New “Ritz Racer” Alpine Coaster Opens in Willingen
Just nine weeks after construction began – and thus considerably earlier than planned – the Alpine Coaster at Ritzhagen in Willingen entered regular operation this week. The sleds were designed by the Rummel family’s own team and feature motifs typical of the Sauerland region, such as spruce trees and snow-capped mountain peaks.
© Sommerrodelbahn Willingen
(eap) The Bergerlebniswelt Ritzhagen adventure destination in Willingen, in the German state of Hesse, opened its new “Ritz Racer” Alpine Coaster this week. The new attraction complements the existing summer toboggan run, mountain carting and summer tubing activities with a year-round experience that can be enjoyed in all weather conditions.
A total of 36 sleds, each accommodating two passengers seated one behind the other, are available for rides along the 950-metre track. Along the way, passengers pass through two helix sections reaching heights of up to eight metres, adding an extra element of excitement to the Alpine Coaster supplied by Wiegand. The ride reaches a maximum speed of 40 km/h.
© Sommerrodelbahn Willingen
“The ride experience on the rail-guided track is similar to that of a roller coaster, while the computer-monitored sleds, equipped with magnetic induction brakes and a distance monitoring system, ensure that there is no risk of rear-end collisions, even in rain, snow or icy conditions. The coaster is therefore a perfect addition to the attractions on our adventure mountain, as the elevated all-weather track will allow us to offer toboggan rides all year round and in all weather conditions – for example, during winters with little snowfall, but also alongside regular skiing operations,” explains Christian Rummel, a member of the Rummel family, which operates the attraction and will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its summer toboggan business at Ritzhagen, nestled in the Upland Mountains, in 2027.
To further boost summer tourism at Ritzhagen, the next planned project is a nature-themed adventure trail suitable for pushchairs, featuring wooden play stations centred around the theme of mining. The trail is intended to extend from the upper chairlift station, down the adjacent ski slope, to the boarding areas of the summer toboggan run and Alpine Coaster. ■
