Alpe d’Huez in the French Alps is unveiling a new Alpine coaster this winter that will offer a novel twist – participants can ride the coaster wearing virtual reality head sets.
For those unfamiliar with alpine coasters, sometimes called mountain coasters, they are essentially downhill roller coasters, accessed by a ski lift, and are increasingly popular at ski resorts around the world.
The new year-round attraction at Alpe d’Huez, set to open on December 15th, will be a kilometre long and full of bends, jumps, waves, ‘flip-flaps’ and tunnels as well as being floodlit for night use.
But what distinguishes it from coasters that have been built so far is the introduction of virtual reality headsets to riders can be transported to another world as they race down the track. This is possible on a two seat luge with one person steering, the other wearing the mask.
This coaster is located in the resort’s Bergers area and one descent for two people costs €14, of €25 for two descents so you can swap (€32.50 for 5, €60 for 10, €90 for 20 and €225 for 50 if you get addicted!).
