Roller coaster planned for Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Get ready to scream!

A 1.4 km long mountain coaster,slated for Revelstoke Mountain Resort next summer, is expected to reach speeds of 42 km/h.

The plan is to add some excitement to the resorts summer operations with asingle-track coasterthat will travel at high speed from the mid-mountain lodge to the base of the resort.

Revelstoke MayorMarkMckeesays he hopes the roller coaster will draw in tourists.

"It's a great tourism addition to the resort. I am looking forward to getting up there and trying it out," he said.

Jeff Harbaugh,anoutdoor industry consultant, says it's a growing trend among ski hills to find summer cash flow because it's becoming harder to survive due toglobal warming and becausemore choices are available for consumers.

"Winter resorts are finding themselves in competition with Disneyland, golf resorts, spa resorts and other leisure activities in ways that didn't used to be. This gives them a chance to compete a little," said Harbaugh.

The roller coaster is designed by Brandauer Mountain in Austria. The coaster runs on mono rails and is built close to the ground, to simulate the thrill of downhill mountain biking.

To hear the full interview listen to the audio labelledRoller coaster in the works for Revelstokefromthe CBC'sDaybreak South.

Read the council report