Mountain coaster

The Alpine coaster at the Eifelpark in Germany

A mountain coaster or alpine coaster is a gravity driven amusement ride with bobsled-like cars on tracks installed on a mountain. It is similar to alpine slides where a low-wheeled sled is used to navigate the track, but instead of running over a smooth concave tracks like the alpine slide, alpine coasters run on rails with up-stop wheels like roller coasters. Thus, an alpine coaster is safer and faster than an alpine slide, as it is prevented from overturning when going too fast on a curve. Tracks are tubular rails, like a steel roller coasters, while some have monorail-type tracks. Unlike a roller coaster, the rider has the capability to control the car's speed with its rider-controlled brake system. Alpine coasters can also operate year-round, even through light rain and snow.[1]

Safety features, speed, tracks and layout vary by manufacturer. Leading makers of mountain coasters (with trade marks in parenthesis) include Wiegand (Alpine Coaster),[2] Brandauer (Summer Toboggan),[3] Alpine Products (Alpine Mountain Coaster),[4] and Erbschloe Fun Construct (Rolba Bob).[5]

As of 2007, the longest alpine coaster in the world is Tobotronc at Naturlandia in the tiny Principality of Andorra in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. It is 5.3 km long.[6] The highest alpine coaster in the world is the Alpine Coaster of Glacier 3000 in Gstaad, Switzerland with the starting elevation of 9,747 feet (2,971 m) and a length of 3,300 feet (1,000 m).[7]

History

The predecessor to the mountain coaster is the alpine slide, which came out in the 1970s. Wiegand, a German company in Rasdorf, installed the first stainless steel tracks for the alpine slide in 1975 rather than the customary fiberglass or concrete tracks. The company later developed the first mountain coasters in 1997. Josef Wiegand, the owner, envisioned the idea of creating a roller coaster-type ride for ski resorts that would take advantage of the topography of the land, rather than building the structure to create the elevation changes that traditional roller coasters require. The company installed its first coaster under the "Alpine Coaster" trademark in 1997.[8]

A contradicting account shows that Brandauer installed its first "Summer Toboggan" in 1996 at the Karkogel Resort in Abtenau, Austria.[9][10]

In 2007, Alpine Products, one of the largest manufacturer of alpine slides, entered the market with its "Alpine Mountain Coaster". The company is the first maker to add an anti-collision system that detects cars ahead, warns, and stops the cars when needed, among other safety features.[2]

Tracks

Most mountain coasters are installed by ski resorts as an added year-round attraction, or installed seasonally to augment income during summer months. The latter have easily removable tracks that are placed over the ski runs after the ski season.[3] All mountain coaster tracks are devised for easy installation, with minimal impact to the topsoil and environment, as most tracks are built close to the ground, taking advantage of the natural elevation of the terrain. No concrete work is needed, except at the station.[11] Bridgework up to 5 metres (16 ft) tall is installed by manufacturers to negotiate roads, trails, ski slopes or water crossings.[12] Tracks are constructed of aluminum or stainless steel for low maintenance and durability.

Closed-loop tracks include a lift system during the course of the ride. Some coasters on ski resorts eliminate the long, tedious climb up to the top by utilizing the resort's ski lift to take riders to the top of the course, so the riders can enjoy a longer one-way downhill run back to the station.[13] Mountain coasters erected as rides in amusement parks are usually closed-loop coasters.

Thrill elements on mountain coasters could include varying degrees of curves, dips and hairpin turns.[12] Large spiral circles (helixes) are not only used as a thrill element, but also for reducing elevation.[8]

Mechanics

The dips of the Wiegand Alpine coaster at the Eifelpark in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

Each sled accommodates one or two passengers and is controlled by a hand brakes located on both sides of the car, or a single brake lever in the middle of the car on Brandauer coasters. Riders are advised to place their hands on the brakes at all times for safety reasons.[14] Pulling the hand brake handle causes the cart to stop; pushing or letting go of the handle causes the brakes to release, allowing the cart to accelerate.[13]

Alpine coasters are unique among amusement park rides in that the rider has complete control over his or her speed and ride experience. Riders can opt for slower leisurely run or with minimal or no braking for faster thrilling rides.[15]

Safety

Safety nets along the closed loop of the Trapper Slider mountain coaster at Fort Fun Abenteuerland in Germany

Most cars are equipped with centrifugal brake system that controls its maximum speed by limiting the rotational speed of the run rollers. Riders are responsible to observe a safe distance as a common courtesy to the riders in front. Each car is equipped with shock-absorbing front and rear bumpers in case of collision, which occurs when riders are driving too fast and not leaving enough space for braking distance. Newer generation coasters are equipped with an anti-collision system that automatically apply the brakes if the rider gets too close to the car ahead.

