A summer toboggan is an amusement or recreational ride which uses a Bobsleigh-like sled or cart to run down a track usually built on the side of a hill. There are two main types: an alpine coaster or mountain coaster is a type of roller coaster where the cart runs on rails and is not able to leave the track, whereas with an alpine slide the cart simply runs on a smooth concave track usually made of metal, concrete or fiberglass. Both of these are sometimes denoted with the German term, sommerrodelbahn.
They are often built by ski resorts in order to use existing winter infrastructure and provide additional summer income, although some installations are part of or are standalone.
, the longest summer toboggan in the world is the long Tobotronc alpine coaster at Naturlandia in Andorra.[ "Alpine Coaster" . Glacier 3000. Retrieved on July 8, 2014.]
History
The first form of summer toboggan was the alpine slide, which started in its present form in the 1970s. An early innovator, Josef Wiegand, had envisioned the idea of creating a roller coaster ride for
that would take advantage of the topography of the land, rather than building a structure to create the elevation changes that traditional roller coasters required. His company developed and installed its first alpine slide (with
stainless steel tracks, rather than what became the customary fiberglass or concrete tracks), in 1975. Brandauer, Inc. installed the first alpine coaster in 1996 at the Karkogel Resort in
Abtenau,
Austria,
[ "Alpine Coasters". AceOnline. Retrieved on July 24, 2014.] followed less than a year later with the installation of the Wiegand alpine coaster, under the "Alpine Coaster" trademark, in 1997.
Construction and use
Summer toboggans are installed by ski resorts as an added year-round attraction, or they may be installed seasonally to augment income during summer months. For the latter purpose, they are built using easily removable tracks that are placed over the
after the ski season.
[ "Summer Toboganning System". Brandauer. Retrieved on July 20, 2014.] The tracks are designed for easy installation, with minimal impact to the topsoil and environment, as they are normally built close to the ground and take advantage of the natural elevation of the terrain. Little to no concrete work is needed, except at the station.
[ "Rolba Bob Product Features". Fun Construct. Retrieved on July 25, 2014.] Bridges and pillars up to tall can be incorporated to negotiate roads, trails, ski slopes or water crossings.
[ "About Alpine Slides & Alpine Coasters". Alpine Slide Directory. Retrieved on July 8, 2014.] The track material is usually
Aluminium or
stainless steel, used for low maintenance and durability.
Closed-loop tracks include a lift system during the course of the ride. Some ski resort rides eliminate the long tedious climb up to the top by utilizing an existing ski lift to take riders to the top of the course, so that they can simply take a one-way downhill run back to the start station.
Additional thrill elements for alpine coasters can include varying degrees of curves, dips, and hairpin turns.[ "All About Alpine Coasters". Coaster 101. Retrieved on July 17, 2014.]
Depending on the track and brake materials, summer toboggans can sometimes operate throughout the year, even in light rain and snow.[ "Frequently asked Questions". Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster. Retrieved on July 8, 2014.]
Operation
Each sled accommodates one or two passengers and is controlled by a hand brake lever located either on both sides or in the middle. Riders are advised to keep their hands on the brake at all times for safety reasons.
[ "Alpine Coaster" . Park City Mountain Resort. Retrieved on July 8, 2014.] Pulling the brake handle causes the sled to slow down or stop; pushing or letting go of the handle causes the brakes to release, allowing the sled to accelerate.
[deathbyillusion (March 6, 2011). "Alpine Coaster Winter On-ride (Complete HD Experience) Park City Mountain Resort". YouTube. Retrieved on July 8, 2014.] With this control comes responsibility: the rider must ensure that they do not go too fast as otherwise accidents can happen, although with a properly designed installation this is rare. Summer toboggans are unique among amusement park rides in that the rider has complete control over their speed and the ride experience. Riders can opt for a slower leisurely run, or one with minimal or no braking for a faster thrilling ride.
[davidjellis (December 3, 2011). "Long Alpine Coaster (Imst) - no brakes!". YouTube. Retrieved on July 8, 2014.]
Safety
Alpine coaster carts are equipped with a centrifugal brake system that controls its maximum speed by limiting the rotational speed of the running wheels. Some newer generation coasters are equipped with an anti-collision system that automatically applies the brakes if the rider gets too close to the one ahead. Each cart is equipped with front and rear bumpers to absorb shocks in case of collision.
Even with such safety systems available, riders on both types of runs are responsible for—and are required (as a common courtesy) to keep—a safe braking distance from any riders in front of them. To secure the riders in their seats, each car is equipped with automobile for the rider and any passenger. Riders are also advised to wear suitable clothing without long loose parts, and to secure pocket contents and other items that could be lost.
Tracks may also have safety nets installed, especially on steep curves, as an added precaution.
Locations
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