It’s been 10 years since the first Alpine Coaster in North America opened at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Since then, riders have raced down Iron Mountain in Glenwood Springs, Colo., nearly 1 million times. When the magic millionth ride happens, whoever is in the driver’s seat is in for a treat. The winner gets two Annual Thrill Passes, valued at $98 each, plus a commemorative t-shirt and water bottle. If there are two riders in the car, they’ll split the prize.
“We’ve been tracking the numbers for a few weeks now, and it looks like the millionth ride will take place during the Memorial Day Weekend,” said Nancy Heard, general manager for Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. “Adding the Alpine Coaster really set the stage for where we are today. Even after 10 years, it’s still our most popular ride. We’re excited to celebrate the millionth ride!”
The Alpine Coaster was one of several attractions added in 2005 to provide guests with something to do while they waited for their cave tours. It was manufactured and installed by Wiegand Sports LLC out of Germany.
“We would like to congratulate Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for achieving the one-millionth-ride milestone on the Wiegand Alpine Coaster. Park owner Steve Beckley selected Wiegand 10 years ago to provide his Alpine Coaster, the first in North America,” said Larry Hays, exclusive sales, Wiegand North America. “In addition to this current milestone, last year USA Today selected Glenwood Caverns’ Alpine Coaster as one of the 10 best roller-coaster rides of your life. This is a great tribute to one of our valued customers. We look forward to working with them as they continue to develop this exceptional park.”
The Alpine Coaster at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is the longest one in Colorado. It features individual cars on tracks that race 3,400 feet through the trees and down the mountainside. The riders control their speeds, which gives them an exciting, hands-on experience as the cars maneuver the bumps, waves and hairpin turns in the track system.
Glenwood Caverns will kick off its summer season on Friday, May 22, with the first Music on the Mountain concert of the year. Guests can ride the tram and enjoy music by Beatles tribute band Doctor Robert free with the donation of at least one canned food item for the local food pantry. The free tram rides begin at 4 p.m.; the band performs from 6 to 10 p.m. Guests can also enjoy the park’s rides and attractions—including the Alpine Coaster—during the concert. A Funday Pass, just $35 with the free tram ride, includes both walking cave tours and unlimited access to all of the park’s rides and most of its attractions.
The park will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily throughout the summer, with extended hours during the concerts.