My clammy hands begin to drip sweat as we walk toward the attendant with our tickets. Now here, the idea of riding the Revelstoke mountain coaster, leaves me feeling queasy. I love adventure but in all honesty admit a roller coaster and I have never been able to form a friendship.
“Why did I think think riding this pipe mountain coaster was a good idea?” I whimper to ever patient Hubby. “Did you notice that pool at the resort I could be sitting by?”
“You’ll be fine. You can brake whenever you want,” comes the logical reply. Some hand holding and back patting thrown in for good measure.
“Let’s just watch for a minute before we go.”
Mr. I-can’t-wait-to-blast-down-a-mountain-at-full-speed quietly nods. More hand holding for nervous me.
The first cart we see rolling down the Revelstoke pipe coaster contains a Dad and a smiling little blondie tucked in his lap.
My hands seem less clammy at the sight of the parent child riding duo. A white haired gentlemen zips by letting out hoots of joy from his yellow mountain coaster cart next.
Hubby turns to me with a big grin. “I think you will be all right.”
The Revelstoke Pipe Mountain Coaster – The Real Story
I am a control freak. Hubby nods in the background. Traditional roller coasters and I battle over who is in charge of all of the swaying to and fro. The roller coaster wins every time.
Not so at Revelstoke! With a hand brake lever in each cart, speed is controlled by the rider. For those wanting a do-not-touch-the-brake 42km/hr (26mph) thrill, the pipe coaster happily accommodates over 1.4km (1.87mi) of turns and twists.
For those such as myself who want a fun, but less white-knuckled ride during the 279m (915 feet) vertical drop, pulling back on the brake lever provides just that.
Where is the Pipe Mountain Coaster?
View from the starting point of the Revelstoke Mountain Coaster
Revelstoke Mountain Resort is home to the most vertical ski resort in North America. In 2016, the resort opened the Pipe Mountain Coaster for the summer seasons. Located in Canada’s most western province of British Columbia, Revelstoke is 410kms (256mi) west of Calgary. The resort is just minutes from downtown Revelstoke.
After checking in at the base of the mountain coaster, the experience begins with a ride on the Revelation Gondola to the top. You can catch glimpses of the pipe coaster track and the yellow carts with squealing riders below.
Can anyone ride the coaster?
To ride the pipe mountain coaster alone you must be 8 years of age or older. Two people can ride together but the weight can not exceed 118kg (260lbs). The driver of the cart must be at least 16 years of age. The passenger must be 3-12 years of age and no shorter than 96cm (3’2″).
Suffice it to say Hubby and I were not going together.
The Revelstoke mountain coaster is open from May to October. Be sure to check the website for details.
The coaster does not run in the rain, thunderstorms or very high winds.
Our special tips for the Pipe Mountain Coaster
During the high summer season the coaster is extraordinarily popular. Wait times of several hours are common. The popularity follows with the ride being perfect for the whole family.
If possible visit in the shoulder season when the crowds are less. We went mid September with no wait time at all.
If a visit to Revelstoke can only happen in the summer months, we suggest buying your tickets on line. Arrive when the coaster opens rather than at mid day.
Each Pipe Mountain Coaster ticket is numbered. Check the website for updates as to which ticket numbers are loading while you relax or take in other activities.
During our visit we stayed at The Sutton Place Hotel Revelstoke Mountain Resort. That meant a very short walk from our room to the coaster. We talked about bringing our family another time. We could take turns with the Grandbaby at the pool and have our own kitchen and living space nearby.
What about those who don’t want to ride the coaster at any speed but want the view? A sightseeing ticket can be purchased to ride up and down on the gondola. A full breakfast buffet is served at the top of the gondola at Revelation Lodge.
Might I suggest Belgian waffles on the deck?
Take a ride on the Revelstoke Mountain Coaster
Climb aboard with Hubby in his Pipe Mountain Coaster cart. You will catch me part way through. ( Please note the video does not show the entire ride but we think you will have your share of fun!)
