Once the snow has melted off the slopes, the joys of swooshing and bumping down the Rocky Mountains are gone. Or are they? While not an athletic activity like alpine skiing and snowboarding are, riding an alpine slide or mountain coaster can fill your need for speed in the summer months.
My first reaction to riding an alpine coaster in Colorado? Let’s do it again! The scenery is stunning from these rides and trip by trip, you’ll learn how to control your speed.
First, there’s a difference between an alpine slide and a mountain coaster, though the names do get mangled here and there. A mountain coaster is an apparatus like a roller coaster but it is lower to the ground than the rides you see at amusement parks. Riders sit in a cart that is attached to rails. An alpine slide is what it sounds like: a giant slide on a mountain. Think of a bobsled, with a shallow seat for one or two riders. Both alpine slides and coasters are powered by your momentum – no mechanics or water involved.
If slides and coasters aren’t enough activity for you, many of the state’s high country playgrounds offer other summer fun: go-karts, zip lines, chairlift rides, downhill mountain biking, ropes courses and more. Activity passes available at some resorts allow you to try multiple options in a day.
Aspen/Snowmass
The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster is part of Lost Forest, an outdoor activity center for summer adventurers. The coaster takes riders on a mile-long journey. It is even open on select nights. If you miss it in summer, you can ride this coaster in winter. The views are fantastic in any season.
The elevated track has several tight turns and curves that can take riders up to 28 mph, though speed and braking is controlled by the driver of each sled. The ride is a speedy whip through the evergreens and it is low enough to the ground for those afraid of heights.
Lost Forest also offers a zip line, ropes courses, a challenge course, and a gondola ride up the mountainside. Tickets cost $54-$229, depending on how many activities are included and the age of participants.
Breckenridge
You can enjoy a coaster ride this summer at Breckenridge Ski Resort. You’ll enjoy a leisurely and scenic ride up to the base of Peak 8 on the gondola, then walk to the coaster and strap in for the ride. As you zip down the track enjoy views of the empty ski runs covered in green.
The GoldRunner Alpine Coaster’s 2,500-foot track winds through the forest and includes two 360-degree spirals and the chance to hit 27 mph. The spirals provide a thrill as you whoosh down the mountain. It goes quickly, with the top-to-bottom ride time being all of 60 seconds.
Note: Construction on one of the ski resort’s chairlifts will limit the days the coaster runs in summer 2023. The nearby alpine slide will be closed this year.
The alpine slide is actually three slides, each 2,600 feet long and with carts that allow the rider some control over speed. For those planning ahead to next year, solo riders on the slide must be at least 48 inches tall, and riders who are 35-48 inches tall must have a driver who is at least 16 years old.
Epic passes can be used in summer, with discounts on these rides and other amenities, so if you have one, put it to use. Most activities on the mountain will be open for summer 2023, officials say. Summer prices have not been released.
Copper Mountain
The Rocky Mountain Coaster is one of North America’s longest alpine coasters. It covers 5,800 feet of track and offers the chance to hit 25 mph. This coaster runs year-round, depending on weather conditions. You’ll start your ride at the base, next to the American Flyer lift. The first part of this ride is thick in the trees. Then it opens up, with mountain views.
Children must be at least 3 years old and 36 inches tall to ride this coaster. The driver must be 16 or older. Visitors choose between buying a single activity ticket ($10-$35) or a pass ($79) that includes a ride on the coaster. A family pass ($249) includes four rides on the coaster (taken by one to four people).
Durango
The Inferno Mountain Coaster at Purgatory Ski Resort near Durango races 40 feet off the ground in some places, crossing trestles built on a steep hillside and giving riders epic views as they whiz along 4,000 feet of track. Like other alpine coasters, the speed of this ride is controlled by the rider. All riders must be at least 8 years old.
The alpine slide at Purgatory has two side-by-side tracks on which you can zip along for about a half-mile with the wind in your hair. Kids as young as 6 can ride solo.
Both rides are included with a summer day ticket (prices will be released soon). Single rides are available.
Glenwood Springs
The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park overlooks the town of Glenwood Springs and offers activities for various levels of thrill-seekers. The alpine coaster takes riders whooshing along 3,400 feet of track with views all around. Then it slowly pulls you back to the starting point. Riders must be at least 3 years old and 38 inches tall to ride. Watch for summer prices. This ride is included in the park’s Funday Pass.
Those seeking more screams can ride the Defiance roller coaster, with its 102.3-degree freefall, inversions and loops. The Cliffhanger roller coaster lives up to its name with cliff-hanging drops as riders swerve around the bends. These are traditional roller coasters. The Glenwood Canyon Flyer and the Giant Canyon Swing offer different types of wild rides atop Iron Mountain.
Steamboat Springs
Although the Outlaw Mountain Coaster is permanently closed, the Howler Alpine Slide is open for summer thrills in Steamboat. Soak in a gorgeous view of town as you ride the chairlift up the mountain, then off you go on one of two side-by-side tracks winding down 2,400 feet on famed Howelsen Hill. My first ride seemed over before I could totally appreciate it, so I was ready to go again. And again.
Tickets are sold at the the hill. Summer 2023 prices have not been released.
Vail
Vail Resort’s Forest Flyer mountain coaster offers 3,400 feet of thrills and some of the best mountain views in Colorado. You’ll access the coaster by riding the scenic gondola. After your ride, you chug back up in your sled for another ride down.
For those who like their thrills a little closer to the ground, tubing down a 330-foot hillside is offered in Vail in summer. Go spinning round and round in the comfort of your cushioned tube.
Tickets – single rides and multiple activities – are available online and in person. Prices for 2023 will be available soon. Each activity has its own height, weight, and age restrictions, so read the details of each ticket, package and pass.
Winter Park
Winter Park Resort offers a summer toboggan ride, or alpine slide, that is promoted as the longest in Colorado at 3,000 feet. You’ll feel like a kid again as the grooved course carries you through a meadow with few trees.
Buy tickets online for a discount. Prices range from $59 to $72 ($54 to $67 for kids 5-12), which gives you access to multiple activities. Kids 4 and younger pay $11.
Estes Park
A former horse riding trail was turned into the path for an alpine coaster a few years ago in Estes Park. The ride, called Mustang Mountain, opened in 2021.
Don’t be fooled by the relatively gentle start. The fun begins with the first right turn, and the ride increases in momentum as it progresses. Trees are sparse along the track, so be prepared to enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains.
The cost is $20 per ride or $35 for a three-ride pass and people under 54 inches tall get unlimited rides for $10. Check online for current hours and conditions as high winds, lightning and other issues can interfere with operations.
Our experience with these rides proves that even in summer big kids and little kids can fulfill their need for speed in the mountains.
