Where to Ride an Alpine Coaster in the United States

• Where they are: alpine coasters (also called mountain coasters) run at ski resorts, adventure parks and mountain towns across the country, from Colorado to the Smokies and the Midwest.
• Price: at the coasters we list, a single adult ride costs about $18 to $25, kids' rides often cost less, and multi-ride passes save money. Some parks include the coaster in a park ticket. Prices checked Oct 2026.
• Rider rules: many coasters require riders to be at least 38 inches tall and 3 years old to ride as a passenger, and 54 inches tall to ride alone.
• Best season: many coasters run most of the year, weather permitting, but seasons and hours vary, so check before you go.
• Who it's for: families, couples and anyone who wants a fast, low-effort thrill in the mountains.

What riding one is like

An alpine coaster is a small cart on a rail that winds down a mountainside. A cable pulls you up to the top, and gravity brings you down through turns and dips. You control your own speed with a brake lever, so you can take it slow with a child or let it run. Rides usually last a few minutes. Unlike an alpine slide, which runs in a concrete or fiberglass trough, a coaster is fixed to a rail, which is why many run in light rain and even snow. For the difference, see Alpine slide vs alpine coaster.

Quick picks

• Colorado mountain views: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, reached by gondola, with 3,400 feet of coaster track.
• A Rocky Mountain town ride: Mustang Mountain Coaster in Estes Park, through ponderosa pines.
• The Southeast: Georgia Mountain Coaster in Helen, Georgia, walkable from downtown.
• The Smokies: Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with two mountain coasters, Rail Runner and The Hellbender.
• The Midwest: Aerie's Resort in Grafton, Illinois, home of the first alpine coaster in Illinois.

By region

Colorado

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park's Alpine Coaster runs down 3,400 feet of track. The ride is included with a Funday Ticket, and the only way up to the park is the Glenwood Gondola. Riders must be at least 38 inches tall and 3 years old, and 54 inches tall to ride alone, with a maximum combined weight of 330 pounds (glenwoodcaverns.com).

Mustang Mountain Coaster in Estes Park runs through ponderosa pines, with single rides, multi-ride passes and an unlimited passenger pass for riders between 38 and 56 inches tall.

The Southeast

Georgia Mountain Coaster in Helen has adult and kids' tickets. Riders alone must be 54 inches tall. Passengers must be 38 inches tall and 3 years old, and a driver with a passenger must be 16. The weight limit per cart is 375 pounds on a dry track and 330 pounds on a wet one.

Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, has two mountain coasters, Rail Runner and The Hellbender, with a Coaster Pass sold as an add-on. Check its pricing page for current rates and rider rules. For more coasters in the Smokies, see Alpine coasters in Pigeon Forge.

The Midwest

Aerie's Resort in Grafton, Illinois, on a bluff above the town, has the first alpine coaster in Illinois.

Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm the latest on each operator's Seeking Adrenaline page, linked from its name, or on each operator's website.

For more on prices, see How much does an alpine coaster cost?.

How to find one near you

Search your city, state or ZIP code on Seeking Adrenaline and filter to alpine coasters. Many ski resorts run coasters in summer, and some run them year-round. Before you drive, confirm it's a railed coaster, not an alpine slide, and that it's open that day.

Who it's right for

Alpine coasters suit almost everyone: young kids riding with a parent, grandparents, couples and groups. You control the speed, so it's as gentle or as fast as you want. See Alpine coasters with kids and Can anyone ride an alpine coaster?.

Not the right fit if...

You're outside the height or weight rules, or you want a big drop or loop like a theme-park ride. Coasters are thrilling but not extreme. If you want more height, compare Alpine coaster vs zip line.

FAQ

Where is there an alpine coaster in Glenwood Springs?

At Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, reached by the Glenwood Gondola. The coaster has 3,400 feet of track and is included with a Funday Ticket.

How much does an alpine coaster cost?

It varies by park. At the coasters we list, a single adult ride costs about $18 to $25. Prices checked Oct 2026.

Can two people ride an alpine coaster together?

Usually, yes. Many coasters require a passenger to be 38 inches tall and 3 years old, and some require the driver to be 16. See Alpine coaster for two riders.

Do alpine coasters run in the rain?

Many do. Some coasters set a lower weight limit on a wet track, which tells you they run in wet weather. See Do alpine coasters run in the rain?.

How fast do alpine coasters go?

You control the speed with a brake. See How fast do alpine coasters go?.