World's Highest Outdoor Building Climb To Open In NYC Atop ... - 6sqft

Leaning over the “Apex,” All photos courtesy of Edge

If simply standing on the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere isn’t enough of a thrill, how about scaling the outside of a supertall skyscraper? On Tuesday, Edge, the 100th-floor sky deck that opened at 30 Hudson Yards last spring, debuted “City Climb,” a ticketed adventure that challenges visitors to cross a series of open-edged outdoor platforms and stairs along the top of the tower, which stands over 1,200 feet tall. When it officially opens on November 9, City Climb will become the highest external building climb in the world.

“The Stair”

Led by trained guides, climbers are strapped in a safety harness and secured throughout the course, with two cables attached to a trolley that moves with the climber, according to a press release.

As part of the experience, participants climb 32 steps to the “Cliff” and look down to the city 1,190 feet below, scale 161 steps at a 45-degree incline at the “Stair,” and end at the “Apex,” a 1,271-foot platform where visitors can lean out and hang over the platform.

The total experience takes between 90 minutes to two hours, with climbers spending 45 minutes on the course itself. Those just visiting Edge will be able to see the City Climb participants lean out over the Apex above them.

“The Cliff

“City Climb quite literally shouts from the rooftops that tourism is back in New York City and there has never been a more exciting time to visit,” Jeff T. Blau, chief executive of Related Companies, said. “This is an adventure unlike anything the City has seen before, and we are thrilled to welcome the world to an experience of a lifetime.”

Starting November 9, City Climb will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with hours subject to change seasonally. Available to purchase starting Tuesday, tickets cost $185. The tickets include the climbing experience, Edge entrance, and a digital image.

Note, there are several rules for participants. The experience requires guests to be aged 13 and older, weigh at least 65 pounds, and have a blood-alcohol reading below 0.080 in order to participate. All participants will be breathalyzed during check-in, according to the FAQ page for the experience.

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All photos courtesy of Edge