Walking through the base area of a mountain town in the summer feels a lot different than it does in the winter. Instead of the sound of clinking ski poles and heavy boots, you hear the wind rushing through the pine trees and the distant screams of joy from people flying down the slopes on steel tracks. I have spent many years wandering through the high country, and I have found that Colorado Ski Resorts with Unique Mountain Coasters or Ziplines offer a kind of excitement you just can’t get on a pair of skis. If you are looking for a way to feel the mountain air on your face without having to worry about your parallel turns, these attractions are exactly what you need.
I remember the first time I tried a mountain coaster. I was a bit nervous about the height, but as soon as I pulled the levers forward to release the brakes, all that fear turned into pure joy. These rides are not like the roller coasters you find at a theme park. They are built directly into the mountain terrain, curving around ancient trees and dipping over rocky ledges. You get to control your own speed, which is great for people like me who sometimes want to slow down and look at the view, or for my friends who want to go as fast as possible. In this post, I want to share my favorite spots where you can find these thrills.
Steamboat Resort and the Outlaw Mountain Coaster
If we are talking about Colorado Ski Resorts with Unique Mountain Coasters or Ziplines, we have to start with Steamboat. Their Outlaw Mountain Coaster is a beast. It is more than 6,280 feet long, making it the longest coaster of its kind in North America. When I first saw the track winding up the hill, I could not believe how far it went. The ride starts with a long, slow climb up the mountain. This is my favorite part because it gives me a chance to look out over the Yampa Valley. The colors in the fall are especially beautiful, with the gold of the aspens contrasting against the dark green of the pines.
Once you reach the top, the real fun starts. The track drops 400 vertical feet. I love how the carts feel secure but still give you that stomach-dropping sensation on the dips. There are circles and waves built into the track that make you feel like you are flying through the woods. I always suggest that people go for a second lap because the first time you are often too busy gripping the handles to really see everything. On the second run, you can let off the brakes and feel the full force of the mountain breeze. It is a must-do if you are visiting the Boat.
The Rocky Mountain Coaster at Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain is another one of those Colorado Ski Resorts with Unique Mountain Coasters or Ziplines that I visit every year. Their Rocky Mountain Coaster is special because it is one of the few that stays open during both the summer and the winter. I have ridden this coaster while there was five feet of snow on the ground, and it was a magical experience. Zooming past snow-covered trees while tucked into a little yellow cart is something I will never forget. It felt like I was in a real-life version of a bobsled race.
The track at Copper is 5,800 feet long. It has a lot of zig-zags and hairpins that keep your heart racing. What I like about Copper is that the coaster is located right near the American Flyer lift, so it is easy to get to. After a morning of hiking or mountain biking, I like to head over there to finish the day with a bit of gravity-fed fun. The staff there is always friendly and they do a great job of making sure everyone is buckled in tight. If you have kids, they will love this one. My nephew still talks about the “big loop” at the end of the Copper coaster every time I see him.
Epic Discovery at Vail and the Forest Flyer
Vail is famous for its size, and its summer activities are no different. They have a whole area called Epic Discovery that is packed with things to do. The Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster is a standout here. It winds through the trees for about 3,400 feet. While it might be shorter than the one at Steamboat, the way it is tucked into the forest makes it feel very intimate and fast. I felt like a bird darting through the branches when I rode it last July.
But Vail really shines when it comes to ziplines. If you are looking for Colorado Ski Resorts with Unique Mountain Coasters or Ziplines, the Game Creek Zipline Tour at Vail is the gold standard. This is not just one single wire. It is a multi-hour tour that takes you across seven different ziplines and two aerial bridges. I remember standing on the first platform, looking down at the valley below, and feeling my heart thumping. Once I stepped off, the feeling of weightlessness was incredible. You are soaring 300 feet above the ground in some spots. It gives you a perspective of the mountains that you can’t get from a hiking trail. You see the layout of the peaks and the way the shadows move across the bowls in a whole new way.
Snowmass and the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster
Aspen Snowmass has done a great job building up their “Lost Forest” area. The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster is the crown jewel of their summer operations. This coaster is fast—it can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour. When I rode it, I found myself leaning into the turns just like I do when I am skiing. The track is about a mile long and it drops through the forest at a very steady clip. I stayed at the base of Snowmass for a weekend and ended up riding the Breathtaker three times in one afternoon.
