Many people that come to NY or even live here, have no idea of the beautiful upstate New York’s nature scene is. One of our Contributors, Marcela Brasil, decided to go upstate – border with Vermont – for a thrilling and adventurous experience: Skydiving in New York!
Many people that come to NY for the first time, or that dream about coming to visit this beautiful concrete jungle, and even people that have been here countless times, have no idea of the beauty of upstate New York.
The drive is breathtaking with surprising views – so different from the City. Plus, places are not as far as you might initially think. You can hike, bike, practice for your upcoming marathon, picnic, do kayaking, camp and a huge list of other activities.
Renting a car is far from being a hassle, since it’s quite easy with rates as low as $50-$60/day, or even rates of $150/day (not bad at all!) for cars like Range Rovers and Porsche Cayenne, with our Partners, to drive in great style!
Take a look at what Marcela thought about her exciting skydiving experience:
“Door is open,” the pilot said. From the tiny airplane window all I could see were clouds. It was cold and windy, and I am not going to lie: I wanted to give up. But…it was too late as I could hear the clinging of the hooks that would hold the instructor and I together. Each click, making the latches tighter and tighter.
I was already high up in the sky, wearing a bulky unflattering skydiving suit and getting ready for the big jump into Champlain Valley, in upstate New York.
Suddenly, I was free falling from 12,000 feet above the ground. It lasted nearly a minute, but it definitely felt longer.
Back flips and a few 360-degree free-fall turns to spicy it up a bit were part of the show, as if skydiving itself wasn’t radical enough.
The fear of the free fall disappeared as I started appreciating the mind-blowing view of the North Country and its picturesque and beautiful landscapes. All I could feel up there was an inexpressible sensation of peace and freedom, as I felt fully isolated from the world.
New York State is way bigger than the crazy Big Apple, with its endless skyscrapers and overcrowded touristic spots. Whoever desires to see breathtaking landscapes, a quick drive to places located in upstate New York is essential.
I lived for many years in Plattsburgh, a four-hour drive from New York City, and located nearby the Canadian border. Upstate New York was the place I chose to skydive, and this choice couldn’t have been better. The North Country’s scenic views definitely sets an impression to anyone.
Driving upstate is so far the most beautiful drive I ever did — and I’ve driven all through the West Coast before! It doesn’t matter which season it is, I am sure you will be as amazed, as I always am. My favorite season to enjoy the driving view is the Fall, since you can experience the colorful fall foliage from far up.
Talking about seasons, skydiving is a different experience depending on the season as well. Due to super low temperatures, it is usually closed during the Winter and early Spring.
When I skydived, it was during the first few weeks into Fall, and the leaves were still pretty green. I am planning on doing it again but, this time, as soon as the leaves start falling. I am sure it will be a thrilling experience, too!
Whenever I get overwhelmed from the busy New Yorker life, I get a car and drive North to clear up my mind or to just breathe some fresh air.
I’m sure I’m not alone on these urges!
If that doesn’t work, I’ll put on a bulky flight suit, pretend I’m not afraid of height and simply jump out of an airplane from 12,000 feet, and disconnect with the world to reconnect with my inner self.
Below are a few places you can contact to Skydive upstate, but the one I went to was Malone Parachute Club.
I paid $220 for the jump and it was worth every-single-dollar! There are other prices/options too.
So, you might want to add onto your bucket list: Skydiving in New York!
If you’d like our expert’s assistance to organize a special weekend for you and your friends & family, let us know how we can be of help. For company gatherings, team building experiences and other purposes, let us create something unique for you and your team!
The Blue Sky Ranch
Gardiner Airport
55 Sand Hill Road
Gardiner, NY 12525
Tel: 845-255-9538
https://skydivetheranch.com
Saratoga Skydiving Adventures
288 Brownville Rd
Gansevoort, NY 12831
Tel: 518-895-8140
saratogaskydive.com
Western New York Skydiving
Pine Hill Airport
4906 Pine Hill Road
Albion, NY 14411
Tel: 716-597-7393
wnyskydiving.com
Malone Parachute Club
629 Airport Rd
Highgate Center, VT 05459
Tel: 802-868-9444
maloneparachuteclub.com
Photo Credits: Courtesy of William Klein for Harpers Bazaar (feature image) and Do North Magazine
*Last Update on March/2020.*
