The Best Alpine Slides For Summer

The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain in Big Bear Lake, California wraps through the San Bernardino Mountains, offering an attraction catered to locals and tourists alike. 

It’s a ride the resort heralds as “the only authentic bobsled experience in Southern California,” a reference to the ride’s construction that features highly banked turns and long straightaways and the individually controlled sleds. To partake, riders first load a chairlift to the top of the mountain, from where they can choose between two quarter-mile-long cement tracks. Throughout the course, riders are able to control their speed, creating a tailored ride for a variety of skill levels and risk aversions. Prior to embarking, riders are presented with clear instructions to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all ages.

Another perk of the course is the alpine scenery surrounding it, making a speed check well worth it to soak up the alpine ecosystem and striking San Bernardino Mountain landscape. After the ride, visitors can take advantage of the additional summer-based activities offered at the resort, including mini golf, a water slide, and go carts. 

At Park City, Utah’s eponymous mountain resort, there’s an alpine slide and a mountain coaster designed for thrill seekers, families, and nature lovers alike.

The alpine slide stands as one of the longest in the world at over 3,000 feet of luge-like track, and is set against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, an iconic mountain range best known for its world-class ski lines and mountain biking. The ride begins with a chairlift ride to the of the mountain, and visitors then have the choice of four different tracks, each offering variations of twists, turns, and straightaways. Carts are individually controlled, giving riders full autonomy on speed preference throughout the ride.

Park City Mountain Resort is also home to the mountain coaster, which is available as a stand-alone activity or via the “Double Play” pass—a single ticket that grants one ride on the alpine slide and one on the mountain coaster. Other summer activities include zip lines, hiking trails, and nearby mountain biking. 

At Park City, Utah’s eponymous mountain resort, there’s an alpine slide and a mountain coaster designed for thrill seekers, families, and nature lovers alike.

The alpine slide stands as one of the longest in the world at over 3,000 feet of luge-like track, and is set against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, an iconic mountain range best known for its world-class ski lines and mountain biking. The ride begins with a chairlift ride to the of the mountain, and visitors then have the choice of four different tracks, each offering variations of twists, turns, and straightaways. Carts are individually controlled, giving riders full autonomy on speed preference throughout the ride.

Park City Mountain Resort is also home to the mountain coaster, which is available as a stand-alone activity or via the “Double Play” pass—a single ticket that grants one ride on the alpine slide and one on the mountain coaster. Other summer activities include zip lines, hiking trails, and nearby mountain biking. 

Mt. Hood, Oregon is well established as a summer-skiing mecca. But there’s another way to slide down the slide of a mountain at Mt. Hood Ski Bowl. After a trip up the Scenic Sky chairlift, the Dual Alpine Slide races through the resort’s meadows before bringing riders back to Skibowl West. The course traverses half a mile, dropping 350 vertical feet over its duration.

And while the twists, straightaways, and banked turns create a course with merit, the Dual Alpine Slide’s best feature is in its duality: two tracks running side-by-side. Go with a friend or family member for time trials or to take in the sights of the surrounding Cascades—either way, it’s a ride designed to be as socially uplifting as it is thrilling.

After testing the turns of the Dual Alpine Slide, visitors can embark on the additional offerings at Mt. Hood Adventure Park, including go karting, disc golfing, or simply enjoying the Scenic Sky Chair. 

Amid the Bavarian-inspired town of Leavenworth, Washington, sits the state’s first alpine coaster: The Tumwater Twister Alpine Slide. The slide, which traverses 2,700 feet and drops 234 vertical feet, is the main attraction of the Leavenworth Adventure Park that opened in June 2023.

The Tumwater Twister offers a unique way to experience the beauty of Leavenworth. The course runs for an average of about four minutes, giving riders ample chance to soak in the stunning views of the town of Leavenworth, the Wenatchee River Rapids, Icicle Ridge, and Tumwater Canyon. The combination of speed and scenery makes this ride a must-try for both locals and visitors.

After the ride ends, visitors can extend their adventure by exploring other exciting features of the park. The climbing wall provides a challenging activity for those looking to test their skills, while the bungee trampoline offers a fun and exhilarating experience for all ages.

Pigeon Forge and nearby Gatlinburg, Tennessee offer three alpine slides and mountain coasters worth putting on the summer bucket list.

The first, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster stretches for about a mile and spans an average of seven to eight minutes to complete. After a gradual ascent on the coaster, riders begin their descent and can reach speeds of 27 miles per hour, a choice individuals can control via each cart’s handbrakes. The course winds through Tennessee's lush mountains and strikingly green landscapes, and even stays open in the event of rain.

Pigeon Forge is also home to the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster, a nine-plus minute ride that also stretches approximately a mile long. The course treks through the Smoky Mountains, offering 360-degree views of the course’s surroundings.

Six minutes south of Pigeon Forge in Gatlinburg, the Ripley’s Mountain Coaster  completes the trifecta. It’s a five to six minute ride that circles and swoops through the park, providing those classic views of the Smoky Mountains. The park offers single or double carts, giving riders the chance to buddy up for the course or experience thrills on their own terms. 

Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a family-run and operated business located in Banner Elk, North Carolina. The ride travels 3,160 feet through twists, turns, and loops, giving riders a chance to max out their speed at 27 miles per hour while enjoying the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain scenery.

Unlike some of the more northern-based alpine slides, the Wilderness Run takes full advantage of its warmer locale and operates year-round, offering a unique experience in every season. The carts are designed to sit one adult or one adult and one child, making the Banner Elk location a family-friendly stop on the summer vacation tour or a fun-filled adventure during a winter getaway.

The coaster’s design ensures reliable, individual braking systems that allow riders to control their speed. This versatility makes it suitable for adrenaline junkies looking for a high-speed descent and families looking to cruise. 

Located near the popular destinations of Glacier National Park, Whitefish, and Kalispell, Montana, the Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster is home to the first and only alpine slide in Montana. The course runs for roughly 4,000 feet and begins with about 1,000 feet of ascension before visitors embark on the downhill. Estimated ride time runs for approximately seven to nine minutes.

Blast through the wilderness at speeds topping out at 27 miles per hour, or take a more scenic-friendly speed to soak in the nuances of the forested surroundings throughout the ride. For those looking to participate with a large group, Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster offers private sessions outside their standard operating hours, giving riders a chance to absorb the beauty and fun of the slide without waiting for any lines.

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