The Gold Runner Alpine Coaster is one of the many attractions on offer at the Breckenridge Resort.
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 Gold Runner Alpine Coaster, including insider tips and advice, so keep reading to find out more.
What are Alpine Coasters?
Before we get started let’s address a common question we receive about alpine coasters. If you’re unfamiliar with alpine coasters (also known as mountain coasters) then take a look at the post we wrote here.
Alpine 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 alpine coasters is that they offer the option of two seats. This is great for parents with children that are too young to ride alone.
In addition, alpine coasters are equipped with a manual brake which enables riders to adjust the speed of their descent. This unique feature of alpine coasters 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 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.
Wiegand Sports GmbH, the inventor of the alpine coaster and leading manufacturer with over 270 installations worldwide, built this alpine coaster. With this much experience, you know that you’re in good hands.
What is the Gold Runner Coaster in Breckenridge?
The Gold Runner Coaster is a mountain or alpine coaster located at the Breckenridge Resort in Colorado.
The alpine coaster starts at the base of peak 8. The best way to access the alpine coaster is to take the free Breckenridge Gondola from Watson Avenue.
Unlike traditional roller coasters found in theme parks, mountain or alpine coasters are located in mountainous areas and use natural elevation and gravity to transport the riders.
Gold Runner Alpine Coaster – What to Expect
The Gold Runner Alpine Coaster covers a distance of 2,500 feet (762m) on elevated tracks, has two full 360-degree loops and reaches a top speed of 27 mph (43 km/h). The total ride time, including the cable-pulled ascent, is approximately four minutes. From top to bottom the ride takes just over one minute.
To give you a better idea of what riding the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster is like, we’ve selected two videos for you to view below.
One additional thing worth noting is that the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster also operates during the winter season.
To give you an idea of what the winter ride is like, take a look at this video below:
Breckenridge Alpine SuperSlides – What to Expect
Although this website was established to provide a single resource for all alpine coasters around the world, we can’t help but include an alpine slide when it is on offer. Providing a different ride experience but just as much fun (think summer bobsled), alpine slides are a must for anyone who enjoys alpine coasters.
In addition to the Gold Runner Coaster, which we covered above, Breckenridge also has three alpine slides known as the Alpine SuperSlides.
Each alpine slide track is 2,600 feet (793m) in length and offers an exhilarating ride down the mountain.
A cart can hold one or two people, which means smaller children can ride with an adult. Children need to be at least 35″ (89cm) to ride with an adult (16 years +) and anyone over 48″ (122cm) can ride alone.
It is worth noting that these alpine slides are only available to ride during the summer season.
Unlike the alpine coaster, where the cart you sit in runs on elevated rails above the ground, the alpine slide cart runs on a smooth concave track usually made from metal, concrete or fibreglass.
An alpine slide is similar to a toboggan you might have seen at the Winter Olympics.
The Alpine SuperSlide is equipped with a manual brake allowing riders to control the speed of their descent. The total ride time from top to bottom is approximately two minutes.
To get an idea of what the Breckenridge Alpine SuperSlide is like, and how it differs from an alpine coaster, take a look at the video below.
We could watch those videos all day! Here are the key details you’ll need to know before visiting.
How much does Gold Runner Alpine Coaster cost?
| Ride | Price |
|---|---|
| Gold Runner Alpine Coaster (Single Rider) | $34 |
| Gold Runner Alpine Coaster (Passenger) | $19 |
Tickets can be purchased at the Gondola Ticket Office and the Peak 8 Ticket Office.
Gold Runner Alpine Coaster Operating Hours
Summer Operating Hours
The alpine coaster is open from 10:00 am to 4:15 pm (Thursday to Monday)
Winter Operating Hours
The Gold Runner Alpine Coaster is open every day during the winter season. However, the hours may vary due to the weather conditions.
We recommend visiting the ticket office for more information. In extreme weather, it’s worth phoning ahead (970-453-5000) to check that the coaster is open.
The coaster will open for the 2022/2023 winter season on November 25.
Height and Age Restrictions
Gold Runner Alpine Coaster
- Children must be at least 3 years old and 38″ (97cm) tall.
- Children between the height of 38″-54″ (97cm – 137cm) must ride with an adult (at least 16 years old).
Contact Information and Website
Website: Alpine Coaster Winter, Alpine Coaster Summer, Alpine Slide
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Breckenridge have an Alpine Coaster?
Breckenridge does have an alpine coaster, known as the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster.
It is a family-friendly activity that operates in both summer and winter!
If you’re looking for another activity in the summer season then make sure you also check out the Breckenridge Alpine Slides.
Where is the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster?
Both the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster and Alpine SuperSlides are located at the base of Peak 8.
The easiest way to get there is to take the free Breckenridge Gondola from Watson Avenue. We’ve highlighted these points of interest in the map below
Further Reading
The Gold Runner Alpine Coaster is just one of 7 mountain coasters in Colorado.
If you’re looking for another Colorado mountain coaster to ride then make sure you check out the following article we wrote: 8 Colorado Mountain Coasters You Must Try
