Revelstoke’s Mountain Coaster smashes projections with over 100,000 riders in its first season

People loved the thrill of riding the mountain coaster, with its elements of adventure and safety combined.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort's new coaster proved to be hugely popular during its inaugural season, with over 100,000 people taking in the ride. — Photo: RMR

So how do you attract more visitors? How do you get them to pull off the busy Trans-Canada highway and stay in the community a little longer? How do you bolster business during a traditional slower "off-season" at a ski resort?

"Give people something exciting to do and new to experience," says Nico Leenders, marketing manager at the Revelstoke Mountain Resort (RMR) in Revelstoke.

Leenders was talking about the new "The Pipe" Mountain Coaster that the Resort installed last fall and operated for the first time this summer at the resort.

"With over 100,000 riders in our opening summer season, we exceeded our expectations and projections 4X over," he said. "We basically paid for our investment in one season."

He said people loved the thrill of riding the mountain coaster, with its elements of adventure and safety combined.

Here's how the Resort promotional material described the Coaster experience:

"The adventure begins right out of the starting gate: after buckling into the cart, you push forward to release the brakes. Ahead of you lies a steep drop that dives right into an ominous tunnel; from there, you descend 279 vertical metres (915 feet) over 1.4 kilometres (0.87 miles) of high-speed rail, twisting and turning across ski runs and through the forest all the way to the finish line in the Resort Village. Not just for the adrenaline junkie, this family-friendly ride allows you to control your own speed - letting you choose between a relaxing cruise or a white-knuckled all-out track attack! The unique cart design allows you to ride individually or tandem with small children. Since you have 100% control over your excitement factor, it is great for all ages – just be warned you are going to want to ride it again and again."

It's a great example of turning the traditionally slower "off-season" at a ski resort into an unqualified success. At $15 per ride and 100,000+ riders it can't hurt adding almost $2 million to the resort's revenue as well. Not to mention the spin off activity the resort undoubtedly enjoyed as well as the Revelstoke business community, in general, as riders circulated throughout the community.

Hats off to the vision and investment behind "The Pipe" Mountain Coaster in Revelstoke.