Snowmass also has the Canopy Run Zipline Tour. This one is great because it has eight ziplines that take you through the trees. I found the guides at Snowmass to be very helpful. They shared stories about the local trees and animals while we were waiting on the platforms. It made the experience feel more like an adventure and less like a theme park ride. They also have a challenge course and a climbing wall nearby, so you can really spend a whole day being active. It is one of the best Colorado Ski Resorts with Unique Mountain Coasters or Ziplines for people who want a mix of education and adrenaline.
Breckenridge and the Gold Runner
Breckenridge is one of my favorite towns in the state, and their Peak 8 Base Area is a hub of summer energy. The Gold Runner Coaster is a classic. It is 2,500 feet long and follows the natural contours of the mountain. Because Breckenridge is at such a high elevation, you might find yourself breathing a little heavier just walking to the start, but the ride down is effortless. I love the way the Gold Runner twists through the trees. It has some great banked turns that really let you feel the centrifugal force.
Besides the coaster, Breck has the Expedition Zipline Tour. This tour is located high up on the mountain and features over a mile of ziplining. The views of the Tenmile Range from the zipline platforms are some of the best in the state. I remember looking over at Peak 6 and seeing the snow still clinging to the shadows in late June while I was flying through the air. It is a great way to see the scale of the resort without having to hike for hours. Breck is definitely a top pick for Colorado Ski Resorts with Unique Mountain Coasters or Ziplines because the town itself is so fun to explore after you finish your rides.
Purgatory Resort and the Inferno Mountain Coaster
Down in the southern part of the state, near Durango, is Purgatory Resort. They have the Inferno Mountain Coaster, which is a total blast. It is about 4,000 feet long with a 300-foot vertical drop. What makes Purgatory unique is the scenery. The San Juan Mountains are jagged and dramatic in a way that is different from the Front Range. Riding the coaster here feels like you are in a more rugged, wild place. I visited Purgatory during a road trip a few years ago and the Inferno was the highlight of my stop.
The coaster has a full 360-degree circle that is a lot of fun. I also noticed that the lines at Purgatory tend to be a bit shorter than at the resorts closer to Denver. This meant I could go back and forth between the coaster and their alpine slide without waiting too long. If you find yourself in Southwest Colorado, you have to check this out. It fits perfectly into the category of Colorado Ski Resorts with Unique Mountain Coasters or Ziplines because of its amazing location and the fun track design.
Tips for Your Mountain Adventure
Before you head out to these Colorado Ski Resorts with Unique Mountain Coasters or Ziplines, there are a few things I have learned over the years that might help you have a better time. First, always check the weather. In the summer, Colorado often gets afternoon thunderstorms. These storms can move in fast, and the resorts will shut down the coasters and ziplines if there is lightning nearby. I usually try to get my rides in during the morning when the sky is clear and the air is cool.
Second, dress in layers. Even if it is 80 degrees in Denver, it can be much cooler at the top of a mountain. I always bring a light windbreaker or a fleece. When you are moving at 25 miles per hour on a coaster or flying on a zipline, that wind can feel pretty chilly. Also, make sure you wear closed-toe shoes. Most resorts will not let you ride in flip-flops or sandals for safety reasons. I learned that the hard way once and had to buy an expensive pair of sneakers at the gift shop!
Safety is a big part of the experience. Always listen to the operators. They will teach you how to use the hand brakes on the coasters and how to position your body on the ziplines. It is easy once you get the hang of it, but paying attention to the instructions makes the whole day go better. I also recommend booking your tickets online. Many of these Colorado Ski Resorts with Unique Mountain Coasters or Ziplines offer discounts if you buy in advance, and it saves you from waiting in the ticket line when you arrive.
Why I Love These Mountain Thrills
I think the reason I keep going back to these Colorado Ski Resorts with Unique Mountain Coasters or Ziplines is that they remind me of being a kid. There is something so simple and pure about letting gravity pull you down a mountain. You aren’t staring at a screen or worrying about your job. You are just focused on the next turn, the smell of the pine needles, and the feeling of the wind. It is a great way to bond with friends and family, too. I have seen grandparents riding the coasters with their grandkids, both of them with huge smiles on their faces.
Colorado is a place that celebrates the outdoors, and these attractions are a big part of that. Whether you are at Steamboat, Vail, Copper, or Purgatory, you are getting a chance to see the mountains in a way that is both exciting and accessible. I hope this guide helps you find your next adventure. The mountains are waiting, and there is a cart or a harness with your name on it. Go find that rush and enjoy every second of it!