Description
The new Breathtaker Alpine Coaster at Aspen Snowmass that opened on December 10th 2017 - right before Snowmass 50th Anniversary - is an exciting option for everyone looking for something to do that maybe is not skiing. Who has not always wanted to race through a mile of alpine forest? Situated adjacent to the Elk Camp Restaurant in Snowmass Village, the alpine slides is to operate during both the winter and summer months. Riders will be able to experience the ride during the day and sometimes even at night during Ullr Nights and special holidays.
Wind Your Way Down
As part of a $10 million on-mountain adventure center, it is quite a thrill as riders wind their way through over a mile of evergreen forest on an elevated track, that is raised above the snow, at speeds of up to 28mph/45kph. 5,800 feet of track were being installed between the trees on Gunners View and Sandy Park.
The ride on the coaster, which drops 400 vertical feet, takes about 7 to 9 minutes to complete, depending on your speed and braking. Yes, you got that right: it is up to the driver to monitor their speed and control the braking. Of course there are rules not to be broken. There is a certain safe distance between the sled of the rider and the one behind oder the one in front that is to be maintained.
Driver Requirements
Everyone who is totally into thrills should thus purchase the Activities Pass, which is $49 per person and provides access to a 2-hour coaster and tubing session. Drivers must be 16 years or older to pilot the sled with a passenger. Moreover, they must be between 54 inches and 84 inches tall (137-213 cm). Passengers must at least be 38 inches tall (97 cm) and definitely be shorter than the driver.
While the ride itself can be a magic experience, it is always only as good as the person in front of you, which means that if you have to slow your sled down by hiiting the brakes to keep distance between you and the sled ahead, the ride will probably not be too exciting.
How to get there
As the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster is situated at Aspen Snowmass, the closest airports are Aspen County Airport, Eagle County Regional Airport and Denver International Airport. You may want to book shuttles, use ground transportation or get a rental car; However, there are so many possibilities to make it to Snowmass. By car, you just have to take the I-70 and afterwards change onto the 82. You will find some free parking lots like the Town Park Stations right in Snowmass Village.
