day, that is a success.
Pricing:
- Ultimate Adventure Tour – $99/each
- Hike and Zip Tour – $55/each
- Tower Tour – $75/each
- Sunset Date Night Tour – $199 (2 Tickets)
- Night Flight Tour – $90
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zipkc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zipkc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zipkc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@infozipkc5493
- Other: adventure@zipkc.com
