As with a conventional steel-track coaster, the cars are firmly secured to the track by a series of rollers, so there's no danger of flying off, as there is with an alpine slide. Like an alpine slide, however, you do have control of the speed of your car: You're advised to fully release the two-handled breaking system for maximum speed during your descent, but you do need to apply the breaks to stop at the end. Top speed is about 25 mph.
The track is partially obscured from the ski slopes by woods, so you don't really get a good appreciation for the length of the ride until you climb aboard. A system of two pulleys drags you and your car up more than 1,300 feet before you are released on a twisting, spiraling, free-falling 2,390-foot ride back to the base.
It's a mildly exhilarating plunge where you pull some mild Gs in the turns, and the two spiral sections make you feel like you need to hold on tight to stay on the track, even if you really don't. Designers showed some creativity in routing a small section through the trees, which I would have liked to have seen more of. You do get up some decent speed, and though it's not comparable to anything you'd find at Six Flags, on a cold day, you'll definitely notice the wind in your face. (Best advice we got: Keep your ski goggles on.)
The ride only takes a couple of minutes, and it's a nice break from the ski runs or an option for visitors who don't ski or snowboard but still want to enjoy a day at the mountain. You can also buy a combo ticket that includes coaster rides and tubing.
