Spirit Mountain’s Timber Twister Alpine Roller Coaster

Video by Dan Hartman.

34 Comments

ElPete

about 14 years ago

Wow.  This looks so long and so fun, that's what she said.  I like how he said hello to the people on the other side while heading down. The tracks make it look more safe than its cousin up in Lutsen too.  I had no idea it was already open, I need to ride this soon.

Claire

about 14 years ago

I am SO THERE and so is my speed demon 12 year old. Cowabunga!

E.

about 14 years ago

Thanks for the footage. Now I don't need to buy a ticket. 
Not that I would anyway because, let's see, $8 for a 3 minute ride = $160/hr. I can have a lot of fun elsewhere for $160/hr.
But, then again, I wouldn't get VD from the Timber Twister.
If they had a "Day Pass" for a reasonable price, I might bite.

Fan of Ham

about 14 years ago

We could sit here and nit-pick all the little things we don't like about the Timber Twister ,  or we could get out there and pay a small fee to take an exhilarating ride down a kick-ass mini coaster in one of the most beautiful areas of the country!!  But you're right E.  , hopefully they will develop a cheap day pass as they get more attention.

woodtick

about 14 years ago

The twister did a great job of pulverizing much of the sweet, sweet singletrack that was hand-built into the hillside of Spirit Mountain for some of us other fun-seekers.  And those trails were only paid for with sweat.

conrad

about 14 years ago

Ahhhhhhh..   The Mountain Bike trail!!!!  What a sad state it is in.

dodzee

about 14 years ago

I got to ride the twister -- it will be a money-maker for Spirit Mountain ... pretty fun -- but I would like to go a bit faster.

As for the mtb trails - there is still room to resurrect them ... if Spirit is behind it..? not sure.  I know they ARE behind new mtb trail throughout the Nordic trails across the road - which will be EPIC! Amazing terrain.

Barrett Chase

about 14 years ago

Cool video, but it's only a matter of time before YouTube takes it down for copyright infringement due to the Pearl Jam soundtrack.

Michelle

about 14 years ago

Going down is one thing ... but how the heck do you get back to the top again?

Barrett Chase

about 14 years ago

Probably the same way you do when you're skiing.

Paul Lundgren

about 14 years ago



The track goes back up to the top. At the end of the video you can see it start to go back up.

Paul Lundgren

about 14 years ago

I took the ride today ... twice.

At first I was surprised at how fast it went. I expected the ride to be quite slow. I think the more you weigh the more it might feel like you could go soaring off the tracks and die. At 210lbs., I was somewhat concerned and used the brakes a little.

There was a young girl two cars ahead of me who must have been a bit terrified, because she slowed waaaaay down and held up the ride for me and about six or eight others. When we got to the top we learned we would get a free run because of this, so no harm done.

The second time down was much better.

There were a few kids in line who said they were riding for the fourth time. That's ain't cheap at eight bucks a cruise. As a grown up, twice was plenty for me. 

The line to get on tended to be about 20 people deep and moved pretty quick. I'd say it was maybe a 5- to 10-minute wait each ride.

One of the guys working there said business had been pretty steady all day, but there were a few breaks when no one was in line.

The best part of the ride is this curve:



Barrett Chase

about 14 years ago

Does anyone know the hours of operation?

Paul Lundgren

about 14 years ago

It runs daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Also, to address the "day pass" question/statement above, 10 tickets are $60.

Barrett Chase

about 14 years ago

When can we start calling it the Tittie Twister?

vicarious

about 14 years ago

Yeah, $160/hour.  For $60/hour, you can rent a plane from Superior airport and I'll fly you around for free. I'll even show you how to fly an airplane!

Claire

about 14 years ago

I heard there was a $150 season pass. I'm just wondering if I can pass it around to my daughter and back to me.

wildgoose

about 14 years ago

I like Dan's videos.  Heck, I like Dan.  

I agree it does sound spendy, but some guy at the Thomas shows was charging $7 to go on one of those "bungee jump" trampoline thingees.  I gladly pay $5 for a tub of popcorn at the movies (when I can afford to go).  So let's just keep things in perspective. 

I'd like to know more about how you can get a one hour plane ride for $60, Vicarious.  If that's true then you and me might just need to sit down and pound you out a business plan, because that could be a money maker ... and a fantastic attraction for the area.

vicarious

about 14 years ago

Wildgoose - The Cessna 152 (2-seater) at Bong rents for $58/hour including fuel. The 4-seater 172 rents for $88/hr.

wildgoose

about 14 years ago

I'm gonna start saving my pennies because that sounds great.  Thanks for the info.

heysme

about 14 years ago

Vicarious,
Do you get a pilot with the Cessna?

vicarious

about 14 years ago

Heysme - Technically, no. But I'd be willing to be your pilot... :>

(Yes, I am a licensed commercial pilot and flight instructor)

Purple

about 14 years ago

That looks AWESOME! *sigh* I forgot about the Thomas Shows.

Claire

about 14 years ago

Hurrah! Purple is back!

red

about 14 years ago

Three minutes for $8? Does that time include the ride back to the start line or just the time to go down? Thanks.

Ken Zakovich

about 14 years ago

Thanks for the video. I'm taking the family as soon as I can.

Malar

about 14 years ago

Can anyone tell me if the alpine roller coaster ride is a group ride or just a single ride? Can people who don't know how to drive car ride?

Paul Lundgren

about 14 years ago

It is a one-person ride, Malar. You don't need to know how to drive, but it helps to know how to apply brakes.

Malar

about 14 years ago

Thanks for your information. Another question: How old must kids be to ride?

Malar

about 14 years ago

And how long is the ride? What you mean about "helps to know how to apply brakes"? Can you explain in detail? I want enjoy the ride.

Claire

about 14 years ago

Helps if you can reach the "gas" pedal on that thing, if you know what I mean, I had a little problem flooring it to get max speed (I am a short person).

Paul Lundgren

about 14 years ago

Riders must be 48 inches tall and at least 8 years old to ride alone. Kids who are at least 3 years old can ride with someone age 16 or older. The ride lasts about three minutes. The car has a brake lever, which the rider controls, so you can use the brake to slow yourself down if the ride is too fast for your comfort level.

claplaila

about 13 years ago

Vicarious,

I will be up in the area this weekend! How do I go about renting a flight for an hour!? Where do I go?! Is it open all around or do I have to make any reservations?!

Sam

about 13 years ago

You can buy it in packs for a discount.  You won't regret it.  Here are the details you need...

http://www.spiritmt.com/alpine-coaster/index.html

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