13 replies to this topic

[Powdr]

A bit OT, but interesting nonetheless:

PCMR is building an Alpine Coaster the is summer. It's a mix between Alpine Slide & Roller Coaster. It solidifies PCMR's goal of diversifying into a more balanced summer/winter revenue stream. I heard somewhere that PCMR's summer traffic has increased 4 fold since 2000, and I believe it, based on the crowds you see to get up the Payday lift each day. It makes sense to try to create 4 seasons (or realistically, 2 seasons) out of what was once a 5 month buisiness. Any other resorts trying to do the same?

http://www.parkcitymountain.com/summer/act...ster/index.html

http://www.wiegandsl...aster-bobs.html

Powdr

[SkiBachelor]

There are several ski resorts that offer summer time activities, like Mt. Hood Ski Bowl, Blue Mountain, PA, Squaw Valley, etc.

[Peter]

Doppelmayr has gotten into this business with the "Mountain Glider"

From their site:

Doppelmayr builds world’s first Mountain Glider

Innovative amusement ride for Walibi attraction park in Belgium

Input Projektentwicklungs GmbH, a 100% subsidiary of the Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group, has sold the world’s first Mountain Glider to Walibi attraction park located near Brussels, Belgium. The contract was signed by DI Helmut Müller, general manager of Input, and Bill Muirhead, CEO of the Star Parks Group on the occasion of the IAAPA Attractions Expo in Atlanta. This pioneering innovation by Doppelmayr is a novel adventure tool which can be erected on the mountain and in amusement parks alike.

[maplevalleymaster]

That looks like fun. I need to try that

[Aussierob]

We have been running an alpine slide for several years at the base of Blackcomb. It is part of a larger family entertainment area with a mini golf course, maze, climbing wall, horse rides, bungy zone etc. It is a great summer attraction. We are also using Magic chair for a beginner/kids mountain bike park.

[Peter]

I remember that alpine slide, I got to the top and my sled wouldn't go. The operator came over and got mad at me for putting the brakes on too hard. After holding up the whole line, she lifted up the sled and found an old sock stuck in the wheel!

[NoPainNoJane]

The alpine coaster can be operated year round, might be a chilly ride in the winter, but I've seen them operated in the winter in Germany.

I'll be in Glenwood tomorrow riding the alpine coaster they have there, hopefully the rain holds off.

[skibum33]

The one at Glenwood is fun. It's way better (and smoother) than an alpine slide. The ride is extremely smooth and goes really fast if you want it to. The best thing is you don't have the hassle of carrying the cart, it stays on the track and takes you up, kinda like a roller coaster's lift hill. It's a blast, I would say it's a must if you are in the area this summer. The slide is located at the top of the mountain where the Glenwood Fairy Caves is, take the gondola up, and you will see the slide. They also have a cave tour (lots of fun), A "sling" chair that shoots you over the canyons edge (it's ok, but not great), and a zip line that I haven't been on because they were still building it when I was there last, but it looked really fun (they say it zips you to speeds of 30 mph in 1 minute!!!).

[Peter]

The Alpine Slide at Whistler also has a cable lift hill.

[WBSKI]

Does it Skier? I thought they used the Magic Chair. Your probably right.

[Peter]

When I was there a few years ago, it had a straght track up with a moving cable with hooks for the sleds. You got on at the bottom, rode up and never had to get off the sled until you were back at the bottom.

[WBSKI]

I will take a closer look this summer and maybe ride it and get some lift pictures.

[Aussierob]

The Westcoaster at Blackcomb has a straight uphill track with a haul rope for bringing the carts (with rider) up. We were thinking of extending it up and using Magic but all the condo owners objected.

[Peter]

It does need an extension, it seems really short. Does anyone know where the longest one is?