One of the most popular activities at the Purgatory Resort during the summer season is the dual-track alpine slide.
This is a fantastic summer activity that is suitable for almost everyone in the family and a ride that is definitely worth checking out!
If you’re interested in discovering more about this ride, you have come to the right place!
This guide features everything you need to know about the Purgatory Resort alpine slide, including insider tips and advice, so keep reading to find out more.
How Long Is the Purgatory Resort Alpine Slide?
The Purgatory Resort alpine slide is more than half a mile long and takes about 1:45 to complete.
There is a dual-track system at Purgatory Resort, with both tracks following the same set of twists, turns and dips.
The slides run parallel to each other so you can ride alongside family and friends.
How Fast Is the Purgatory Resort Alpine Slide?
Alpine slides can reach a speed of up to 25 mp/h (40 km/h).
The alpine slide carts are fitted with a manual brake which allows riders to adjust the speed of their descent.
This is a great feature of alpine slides as it gives you full control of your ride experience.
Alpine slides are also fitted with an automatic braking system or speed restrictor that prevents the cart from going above a maximum speed.
This is done to ensure the safety of the riders.
How Much Does the Purgatory Resort Alpine Slide Cost?
The alpine slide is included in the summer Activity Day Ticket on both the morning and afternoon sessions.
This ticket gives you access to a number of other summer activities and multiple rides on the alpine slides.
At the time of writing, the prices for an Activity Day Ticket were as follows:
| Ticket | Morning Session | Afternoon Session |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 day activity pass with Mountain Coaster (ages 8+) | $54 | $54 |
| 1/2 day activity pass without Mountain Coaster (ages 8+) | $40 | $40 |
| 1/2 day activity pass (ages 3 – 7) | $29 | $29 |
Tickets must be purchased online.
The morning session runs from 09:00 am – 12:30 pm and the afternoon session from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm.
Purgatory Resort Alpine Slide Video
One of the great things about alpine slides 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 Purgatory Resort alpine slide.
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!
What is an Alpine Slide?
One way to think of alpine slides is that they are a summer version of the bobsled.
But unlike the bobsleds, an alpine slide is a smooth continuous track made of fibreglass, concrete or stainless steel and does not need ice to operate.
Like alpine coasters, alpine slides are installed in mountainous areas and are a popular activity in ski resorts.
These are gravity-powered rides so they use the natural contours of these areas to operate.
How does an alpine slide work?
Riders are transported down the alpine slide track in one or two-person carts.
The carts are fitted with a manual brake, positioned between the rider’s legs, that give riders full control of their speed and experience.
The photo below is an example of an alpine slide cart. Riders sit in the cart with their legs facing forward.
The lever in the middle with the red grip is the brake. You pull back on this lever to engage the brake and push forward to release it.
Alpine Slide Saftey
Safety is an important feature of alpine slides and technology improvements over the years have certainly increased rider safety.
However, as with any thrill ride of this nature, there are always risks involved.
Alpine slides can reach a speed of up to 25 mp/h (40 km/h) and almost all alpine slide accidents happen because riders are going too fast.
So if it’s your first time riding an alpine slide it’s important to become familiar with the cart and the manual brake before flying down the mountain.
Overall, alpine slides are a thrilling experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family. They are not difficult to operate and no prior experience or training is necessary.
With some basic instructions, you can jump in and enjoy the ride!
Purgatory Resort Alpine Slide Operating Hours
In 2023, the Purgatory Resort alpine slide will be open on the following days:
| Date | Day |
|---|---|
| Saturday, June 17 – Sunday, August 13 | Daily |
| Saturday, August 19 – Sunday, October 8 | Weekends only |
The alpine slides are open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm during summer.
The Purgatory Resort alpine slides are only open during the summer season.
This is because the alpine slides are not elevated above the ground and are therefore covered in snow during winter.
But don’t worry, the Inferno Mountain Coaster operates during the winter season.
So, if you’re looking for a fun activity with your family or need a break from the ski slopes, then make sure you check it out.
One thing to note is that the alpine slides are subject to closing in adverse weather conditions.
We recommend calling ahead to check the alpine slides are running – (970) 385-2168.
Rider Requirements
As with any ride of this nature, there are a few rider requirements to be aware of:
- Riders must be at least 3 years old and 36″ (92 cm) tall to ride with an adult.
- Riders must be at least 6 years old and 48″ (122 cm) tall to ride alone.
- Closed footwear is recommended.
- The maximum weight for the sled is 300 lbs (136 kg).
- All alpine slide riders are required to complete a Release of Liability.
You can find out more information about the alpine slide on the Purgatory website here.
Before You Go..
If you’re at the Purgatory Resort or you’re heading there this summer or winter, then make sure you check out the Inferno Mountain Coaster.
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
The Steamboat Howler Alpine Slide is also one of four alpine slides in the state of Colorado.
If you want to experience the thrill of a different alpine slide, then check out our guide to Colorado’s Alpine Slides.