Would you like to take a ride on the Revelstoke mountain coaster?
Thanks to Tourism Revelstoke and Revelstoke Mountain Resort for hosting our stay. All squeals of glee and opinions are our own.
Looks like fun. I wish my commute to work was like this. 🙂
Well now that could be fun Bun! The question is would you be going at full speed or braking?
Weeeeeeeeee!!!
You make me laugh. Yes there was a lot of that going on. It was the group of seniors who made me smile the most with all the squealing and hooting. I hope i am still enjoying life that much in the decades ahead.
Such fabulous fun, I loved the video…It is not to far from where I live, I’m going to have to give this a try.
Charlie you will love it! Glad the video gave you a good sense of the experience. You will have to let me know what you think.
That looks like SO much fun! We are definitely trying that on our next visit 🙂
Sounds great Wendy! A perfect stop between the coast and Calgary.
Lively commentary – not sure I could do this – well especially not
If not the coaster then perhaps the gondola for you? I really loved that one could control the speed so the experience could be a gentle one.
The video gives a very good idea of how it would be like to ride this mountain coaster…I loved it. I would definitely be up for that, it looks like great fun. Belgian waffles…yummy ?
Always fun to share the video of such an experience. I’m with you in that it really does give a better sense for readers. The cart had a latch for the GoPro so that was perfect. As to the Belgian waffles oh yes yummy indeed!
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Where are the shoulder-holder seat belts. Where’s the cage?
You are sooo brave. I’d have to be on drugs on get on one of those. Nice countryside though if you can catch it all as you scream by. 😀 😀 -D
Tess lovely to see you! Oh of course there are seat belts and even a belt to hold your feet in. The best thing of all is that you can just take your time and sight see all the way along. Or you can go ripping down at full speed. No drug required at all! 🙂
Zip lines don’t appeal much to me but this really looks like fun, Sue. How did you feel about it after the trip? 🙂 –Curt
Curt we are all over taking our family back to do this. Our son and daughter in law had gone this summer and loved it! I really do like the control aspect in that everyone can choose the speed they want. Dave clearly was far more interested in speed than I. One that is easy to recommend for most anyone!
Oh, you know I’d ride that ride with a smile! Woohoo!!!!
And what, pray tell, is a hand brake?
Oh I know you wouldn’t be touching the brake Jim. I’m not sure if you are teasing or actually asking but in the first photo you can see the handle sticking up from the cart. Push it forward and no brake is on, pull it back and you can brake to no speed at all. Again I assume you would not require anything other than full speed ahead. 🙂
The Revelstoke Pipe Mountain Coaster sounds exciting… I am not a big fan of roller coasters… But have taken a ride a few times… and made it through, as you can see: I survived! ! 🙂 a very informative and well presented post here, dear Sue… thanks for sharing … Happy weekend. Aquileana 🙂
Oh yeah! I so wanna do that! No brakes! 🙂
Alison
Alison you are fearless! I must admit I was on the brakes quite quickly.
OK, book a ride for your mom and me!
PS No brakes.
Haha my Mom may want a little brake action I think. That’s all right as you will each have your own cart. 🙂
Sounds like a great idea Yvonne!
Looks like fun, attraction in de nature. Great info Sue 🙂
Thanks Della Anna. It was great fun and yes so wonderful to be riding down a mountain!
Hi Sue! Yep, I would definitely be up for this. Like you, one of the things I don’t like about roller coasters is that you don’t have any control over it. As you know, I’m a bit of wuss with thrill things, but because this is close to the ground, and you have some braking control, I think I would love it! The only concern I have after watching the video and seeing you ahead, is what happens if you’re not braking, but the person in front is braking a lot? Would you run into the back of them, or is there something to prevent that? I’m all about the safety aspects you know 🙂 If I’m confident they’re covered then I’m good.
