RCI Adventure Products
- Founded
- 1989-01-01 in United States
- Headquarters
- Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA
RCI Adventure Products is a privately held global leader in the design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation of harnessed and unharnessed aerial adventure attractions. Founded in 1989 by Jim Liggett after he operated his first zip line course in 1982, the company grew from a passion for ropes courses into a full‑spectrum adventure‑product supplier trusted by more than 1,000 venues across 30+ countries. Over 100 million participants have experienced RCI‑built attractions, which include high and low ropes courses, zip rails, climbing walls, netted adventure trails, and multi‑story play structures. The company’s portfolio features branded product lines such as Sky Trail, Sky Tykes, Sky Rail, Clip ’n Climb climbing walls, Amaze’n Mazes, Adventure Trail, and the Destination Series of multi‑attraction hubs. RCI is known for its patented overhead tracking systems, redundant safety slinglines, and 100% custom engineering – every installation is tailored to the client’s space, budget, and audience. After nearly four decades of operation, the company rebranded from Ropes Courses, Inc. to RCI Adventure Products in 2022 to better reflect its expanding product range while retaining the same ownership, leadership, and operational roots. RCI markets itself as a lifetime partner, offering training, inspections, maintenance, and element refreshes long after installation. Clients range from Disney and Norwegian Cruise Lines to independent campgrounds and the Mall of America.
Detailed Review
History
RCI Adventure Products was founded in 1989 by Jim Liggett, who had already operated his first zip line course in 1982. The company began as Ropes Courses, Inc., focusing on custom high and low ropes courses. Over the next three decades, it expanded into a vertically integrated manufacturer handling everything from concept design through installation and lifecycle support. In 2022, the company rebranded to RCI Adventure Products to better reflect its broader product ecosystem beyond traditional ropes courses. Despite the name change, ownership, leadership, and headquarters remain unchanged, and the company continues to operate from its Pennsylvania manufacturing facility.
Business Model
RCI is one of the few fully vertically integrated adventure attraction manufacturers. It handles all stages in-house: design, engineering, fabrication, installation, and ongoing training, inspections, and maintenance. The company sells directly to venue operators—ranging from theme parks and cruise lines to family entertainment centers and campgrounds—and does not rely on external funding, having grown organically since its founding. RCI’s attractions are engineered to meet ASTM and EN standards, and all hardware is proprietary. The company claims its systems require only 1–2 operators per level, positioning itself as a low-labor-cost option for high-throughput venues.
Products and Brands
RCI’s flagship product is Sky Trail, a modular, multi-level, harnessed high-ropes course that can expand vertically and horizontally. For younger children, Sky Tykes offers a low-height, unharnessed course. Sky Rail is a modern zip-rail system capable of curved and sloped paths. The company is an exclusive partner in many regions for Clip ’n Climb, an interactive climbing wall system from New Zealand. Amaze’n Mazes are netted, multi-level puzzle mazes, while Adventure Trail is an unharnessed, net-based aerial trail. The Destination Series packages multiple attractions into a turnkey hub. RCI also builds fully custom ropes courses tailored to any space.
Market Position and Clients
RCI has installed attractions at more than 1,000 venues in over 30 countries, with over 100 million participants. Notable clients include Disney, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and the Mall of America. The company competes with other adventure attraction manufacturers such as Adventure Tower, Bonsai Design, and Ropes Course Specialists. Its differentiation lies in proprietary safety systems, custom engineering, and lifetime support. The rebrand in 2022 signaled a strategic shift toward a broader product identity, but the company remains privately held and owner-operated.
Recent News and Strategy
RCI has continued to expand its product lines and geographic reach. The company emphasizes safety innovation and low operational costs for venue operators. It regularly updates its training programs and offers element refreshes to keep attractions current. No recent M&A activity or external investment has been reported.
Key Products
Sky Rail
Modern zip‑rail system that offers a smooth, guided gliding experience; can be curved or sloped.
Destination Series
Turnkey multi‑attraction hubs that combine a Sky Trail, Sky Rail, Clip ’n Climb, and other elements into one branded package.
Custom Ropes Courses
Fully bespoke high‑ and low‑ropes courses tailored to a venue’s space, theme, and budget.
Sky Trail
The world’s most sought‑after high ropes course; modular, multi‑level, harnessed adventure course with patented safety tracking.
Sky Tykes
Low‑height, unharnessed ropes course for young children (typically ages 3–8).
Clip ’n Climb
Interactive climbing wall system featuring themed challenges and auto‑belay devices; RCI is a licensed manufacturer/partner.
Amaze’n Mazes
Netted, multi‑level puzzle maze attraction that encourages crawling, climbing, and problem‑solving.
Adventure Trail
Unharnessed, net‑based aerial trail for all ages; designed for free‑flow movement without harnesses.
Key Persons
- Jim Liggett
Founder & President