This Austrian coaster reminds me of the Alpine Slide at Lutsen Ski Resort in northern Minnesota, on the north shore of Lake Superior, which I’ve run with no brakes (and fully on the wheels), when it first opened in 1977.

This Mieders coaster must be a total gas, being in a whole other speed category and much longer, but all you do is hold on (probably good to lean into the turns though too). Whereas, Lutsen’s Alpine Slide (more like a bobsled track with banks) was a real rush too, because it required anticipatory leaning into the turns by the correct amount, and especially at the right time in order to hit the banks just right and to avoid the danger of flying off of the sled, when running fully on the wheels, not using the brakes at all or the plastic sliders.

And as you can see in the video, Lutsen can only be run wide open when it’s not busy. You can see how fast slower riders are approached — when the fun is cut from maximum to “bummer.”

Though it’s been 34 years, it’s possible Lutsen’s Alpine Slide hasn’t been changed at all, as it was very solidly built.

I can remember parts of the ride like it was yesterday. We’ve been blessed!

jeff : )

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqCkICXWdWI]Mieders Alpine Coaster (with no brakes!!)

Uploaded by on Nov 19, 2011

This is a single-pipe alpine coaster in Mieders, Austria. You reach the summit via a cablecar and then sit on a small car with a brake lever and off you go. Having ridden it once using a little braking, I decided to try it a second time without using the brakes. This is SCARY! Enjoy the ride!
Off-ride footage here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA-k3G1F7k0
Note – for websites linking the video, please note that my name is David Ellis (the J is my middle initial).

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABWqAn5stpM]Lutsen Alpine Slide

Uploaded by on Aug 19, 2006

A run down the Alpine Slide at Lutsen Ski area, North Shore of Lake Superior, Minnesota