Sled, Soar, Soak at Alpine Slide

 And A New Coaster Too

 

The first roller coaster in Big Bear is about to debut at Alpine Slide, complete with two 100-foot tunnels and a mile-long track.

 

Mineshaft Coaster

The new Mineshaft Coaster at Alpine Slide, the first ride of its kind in California, takes riders down six tube stainless steel tracks aboard gravity-propelled sleds they control, just like on the famous Alpine Slide bobsleds. Carts hit speeds up to 27 mph going through steep descents, dips, twists, hairpin turns and more.

Riders cross three 200-foot bridges during their journey aboard Mineshaft Coaster, with three complete 360° corkscrew loops. Mineshaft Coaster, open year-round At Alpine Slide, has two up tracks on a motorized bullwheel pulley system, including a long one out of a new start house being built at the bottom, and two down tracks. At its highest point the track is two dozen feet above the ground and the whole ride is elevated above the ground, really giving riders a sense of speed.

Each cart accommodates up to two riders secured by multipoint safety belts. The rider in back controls the sled’s braking mechanism and is required to keep at least 80 feet from the sled in front. But Mineshaft Coaster is equipped with a computer controlled, fail-safe magnetic braking system that automatically applies brakes if a rider gets too close to another. Plus, carts are equipped with speed governor and centrifugal brake to control top speed.

Each cart features specially designed, lockable seat belts and shoulder restraints to assure proper ride speed and rider comfort at all times. Plus sleds have energy absorbing front and rear buffers. The front rider must be at least 38” tall and three years old, while rear pilot over 54” and age 18 or older. Sleds can handle up to 375 lbs. combined weight in dry conditions.

The two rock-lined tunnels will be decorated to look like mines and were carved out below Alpine Slide’s cement track. Rides last between 7-9 minutes, depending on driver speed.

Tickets are $20, children $10. High-tech videos with camera captures from throughout the ride are available for purchase.

 

Soaring Eagle

Soaring Eagle, also first ride of its kind in California, serves up more thrills during a 500 ft. zipline-type descent with a couple notable differences. Riders sit instead of lie down and ride up to the top tower backwards! And what an experience Soaring Eagle is, taking riders almost two football fields in distance during a 125 foot descent that reaches speeds up to 26 mph.

Double seat belts secure up to two riders who shoot to the top tower in the opposite direction they come down, almost as exhilarating as the descent itself. Soaring Eagle zips down above tree tops with panoramic forest and lake views. Riders hit top speed as they approach the bottom as the attraction comes to a stop.

 

Bobsleds, Water Slides,  Go-Karts, & Mini Golf

Signature Alpine Slide bobsleds are also open, as guests negotiate two quarter-mile tracks filled with banked turns and straightaways on sleds they control for a thrilling Olympic-style ride.

The double water slide is also open, two twisting flumes of  cool, cascading water that take riders on a refreshing ride before a splashing finale into the solar-heated pool at the bottom.

Putt N’ Around Go-Karts and reconfigured 18-hole miniature golf course are other favorites.

Order from the family-priced snack bar and gourmet ice cream counter indoors and enjoy outside socially distancing on two outdoor decks. Parents never have to pay at Alpine Slide if they are not playing, many choosing to read or soak up sunshine while the kids have a blast.

 

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