Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster
If hurtling down the side of a mountain at breakneck speeds is your jam, you need to ride the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster. Or if you prefer to cruise gently down a hillside, slowing to take in the magnificent landscapes below … YOU need to ride the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, too. The best part: it’s open year-round.
The Ridge Runner is a two-person capacity, alpine cart-and-track rollercoaster that zigzags through meadows and trees, hugging twists and turns down central Ontario’s Blue Mountain. The ride is 1 km long and over 1,000 metres high. It’s one of many exciting adventures offered at Blue Mountain Resort, Ontario’s favourite vacation playground in southern Georgian Bay. Its base is located beside the Grand Central Lodge and Activity Centre at the top end of Blue Mountain Village.
Mountain coasters have become popular across North America as ski destinations aim to diversify and broaden their seasons, activities and visitor base, and Blue Mountain led the trend in Ontario. In fact the Ridge Runner is Ontario’s first and only mountain coaster, and it brings a cool, exhilarating experience to the legendary mountain. It’s unique in its all-season approach, too. You can ride the coaster in the balmy heights of summer or take in the spectacular snow covered scenery in the winter months.
And, most importantly, you control your ride. The Ridge Runner can reach speeds of up to 42 km/hr, but riders can employ a manual brake to slow down the descent. Maybe you want to catch the views of Georgian Bay waters and the bustle of Blue Mountain Village or take in the Niagara Escarpment all around you. Or maybe you just want to fly. Either way, it’s a wild ride.
Feel the excitement build during the slow and steady ascent, as you pass under the descending track. Once you reach the corkscrew turn at the top, it’s GO time and now you’re in charge. Push your handles down to plummet forward, pull back up to slow down.
And enjoy the adrenaline rush!
For up-to-date information and details on the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, we recommend you visit their website. For information about other places of interest to explore nearby, keep scrolling to see what Destination Ontario recommends.
More about Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster
The Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster at Blue Mountain has been a popular year-round attraction at the resort since its grand opening a decade ago.
Some restrictions do apply. Each cart can accommodate two people, but the driver must be at least 16 years old and passengers must be over three years old. The minimum height to ride alone is 137 cm tall. The ride is accessible for people with limited mobility and other disabilities, as long as they ride with a support person.
You’ll need to secure all loose articles like sunglasses and hats, and footwear is required. In winter, dress warm, bundle up and consider wearing ski goggles.
Although the ride is year-round, it is also weather permitting, so always check on the conditions in advance.
You can buy single ride tickets or the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster is part of the Play-All-Day-Pass. The Play-All-Day-Pass gives you access to most of the amazing attractions at Blue Mountain, including the Timber Challenge High Ropes and Woodlot Low Ropes climbing facility and the Mountaintop Segway Tours. Of course, some restrictions do apply and attractions are subject to capacity, so it’s always a good idea to book ahead.
Last updated: August 18, 2023