Breckenridge Ski Resort got the green light to build a Coaster ride near the base of Peak 8. Approved by the planning commission earlier this month, the ride was approved by the town council on March 23. The resort plans to operate the coaster between the first of June and September 15, and from early November until mid April. The coaster is similar to the existing Alpine Slide, but will be made of steel track designed for individual cars. Unlike the Alpine Slide, the proposed Coaster's cars are propelled up the track to the beginning of the launch point, similar to a roller coaster. Participants are strapped into the individual cars and are able to control the speed of the decent. The Coaster will consists of approximately 3,000 feet of steel track and will be located almost entirely in a stand of lodge pole pine trees that separate the Twister and Dyersville ski runs.
The ski resort has also asked the town for permission to run the gondola from town to Peak 8, to provide access to the summer activities park, this summer, during daylight hours. Breckenridge Resort hopes to run the gondola instead of driving buses up and down Ski Hill Road.
The gondola, however, passes over the Cucumber Gulch Open Space area that the town has been working hard to preserve as a wildlife-friendly dogleg of land near town. The town council was concerned about the gondola operations impacts on moose calving and bird habitat, especially in June. Two different biologists weighed in on the proposal at the March 23 council meeting, and the decision was postponed.
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