The Revelstoke Mountain Coaster, also known as the Pipe Mountain Coaster is Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s number 1 summer attraction!
Opened in 2016, the Revelstoke Mountain Coaster is a 1.4 km single-track mountain coaster that starts at Revelation Lodge and finishes in the Village Plaza.
Unlike your typical dual-rail mountain coasters, this mountain coaster features a monorail which is built close to the ground and simulates the thrill of downhill mountain biking.
If you’re interested in discovering more about this coaster, you have come to the right place.
We provide everything you need to know about the Revelstoke Mountain Coaster, including insider tips and advice, so keep reading to find out more.
The Pipe Mountain Coaster – Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Once you’ve purchased your ticket you enter a virtual queue and head on up to the start. Note that you’ll need to catch the Revelation Gondola to get there.
The mountain coaster loading platform is just to the right of the gondola exit.
When it’s your turn you’ll receive a quick safety briefing and on the instruction of the attendant, you’re good to go!
The mountain coaster descends immediately and takes a right banking turn through a tunnel (cool feature) before it weaves its way down the mountain, across what would normally be ski runs, through forested areas before finally reaching the bottom.
How Long is the Revelstoke Pipe Mountain Coaster?
The Revelstoke Mountain Coaster is a 1.4 km long (4,539 feet) single-track that offers riders an exhilarating ride with multiple twists, turns and a tunnel as it makes its way down the mountainside.
Unlike most mountain coasters, this mountain coaster starts with the descent first. Almost as soon as you leave the loading station you begin your thrilling journey downhill!
The total downhill ride time is about 3 minutes long, depending on your speed.
Alpine coasters are fitted with a manual brake so the speed of the ride is something that you’re in control of.
One of the great things about this mountain coaster is that once you’ve reached the bottom you jump off and continue with your day – there is no trip back up to the starting point which can often take a long time!
How Fast is the Revelstoke Pipe Mountain Coaster?
The Revelstoke Mountain Coaster can reach a maximum speed of 42 km/h (26 mp/h).
The mountain coaster rides on a monorail track that is elevated slightly above the ground.
Because of this proximity, you’ll feel like you’re going much faster!
But fear not, as a safety feature, mountain coasters are 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.
The manual brake is located between your legs. You pull back on it to engage the brake and push it forward to release the brake.
If 42 km/h (26 mp/h) is too fast for you, you can slow the ride down to a speed that feels more comfortable.
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.
Alpine coasters are a great activity that the whole family can enjoy. However, given the nature of this ride, some age and height restrictions apply.
In addition, alpine 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.
Revelstoke Pipe Mountain Coaster Video
One of the great things about mountain coasters is that many 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 Revelstoke Mountain Coaster.
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.
These rides really are the perfect combination of an adrenaline rush and nature.
If you happen to be in the area then this is an activity to add to your “to-do list”.
How Much Does the Revelstoke Mountain Coaster Cost?
At the time of writing, tickets to ride the Revelstoke Mountain Coaster cost $39 for an adult.
Tickets can be purchased in person at Guest Services or online.
The ticket includes access to the lower portion of the Revelation Gondola which you’ll need to take in order to access the starting point of the mountain coaster.
If you’re a local, then inquire at Guest Services for discounted tickets. A Revelstoke proof of address is required.
Another option is to purchase the Play All Day Pass. This provides you with access to all of the resort’s attractions including 2 rides on the Pipe Mountain Coaster.
More information about the Play All Day pass can be found here.
Mountain Coaster Rider Requirements
As with any ride of this nature, there are a number of requirements to ensure riders’ safety.
We have highlighted the key requirements below but we recommend you read the full list on the website.
- To ride alone you must be 8 years old + and 4′ 1″ (124 cm) or taller.
- Passengers must be 3 – 12 years old and a minimum of 3′ 2″ (96cm) tall.
- The minimum age to ride with a passenger is 16 years old.
- The maximum combined weight per cart is 118kg (260 lbs).
- Riders must wear seatbelts at all times and keep their arms and legs in the cart.
- Each cart can take up to two riders, each ride must purchase a ticket.
- The mountain coaster is not recommended for pregnant women and those with pre-existing neck and back injuries.
Revelstoke Mountain Coaster Operating Hours
The Revelstoke Mountain Coaster operates during the summer season which lasts from May and ends in mid-October each year.
The ride is open daily in summer, opening at 8 am and closing at 7 pm.
The ride does get popular on weekends. It is Revelstoke’s number 1 summer activity after all..
If you want to avoid long queues (we’ve heard stories of the queue being up to 5 hours long), we recommend you visit on a weekday either early morning or late in the afternoon.
Another option is to purchase your ticket online in advance of your visit.
It’s also worth noting, that the mountain coaster may need to be suspended temporarily or closed during any rain, thunderstorms, lightning or high winds.
It will reopen as soon as safe operations can be assured.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Pipe Coaster at Revelstoke Mountain Resort?
The Pipe Mountain Coaster at the Revelstoke Mountain Resort is a 1.4 km long (4,539 feet) single-track with a vertical drop of 279 meters (915 feet) that takes just over 3 minutes to complete, depending on how fast you go.
Before You Go..
While not as popular as they are in the US and Europe, mountain and alpine coasters are growing in Canada.
If you happen to be in these areas, then make sure you check out the following articles we wrote on other Canadian mountain and alpine coasters:
- Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster – Blue Mountain Resort in Ontario;
- Camp Fortune Mountain Coaster in Ottawa / Gatineau Region.