To secure the riders on their seats, each car is equipped with a three-point safety belt for the rider and a lap belt for the passenger. Tracks also have safety nets, especially on steep curves, as a precaution.

Locations

Austria

Germany

Canada

Switzerland

United States

GoldRunner Coaster at Breckenridge Ski Resort

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mountain coaster.

References

  1. 1 2 "Frequently asked Questions". Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster. Retrieved on 2014-07-08.
  2. 1 2 "Alpine Coasters". Wiegand Sports USA. Retrieved on 2014-07-24.
  3. 1 2 "Summer Toboganning System". Brandauer. Retrieved on 2014-07-20.
  4. "Alpine Mountain Coaster". Aquatic Group. Retrieved on 2014-07-24.
  5. "Rolba Bob". Fun Construct. Retrieved on 2014-07-24.
  6. "Tobotronc".
  7. 1 2 "Alpine Coaster". Glacier 3000. Retrieved on 2014-07-08.
  8. 1 2 "All About Alpine Coasters". Coaster 101. Retrieved on 2014-07-17.
  9. "Alpine Coasters". AceOnline. Retrieved on 2014-07-24.
  10. "Referenzen (tab) > 'Österreich' ". Brandauer. Retrieved on 2014-08-17.
  11. "Rolba Bob Product Features". Fun Construct. Retrieved on 2014-07-25.
  12. 1 2 "About Alpine Slides & Alpine Coasters". Alpine Slide Directory. Retrieved on 2014-07-08.
  13. 1 2 deathbyillusion (2011-03-06). "Alpine Coaster Winter On-ride (Complete HD Experience) Park City Mountain Resort". YouTube. Retrieved on 2014-07-08.
  14. 1 2 "Alpine Coaster". Park City Mountain Resort. Retrieved on 2014-07-08.
  15. davidjellis (2011-12-03). "Long Alpine Coaster (Imst) - no brakes!". YouTube. Retrieved on 2014-07-08.
  16. "Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster". Blue Mountain. Retrieved on 2014-07-08.
  17. "Thrill Rides at Glenwood Cavern". Glenwood Cavern Adventure Park. Retrieved on 2014-07-08.
  18. "Alpine Mountain Coaster". Retrieved on 2014-07-09.
  19. "Alpine Mountain Coaster". Retrieved on 2016-03-23.
  20. "Mountain Adventure Park". Cranmore Mountain Adventure Park. Retrieved on 2014-07-08.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 Carlton, Lindsay (2011-10-04). "Mountain Coasters Add New Twist to Ski Slope Fun". FOX News. Retrieved on 2014-07-09.
  22. "Mountain Coaster". Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort. Retrieved on 2014-07-09.
  23. (2007-06-27). "Mountain Coaster: A people magnet at Jiminy Peak". Park World Online. Retrieved on 2014-07-09.
  24. http://www.aquaticgroup.com/news-and-updates/killington-ski-resort-partners-with-adg/ "Killington Ski Resort Partners with ADG"
  25. http://www.wptz.com/news/mountain-coaster-to-open-at-killington/34168344 "Mountain coaster to open at Killington Resort"
  26. "Mountain Coaster". Camelback Mountain Adventures. Retrieved on 2014-07-09.
  27. "Mountain coaster going up in the Poconos". WNEP The News Station. Retrieved on 2014-07-09.
  28. "Mountain Coaster". Attitash Mountain Resort. Retrieved on 2014-07-08.
  29. "The Nor’easter Mountain Coaster". Greek Peak Outdoor Center. Retrieved on 2014-07-09.
  30. "Activities - Alpine Coaster". Park City Mountain Resort. Retrieved on 2014-07-08.
  31. "Alpine Mountain Coaster". Retrieved on 2016-03-18.
  32. "Ski Mountain Coaster"
  33. "Sky High Mountain Coaster". Holiday Valley. Retrieved on 2014-07-09.
  34. "Mountain Coaster". Snowbird. Retrieved on 2014-07-09.
  35. "Mountain Coaster at Berkshire East". Berkshire East. Retrieved on 2014-10-12.
  36. "Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster". Okemo Mountain Resort. Retrieved on 2014-07-08.
  37. "Alpine Coaster". Spirit Mountain. Retrieved on 2014-07-08.
  38. "Mountain Coaster". Wisp Resort. Retrieved on 2014-07-08.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Sunday, April 24, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.