Vanessa that is a great question. Along the ride there are large signs with lights. Riders are instructed that if they see flashing lights they need to slow down as they are getting close to another cart. Also the carts are spaced out at about 30 second intervals.
I’m so happy to found something that appeals to you! As I mentioned having some control over the speed makes it a very happy ride for me too.
the most vertical ski resort in North America…THAT, I want to see! I like coasters, but this one, so out in the open, seems scary, eh? I keep thinking I’ll run over to Ferrari World, where they have the fastest coaster in the world, but I haven’t yet. Another fun post…and is that a DAVE video? Very cool. Not to mention the map…
Badfish it is out in the open and comes 1.4km down the mountain. With being able to brake through the ride really not so scary at all. Full credit to Dave for both the map and the video. I think both bring a lot of value to readers who would be considering a trip to the mountain coaster. I’m thinking you agree. 🙂
I am not one for rides, but yes, I will actually very much like to go on the Revelstoke! Nice to hear you went hard on the breaks – I suppose that naturally makes the ride slower and you have more precious time to take in the view. Very nice to hear the place is accomodating of those who aren’t up for the ride. Belgian waffles? I think anyone of us are up for that anytime 😉
Yay! Glad to hear you would like this one Mabel. Definitely some amazing views to be had along the way. I love finding a spot where absolutely everyone of any ability or want can be accommodated. Not always easy to find.
Sign me up!!! That looks like so much fun – no braking for me!
Laura you are a speedster! Yes then no brakes for you and happy riding. So happy to show you this mountain coaster. Maybe you will pass by on a road trip one day.
What a thrill! I am happy to see that the ski resort is open for family fun during the summer months.
Joe it is wonderful to see the creativity of ski resorts in promoting family fun year round. Thanks so much for sharing our enthusiasm for Revelstoke Mountain Resort.
Great video! I think I could do this, Sue. I also quite fancy the gondola ride and the Belgian waffles. 🙂
I’d totally do that and let it go as fast as possible. Sounds so fun.
What fun! I’d probably let ‘er rip, too!
We burned out the brakes on our car driving down Mt. Revelstoke 30 years ago; not sure I want to go back.
I love roller coasters and this looks like a blast. Although I must admit I would probably be compelled to ride the brake a bit. 😉
Well, now that we’ve taken that ride together, Sue, you’ve saved me the trouble. 🙂 Thank you very much. I enjoyed it 🙂 Those little buckets don’t look very big, do they? Actually there’s one at Zakopane in the Polish Tatry Mountains. Not sure if it’s quite as long/steep 🙂
This looks like a load of fun…can’t wait to try it out….add to list of things to do when I visit Canada!! Love it….I expect we will be seeing similar rides at the various ski resorts up and down the Rockies!!
Kirt I think you will have a blast on the mountain coaster at Revelstoke. So far I believe this is the only one of its kind in North America. There are similar ones in Europe though so yes in the future we may see more. So much fun!
I love roller coasters (in spite of being a control freak), but this little contraption looked so small and unstable at first glance, I wasn’t so sure about it. Your description makes it sound very “controllable,” though, so I’d be game!
Lex at first glance the carts do appear little. However me being the ultimate in skeptic when it comes to roller coasters felt completely comfortable. With the brake you can come to a dead stop if you chose to. However once going the ride is such fun I never had such a desire. I hope you get to try it one day.
Yes please. I would love to have a go! When you go to Queenstown in NZ you’ll love their luge Sue….so much fun and so fast!!!
Luge in Queensland you say? Well that does sound like fun and another reason as to why we should visit New Zealand. Glad to know that you would love to give Revelstoke’s Mountain Coaster a go. Another thing to add to the western Canada itinerary!
What a ride! What a riot! This looks like a lot of fun and I like the fact that you can control the cart. I’ve never heard of a roller coaster like that and the chances I get sick on this one are pretty small because of the control you have. The views are spectacular as well. How do you keep on finding all these exciting experiences, Sue? Keep sharing, please… 🙂
Liesbet like you I loved having the control. That made a huge difference as far as any motion sickness. Not to mention those views are an excellent distraction!
