If you’re looking for your next outdoor adventure then we can’t think of a more exciting family-friendly ride than the Rocky Mountain Coaster.
Located at the Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado, this mountain coaster is one of the longest mountain coasters in North America.
It runs in both the winter and summer, making it an activity to enjoy no matter what time of year you visit.
So if you’re looking for more information on the Rocky Mountain Coaster then you have come to the right place!
In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to experience this one-of-a-kind attraction so keep reading to find out more.
Contents
- Rocky Mountain Coaster
- How Long is the Rocky Mountain Coaster?
- How Fast is the Rocky Mountain Coaster?
- What is a Mountain Coaster?
- Video
- Cost
- Operating Hours
- Rider Requirements
- Location and How To Get There
- Frequently Asked Questions
Rocky Mountain Coaster
A gravity-powered mountain coaster that opened in 2017, this is one of the many activities on offer at the Copper Mountain Resort.
Combining an exhilarating ride with beautiful views of the Tenmile Range, this is a mountain coaster ride not to be missed.
Make sure you add it to your “to-do list” when you are next at the Copper Mountain Resort.
The coaster runs in both summer and winter giving families the opportunity to try out this amazing ride all year round.
How Long is the Rocky Mountain Coaster?
The Rocky Mountain Coaster boasts 5,800 feet (1,768m) of track and a vertical descent of 430 feet (131m).
The total downhill ride time is about 2 minutes.
Riders can expect an exhilarating ride with multiple 360-degree loops, twists, and turns as the coaster passes through alpine forests on its way down the mountain.
How Fast is the Rocky Mountain Coaster?
The Rocky Mountain Coaster can reach a maximum speed of 25 mp/h (40 km/h).
As a safety feature, this mountain coaster is fitted with an automatic braking system that prevents the carts from going over the maximum speed.
In addition, this mountain 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 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 great activity that the whole family can enjoy. However, given the nature of this ride, there are some age and height restrictions that apply.
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.
And finally, no prior experience or training is necessary. You can just jump in and enjoy the ride.
Rocky Mountain Coaster Video
One of the great things about alpine coasters is that a lot of people have filmed their experiences.
These videos give you an opportunity to “experience” the ride before you go on it.
The video below gives you a first-person view of what you can expect from start to finish on the Rocky Mountain Coaster at Copper Colorado.
One thing to be aware of though is that point-of-view videos can be a bit misleading.
The wide-angled lens makes the drops shallower and the ride seems way slower than it is in real life.
They provide a good idea of what the ride looks like but only real-world experience tells you how they feel.
So get out there and try it for yourself!
This mountain coaster operates in both summer and winter. The video below was taken during the winter season.
It might be the same ride but it is a completely different experience in winter. Make sure you dress warmly though, the wind chill can get very cold.
How Much Does the Rocky Mountain Coaster Cost?
At the time of writing, the cost to ride the Rocky Mountain Coaster was as follows:
| Ride | Price |
|---|---|
| Single ride – 52″ (132cm)+ and 9 years or older | $35 |
Some additional key points to note:
- Children 3 years or older and a minimum of 36″ (92cm) tall ride free with an adult ticket.
- There are a finite number of tickets available each day and can sell out. To avoid crowds and adverse weather we suggest riding the mountain coaster early in the day.
- If riding in the afternoon plan to arrive at least 2 hours before closing time.
Tickets are available at The Coaster Shack, located next to the Rocky Mountain Coaster in Center Village.
Tickets can also be purchased at Copper Guest Services located in the Center Village Ticket Windows or Copper Sports West Village.
Guest services are open from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Rocky Mountain Coaster Operating Hours
The Rocky Mountain Coaster is open in both the summer and the winter seasons.
Operating times vary depending on the season and you can find the latest operating hours on the official Copper Colorado website.
Summer Operating Hours
The Rocky Mountain Coaster is currently closed and will open again on June 9 for the 2023 summer season.
Winter Operating Hours
The mountain coaster is open from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm every day except Tuesdays. The last ticket is sold at 4:30 pm.
On Tuesdays, it is closed for snow removal.
The coaster may close at any time during the winter season due to weather.
Location and How To Get There
The Rocky Mountain Coaster is located at the Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado which is just 75 miles west of Denver, Colorado.
Address: 509 Copper Road Copper Mountain, CO 80443
Directions to the Copper Mountain Resort can also be found on the map below:
The Beeler lot (paid parking) is the closest to The Rocky Mountain Coaster. Free Parking is available in the Alpine Lot – take the Blue Route resort shuttle to Center Village.
Rider Requirements
The key height and age restrictions are listed below:
- The minimum height for single riders is 52″ (132cm) and the rider must be 9 years or older.
- Children must be at least 3 years old and 36″ (92cm) tall.
- Children between the ages of 3 and 8 must be accompanied by a driver (16 years or older).
- Passengers must be between 36″ (92cm) and 52″ (132cm) tall.
- The maximum weight per cart is 300 lbs (136kg).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Rocky Mountain Coaster located?
The Rocky Mountain Coaster is located at the Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado.
At the resort, the mountain coaster is near the American Flyer lift.
What is the Rocky Mountain Coaster?
The Rocky Mountain Coaster is a mountain coaster located at the Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado.
At 5,800 ft long, it is one of the longest mountain coasters in North America.
This mountain coaster operates in both the summer and winter seasons, making it a great family activity no matter the time of year you visit.
Although it has a similar name, it should not be confused with the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster which is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Is there a weight limit for the Rocky Mountain coaster?
The Rocky Mountain Coaster has a maximum combined weight limit per cart of 300 lbs (136kg).
