Spirit Mountain one step closer to new coaster

Posted by Boua Xiong

Spirit Mountain is known for its skiing. Come next summer it is hoping to be known for its alpine coaster. Spirit Mountain executive director Rene Mattson said the alpine coaster will help Spirit Mountain really become a four season attraction.

"I took two rides on the coaster that I visited at this resort on the East coast and it was fabulous. It was a great ride. And there were people in line from little kids to age grandmothers who were all waiting excitedly for this ride," Mattson, said.

The $2.2 million project is part of a bigger master plan to bring in more revenue year round. Mattson said Spirit Mountain currently brings in the bulk of its revenue during the winter months. That revenue must sustain the recreation area for an entire year.

Once the coaster is built that may change. For some city officials, it's a welcome change.

"This is precisely the kind of thing that many of us have always talked about coming into Spirit Mountain and I think it would be a real benefit to the city as a whole," John Vigen, city planning commissioner said. It may be a benefit to the Midwest too. If all goes as planned, the alpine coaster will be the first of its kind in the region.

The project was unanimously approved by the city planning commission Tuesday. Now it will move to the city council. If the city council votes to approve the project construction on the coaster would start next April and be ready to ride in July. Riders would pay about $8 for a single ride or $12 for a couple once the coaster is built.

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