Earlier this year I had seen a YouTube video about the coaster opening. Sometimes we find activities and sometimes tourism boards and companies collaborate with us to find adventures. We are very grateful for the opportunities.
The part about the breakfast buffet is super-appealing, but, believe it or not, I think I would actually do this Mt. Revelstoke (very neat name, too) roller-coaster, Sue. It looks like it’s not so speedy and loopy that it would activate my motion sickness. It’s weird, but I didn’t use to have motion sickness; I’m blaming it on my worsening (at least it seems like it) allergies, which messes up my equilibrium with my ears.
Leigh I have terrible motion sickness and was fine on the coaster. If I ever felt a bit woozy then I just slowed down. That’s one of the reasons I loved it so much! Such a drag that you have developed motion sickness recently. I’ve had it as long as I can remember. Still no fun but at least I’ve learned some tricks and tolerance.
Oh yes to happiness at the buffet breakfast with a spectacular view! I’ll join you there for waffles.
Whoaaaa! I have never seen anything like this, Sue. I really enjoyed the video and yet, no way would I ever go on it. That little cart on that little track–I see why they call it a “pipe.” But I sure am glad you and Dave had such a good time, and shared it here. You two are great adventurers!
Jet so glad you enjoyed it even if it was a virtual ride. You are right we love the adventure! Thanks so much for taking the time to ride along and share your thoughts. Much appreciated.
But of course and as fast as possible.
I am smiling away. Oh yes I can see you and the boys having a blast at Revelstoke!
That definitely goes on the list of awesome northwest attractions I need to visit!
Great to hear! I think you will love it. So much fun and cant wait to take the family there.
What fun, even for a scaredy cat like me. I think I could do this one, loved the video too.
Debbie this is the thing I loved about the mountain coaster at Revelstoke was the fact that it could be fun for everyone. I saw a group of older folks, older than myself, and some came racing down full speed. then at one point they waited and waited and then came a white haired lady having a blast but at a much slower pace. It warmed my heart.
Thanks for the feedback on the video. Dave gets full credit. The cart had a holder for the GoPro at the front so it was perfect!
This sounds like so much fun! I’m glad you were able to calm your nerves and have a go!!! I’ll have to add this to my list of things to do when I eventually visit Canada 🙂
Definitely one for the list if visiting western Canada that’s for sure. Thanks so much for your comment!
Oh gosh it looks so scary !!! I’m not sure I would be brave enough to try but the view must be great while doing it 🙂
To be honest until we visited and did the research I had not realized this either. Definitely something to keep in mind next year when the big parks of Banff and Jasper will be busy with the free national park passes of 2017.
I’ve seen it that it was going to be free and I was like … damn it !! it’s going to be crazy busy !!!
Yes I’m afraid some of the areas will be very busy. For the very popular spots early starts will be the way to go.
Yeah… I think it’s going to be the way to go ! I will have to try to find some bnb and guesthouses soon but most of them don’t take booking now.. I’ve already called a few of them.
Hopefully it won’t be too much longer so you can get everything settled.
Sue this is SO cool. A coaster I could actually ride. I hate the tall ones, big ones, ones twisting and turning at horrible angles. This one works perfectly for me. Good for you. Looks fun!
Ryan
Ryan as you describe what you don’t like about roller coasters it convinces me the Revelstoke Mountain Coaster is calling your name. I loved being able to control the speed. Always feeling in control made a huge difference. Lots of fun for sure!
OMG, how much fun was that! Great soundtrack to your video too. Going through that metal tube would have freaked me out. I would have worried I’d hit my head.
Debra it definitely is a huge amount of fun no matter what the speed. The metal tunnel is much larger than it appears in the video but I can see why it feels so close watching the video myself. Thanks for the kind feedback. Dave does all of our video work so all kudos to him.