The new Gold Runner Coaster at Breckenridge is all that and a bag of chips. I rode that bad boy and let me tell you - it is really fun. For those of you that have been lucky enough to take a ride on the new coaster, you know what I'm talking about. However, to the folks who haven't had that chance yet, get ready because I am going to describe it for you. At the end of this blog you'll probably already have your trip booked to Breck and your need for speed will be more aggressive than Keanu Reeves'.
As I approached the new coaster I looked up from the Peak 8 base to view the sprawling new feature. Until I saw it first hand, I really was expecting something small, something similar to an alpine slide. I was pleasantly surprised when I found a very long, very legit roller coaster charging up the slopes of Peak 8, through the trees and back down the mountain. I then realized how great of a job Breckenridge did adding this exciting ride to their already second to none mountain resort.
I promptly took my seat in my coaster car. I soon took off to the track and started making my way up the mountain. Click, click, click. The car eased its way uphill providing nothing but great views of the slopes to the left and right as you enter the mountain forest. I didn't know what to expect as I got to the top - how fast does this thing go? Do I really shoot straight through all of these trees on my way down? Wow, those are sharp curves! The answers: very fast and yes. This looks awesome.
The top was about 30 feet away. I couldn't help but hum the theme song from "Step by Step" to myself, only thinking of the opening of the show which featured mainly just scenes of a roller coaster...and of course, Patrick Duffy. Well, I am not Pat Duffy and we are not in Wisconsin. I was about to fly down Peak 8 of Breckenridge Ski Resort on a roller coaster, through a forest, alongside skiers and snowboarders. Let's get this party started.
I soon learned that you control your own speed with a lever on either side of the car. So, you can completely manage how fast you want to fly or how slow you want to coast. For me it was all speed. The curves reach some pretty crazy angles and at great velocity if you choose to wear your daredevil pants that day. However, it's 100% safe. The adrenaline will pump, that's a fact, and you will remain secure in your chair regardless of what pants you rock. I twisted and curved through the trees at top speed; some skiers from the chair lift above hollered, "Ahhh yeahhh!" as I passed below them. I was laughing out loud to myself on my way down, I felt like a kid. It is that fun.
I strolled on into the landing station and all I wanted to do was ride the coaster again. And again. I would normally be carving down the slopes on my skis, but this was an excellent supplement to the already booming environment at Breckenridge. The Gold Runner Coaster is fun for the whole family (they do have cars for two) yet also adrenaline-packed for adults looking for a thrill, or just some quick amusement.
Overall, the new coaster at Breck comes highly recommended from this guy. Very fun. If you haven't been on it yet, do it. You're going to love it!
-Jeff Werkheiser