Aspen Snowmass in Colorado is home to the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, a gravity-powered mountain coaster that the whole family can enjoy.
If you’re interested in finding out more about this ride, then you have come to the right place!
This guide features everything you need to know about riding the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, including insider tips and advice, so keep reading to find out more.
Contents
- How Long is the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster?
- How Fast is the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster?
- What is a Mountain Coaster?
- Video
- Cost
- Operating Hours
- Rider Requirements
- Location and How To Get There
- Frequently Asked Questions
It should come as no surprise that we think alpine and mountain coasters are one of the best outdoor activities that you can do.
These rides combine the thrill of a high-speed roller coaster with some of the most beautiful locations in the world and the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster is no exception to that!
This alpine coaster operates in both summer and winter, with each season offering riders a completely unique experience.
How Long is the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster?
Reaching a speed of up to 28mp/h (45 km/h), the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster is over a mile long (1,609m) and offers riders an exhilarating ride with a 360-degree loop, drops and turns.
The total ride time is between 7 and 9 minutes.
The ride starts with a 2:30-minute cable-pulled ascent to the top. It’s a slow journey, but definitely worth the wait and the surrounding views are amazing.
At the top, the cart takes a turn to the left and the downhill section begins! Depending on your speed, the total ride time from top to bottom is about 1:40.
All alpine coasters are fitted with a manual brake, allowing riders to control the speed of their descent.
How Fast is the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster?
The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster can reach a maximum speed of 25 mp/h (40 km/h).
As a safety feature, this mountain coaster has an automatic braking system or speed restrictor that prevents the carts from going over the maximum speed.
In addition, this alpine coaster is fitted with a manual brake that lets riders control the speed of their descent.
If 25 mp/h (40 km/h) is too fast for you, you can slow the ride down to a speed that feels more comfortable.
The brake levers are located on either side of the cart. You pull them back to engage the brakes.
It doesn’t take long to get the hang of it and before you know it you’ll be cruising down the mountain.
What is a Mountain Coaster?
If you’re unfamiliar with mountain coasters (also known as alpine coasters), check out the post we wrote.
Mountain or alpine coasters are essentially gravity-powered roller coasters that use the natural contours of a mountain to provide riders with a thrilling downhill ride experience.
Mountain coasters are a fantastic activity that the whole family can enjoy. However, given the nature of this ride, there are age and height restrictions that apply, these have been detailed below.
A great feature of mountain coasters is that they offer the option of two seats. This is great for parents with children that are too young to go on the ride alone.
In addition, mountain coasters are equipped with a manual brake, enabling riders to adjust their descent speed. This unique feature allows riders to have greater control of their experience.
If things get a bit too fast for your liking you can apply the brake, if you’re more of the daredevil type then you can leave the brake untouched for maximum speed.
Another great feature of alpine coasters is that no prior experience or training is necessary. You can just jump in and enjoy the ride.
Breathtaker Alpine Coaster Video
One of the great things about alpine coasters is that many people have filmed their experiences.
These videos give you a good sense of what you can expect when you go on one of these rides.
Fortunately for us, the team at the Aspen Snowmass resort has put together some great video clips of the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster in both summer and winter.
The first one below is during the summer season. There is nothing quite like flying along an elevated track at 28 mp/h (45 km/h) in a setting like this.
It really is the perfect combination of an adrenaline rush and nature. This is definitely an activity to add to your “to-do list” when you are next in the area.
If you’re fortunate enough to be in Aspen Snowmass when they host the Ullr Nights then you might get a chance to ride the alpine coaster at night.
This is what you can expect!
How Much Does the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster Cost?
There are a number of ticket options to choose from which we have listed below.
Reservations to ride the alpine coaster are required.
Tickets can be purchased at any ticket office, online or by calling 866-857-8769.
Insider tip: During peak season alpine coasters often reach their capacity. We always recommend booking in advance or going early in the morning to avoid queues.
Summer Operations
In summer, the alpine coaster forms part of a larger summer adventure park called the Lost Forest.
At the time of writing, tickets for the Lost Forest Adventure Park (which includes the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster) were as follows:
| Ticket | Price (Adult) | Price (Kids) |
|---|---|---|
| Lost Forest Base Ticket | $74 | $57 (12 & Under) |
| Lost Forest Treeline Ticket | $107 | $79 (Age 8-12) |
| Lost Forest Canopy Ticket | $244 | N/a |
In addition to many other activities on offer, these adventure park tickets include the Elk Camp Gondola.
More information about the Lost Forest Adventure Park can be found on the official Snowmass website.
Winter Operations
| Ride | Price |
|---|---|
| Coaster Only 3 rides – daytime operations on a specific date | $58 |
| Coaster + Tubing Combo 1 day of Tubing + 3 rides on the Coaster. Includes gondola access | $69 |
| Coaster + Tubing Ullr Night Unlimited Tubing and Coaster access during Ullr Night. Includes gondola access on the designated night. | $67 |
Breathtaker Alpine Coaster Operating Hours
The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster is open during the summer and winter seasons.
At the time of writing, the operating times for the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster were as follows:
Summer Operating Hours
| Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| June 21 – September 4 | Daily | 10:30 am – 4:00 pm |
| September 8 – October 1 | Weekends only | 10:30 am – 4:00 pm |
Winter Operating Hours
Early December until early April
11:00 am – 3:30 pm
Ullr Nights – 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
We always suggest checking the official website for the latest operating hours and weather conditions.
The winter operating hours and be found here and the summer operating hours are here.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the different ticket options and what is on offer then take a look at the official Lost Forest webpage.
Rider Requirements
The key height, age and other restrictions to participate in this ride are listed below. These rules apply to both the summer and winter.
- Children riding as passengers must be at least 38″ (97cm) tall. There is no minimum age as long as they might the height and weight requirements.
- The minimum height for single riders is 54″ (137cm).
- If there are two people riding together, the minimum height for the passenger is 38″ (97cm) and the driver must be at least 54″ (137cm) and 16 years or older.
- The maximum weight per cart is 375 lbs (170kg) in dry conditions and 330 lbs (150kg) in wet conditions.
- All riders must keep their feet inside the cart at all times.
- No pregnant riders.
- No alcohol allowed.
- Liability Waiver required.
- Parent / Guardian must sign for a minor.
Location and How To Get There
The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster is located adjacent to the Elk Camp Restaurant.
To get to the Elk Camp Restaurant, you will need to catch the Elk Camp Gondola ride from the Snowmass Base Village.
The ride takes about 14 minutes.
You can also use the map below to help you find your way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Aspen have an alpine coaster?
Yes – the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster is located in Aspen Snowmass, Colorado.
How long is the Snowmass Alpine coaster?
The Snowmass Alpine Coaster, also known as the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, is over a mile long (1,609m) and has a total ride time of about 7 – 9 minutes (this includes the cable-pulled ascent to the top).
You can expect a downhill ride time of about 1:40, depending on your speed.
Before You Go..
The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster is just one of 8 mountain coasters in Colorado.
If you’re looking for another thrilling Colorado mountain coaster to ride then make sure you check out our comprehensive guide: 8 Colorado Mountain Coasters You Must Try
