Mount Van Hoevenberg

The Cliffside Coaster at Mount Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid offers a historic and thrilling adventure on North America’s longest Alpine Coaster. Spanning a total length of approximately 2,100 meters, this state-of-the-art ride winds its way down the mountain on tracks running right alongside the historic bobsled track from the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. What makes this ride special is its interactive nature: Using manual brake levers on the comfortable sleds, you control your own speed throughout the entire ride. After a leisurely uphill ride—during which you’ll learn fascinating facts about the region’s Olympic history via an integrated audio system—the thrills begin. You can either enjoy the view of the majestic Adirondack Mountains or release the brakes completely. Without stopping, you’ll then zoom through tight, steep curves and zigzag your way through the dense forest parallel to the ice channels down into the valley. Since the sleds are weatherproof and equipped with modern safety systems, the ride is a year-round pleasure for the whole family. In addition to the Alpine roller coaster, the world-famous Mount Van Hoevenberg winter sports center also offers Olympic-themed tours, cross-country ski trails, and a state-of-the-art indoor climbing park.