Alpine Coaster Oberammergau

A mountain coaster or alpine coaster is a type of roller coaster with bobsled-like cars on tracks installed on a mountain. It is similar to alpine slides where a low-wheeled sled is used to navigate the track, but instead of running over smooth concave tracks like the alpine slide, alpine coasters run on rails with up-stop wheels like traditional roller coasters. Thus, an alpine coaster isn't necessarily safer due to the jerky movements the cart makes as it navigates its way on a fixed track. Alpine coasters are undoubtedly slower than an alpine slide since alpine coasters have speed regulated carts that prevent a rider from experiencing the track at full speed. Tracks are usually tubular rails, like a steel roller coaster, while some have monorail-type tracks. Unlike a traditional roller coaster, the rider has the capability to control the car's speed with its rider-controlled brake system. Alpine coasters can also operate year-round, even through light rain and snow.Safety features, speed, tracks and layout vary by manufacturer. Leading makers of mountain coasters include ADG , Wiegand , Brandauer , Alpine Products , and Erbschloe Fun Construct .As of 2007, the longest alpine coaster in the world is Tobotronc at Naturlandia, in the Pyrenees of Andorra. It is 5.3 km long. The highest alpine coaster in the world is the Alpine Coaster of Glacier 3000 in Gstaad, Switzerland with the starting elevation of 9,747 feet and a length of 3,300 feet .
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