Ski resorts stay busy throughout summer by offering gondola rides, downhill mountain biking, and now roller coasters. A number of mountain resorts around the world have built roller coasters which wind through gorgeous alpine scenery at speeds of up to 26 miles per hour and vertical drops of 1,000 feet or more. These coasters are single seaters, so you’ve always got the best view.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
This coaster will open in May 2016 at Revelstoke Mountain Resort in British Columbia, Canada. This single-track coaster drops 279 vertical meters (915 feet) over 1.4 km (0.87 miles) of high-speed rail. It runs across ski runs, between glades, and through a tunnel all the way to the finish line in the Resort Village.
Park City Alpine Coaster
Park City’s Alpine Coaster operates year-round as evident by this video taken in the snow and 1° F degree weather. Just remember to button up and wearing a ski mask might help.
Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster
There’s not much snow in the Smoky Mountains but there’s plenty of elevation to build a thrilling mountain coaster, as evidenced by the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster. It claims to be the longest coaster in the United States with over a mile of mountain track.
Funbob – Adventure Park Cimone
The Funbob mountain toboggan is located in Italy and winds through the Valle del Cimone winter ski resort. It runs on a single rail with a center brake that can be operated by one adult or an adult and child rider. You can enjoy the look of terror in riders as they watch your tobaggan fly underneath their chairlift on the way up.
Tobotronc at Naturlandia
The longest track in the world is the Tobotronc at Naturlandia in Andorra. It covers 3.3 miles and has an elevation drop of 1,312 feet. It descends through the La Rabassa Forest and in a ride lasting more than five minutes.
Alpine Coaster Glacier 3000
The highest alpine coaster in the world is the Alpine Coaster of Glacier 300 in Gstaad, Switzerland. The ride begins at 9,747 feet and covers 3,300 feet through the snow and ice.