Scotland's only Alpine Coaster not far from Glasgow open for thrillseekers this weekend

The new Alpine coaster near Edinburgh is the longest in the UK
-Credit: (Image: Midlothian Council)


Thrillseeking families in Glasgow will soon have an exhilarating new attraction to enjoy – an Alpine coaster that sees people hurtling down through the Pentland Hills at nearly 30 mph.

This weekend (Saturday, September 14), Midlothian Snowsports Centre will be unveiling its latest attraction, the Alpine Coaster, to the public.

Visitors can book now if they fancy trying it out, with ticket prices costing £7 for a single ride or £19 for a bundle of three rides.

The longest of its kind in the UK, it's Scotland's only Alpine coaster and can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour.

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Alpine coasters, popular in Europe’s mountainous regions, offer riders an exciting experience as they descend in toboggan-like carts along a winding track, combining high-speed thrills with scenic views. They are commonly found at ski resorts to provide a year-round attraction.

Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry stopped by to cut the ribbon on Scotland’s first Alpine Coaster and tried out the ride for herself on Tuesday, September 10, reports Edinburgh Live.

Cllr Parry said afterwards: “It was thrilling – fantastic fun and a real adrenaline rush!"

She later added: “We want to turn the centre into a national tourist attraction, with visitor numbers for the Alpine Coaster alone expected to exceed 150,000 a year.

"It really is the ride of your life!”

The resort also offers dry slope skiing lessons and tubing experiences to add to the fun.

Tickets must be booked in advance as demand is expected to be high for the opening weeks and can be booked via the official website.

How to get to the Midlothian Snowsports Centre

Situated close to Edinburgh, you can find it by heading to the capital on the M8, exit the Edinburgh City Bypass at Lothianburn junction. Head for Biggar on A702. They are then half a mile from the junction on the right. (Just after The Steading restaurant).

The whole journey will take just under an hour by car in regular traffic.

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