The Alpine Coaster
With over 300 installations in 40+ countries, the Wiegand Alpine Coaster is the world’s most popular and reliable mountain coaster. Designed for thrill, comfort, and safety, it delivers unforgettable moments for guests of all ages while driving revenue for operators year-round.
Key Features of the Alpine Coaster
Here is why everyone loves it
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Economic Benefits
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Year-round operation. Rain, snow or shine
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Compliant with DIN ISO 19202, and ASTM F24
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Reliable throughput, up to 350 PPH
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Friction-less braking system with limited wear items
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Can be operated with as few as 3 operators
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Excellent ROI
02
Safety & Technology
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Comfortable sleds seat up to two passengers
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Customizable sled decals to match your theme
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Comes standard with Wiegand Intelligent Distance Control Assist System
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Electronically monitored locking seatbelt
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Headlights and dynamic brake lights
03
Set Up
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Custom ride designs to fit your hillside
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Eco-friendly A-frame track structure does not require concrete foundations
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Dynamic track features including waves, jumps, twisters and circles
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Available bridges for crossing ski runs, bike trails or walking paths
Alpine Coaster FAQ
For most projects, a Wiegand Alpine Coaster costs between $1.5 million and $3 million. The final price depends on terrain, track length, support structure, lift system and customization. Many operators see a return on investment in roughly 36 months, making it one of the faster-paying attractions in the industry.
Adding a coaster to an existing attraction usually costs less up front, because parking, ticketing and utilities are already in place.
The land decides what kind of coaster you can build. A strong site has:
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Elevation change to give the ride its speed and length
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Enough length and width for a commercially viable track layout
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A flat area for parking, guest check-in, queues and maintenance access
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Steady visitor traffic, ideally on a main access route, a tourist corridor or next to an existing attraction
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Reliable internet and utilities, or a budget to add fiber, wireless or satellite backup
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In a straightforward project, it takes about 12 months from your first conversation with Wiegand to opening day. Projects added to an existing attraction can move faster. We recommend planning backward from your ideal launch season.
Feasibility and site review: we assess terrain, access and visitor numbers.
Custom ride design: the track is engineered to your hillside.
Manufacturing: tracks and sleds are built to German engineering standards.
Installation: the A-frame structure is set without concrete foundations.
Commissioning and training: inspection, testing and operator training before opening.
Ongoing service: parts, inspections and support from our team in Montana.
Wiegand coasters run at ski resorts, campgrounds and adventure parks from Washington to Maryland, with more than 350 installations worldwide. US installations include:
Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster, Pigeon Forge, TN (2025): the world's only true racing mountain coaster
Blue Ridge Mountain Coaster at Jellystone Park Golden Valley, Bostic, NC (2023)
Tumwater Twister at Leavenworth Adventure Park, Leavenworth, WA (2023): Washington's first alpine coaster
Hellbender Mountain Coaster at Anakeesta, Gatlinburg, TN (2023)
Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster at SkyLand Ranch, Sevierville, TN (2023)
Scaly Mountain Screamer at Highlands Outpost, Scaly Mountain, NC (2021)
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, Banner Elk, NC (2020): North Carolina's first alpine coaster
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster, Pigeon Forge, TN (2018)
Forest Flyer at Vail Mountain, Vail, CO (2016)
Ripley's Mountain Coaster, Gatlinburg, TN (2016)
Moonshine Mountain Coaster, Gatlinburg, TN (2014)
The Coaster at Goats on the Roof, Pigeon Forge, TN (2014)
Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, Pigeon Forge, TN (2013)
Snowbird Mountain Coaster, Snowbird, UT (2013)
Timber Twister at Spirit Mountain, Duluth, MN (2010)
Mountain Coaster at Wisp Resort, McHenry, MD (2007)
Nothing. They are two names for the same ride: a rail-guided sled that runs down a hillside, with riders controlling their speed. "Alpine Coaster" is the name Wiegand gave the ride when it invented it; "mountain coaster" is the term most Americans use.
Yes. The Wiegand Alpine Coaster is built for year-round operation in rain, snow or sunshine.
Up to 350 riders per hour, with as few as 3 staff operating the ride.
No. The track sits on an eco-friendly A-frame structure, which reduces site work and its impact on the land.
Yes. Bridges let the track cross ski runs, bike trails and walking paths, so a coaster can add summer revenue to a ski area without disrupting winter operations.
Wiegand Sports USA, based in Stevensville, Montana, handles sales, installation coordination and long-term service for Wiegand attractions in North America.
Ready to own an Alpine Coaster?
Every Wiegand ride begins with precision German engineering and ends with unforgettable guest experiences. From our world-famous Alpine Coaster — invented and perfected by Wiegand — to custom rail coasters, slides, and suspended rides, each attraction is designed to deliver long-term performance, safety, and profit.
