Finland's first alpine coaster opened today in Ruka
Published on July 17, 2025
Finland's first alpine coaster, Ruka Coaster opened today in Ruka. The alpine coaster is a major step towards year-round tourism in the north. The goal is to attract especially international tourists to Finland also in the summer.
“Now is the time to take the next big step toward even more attractive summer tourism in Northern Finland. Ruka Coaster is a new and unique thrill experience that strengthens Ruka’s international appeal. For many foreign visitors, Finnish fell is an increasingly interesting summer destination – here you can breathe, explore nature, and enjoy unforgettable experiences in a mild climate,” says Rukakeskus CEO Antti Kärävä.
Ruka Coaster was opened today to Ruka’s Front Slopes.
“It was exciting to be part of building Finland's first alpine coaster, and it’s great to see how enthusiastically the public has welcomed it. People were already lining up for Ruka Coaster in the very first minutes of the opening,” says Rukakeskus construction manager Ilkka Paukkeri.
According to him, customers have especially praised the scenery and the ride's adjustability – on the alpine coaster, riders can control their speed using a hand brake. The ride is suitable both for thrill-seekers and those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
The alpine coaster is like a theme park roller coaster, but in a mountain setting. Ruka Coaster runs above ground on support pillars and is ridden with sleds. The descent is 767 meters long, featuring about ten turns and one large spiral high above the ground. The top speed of Ruka Coaster is 40 km/h.
10-year-olds ride the mountain coaster for free
In summer 2025, Ruka offers all 10-year-olds a free day pass for the mountain coaster and other outdoor adventure experiences.
“We want to support children's outdoor activities and offer families nature experiences in the fells,” says Kärävä.
10-year-olds have also received free benefits at Ruka during the winter season. Since 2019, local 10-year-olds have been skiing for free, and in winter 2024–2025, to celebrate Ruka’s 70th anniversary, all 10-year-olds were given a free season pass to the slopes.
“We’ve seen how this benefit supports children's physical activity in winter, so now we want to extend the benefit to summer activities as well,” says Kärävä.
10-year-olds receive a free "Ruka Speed Pass", which includes access to the Ruka Coaster and another new attraction – the Ruka Rally mountain carts. In addition, the pass grants unlimited access to the summer sled track, scenic lifts, zipline, mini golf, and Bike Park. It also allows free disc golf disc rental for two different courses. The pass provides discounts on the water park, bike rentals, and many other local attractions and services.
Read more about the pass for 10-year-olds
Ruka Coaster:
- Like a theme park roller coaster, but in a mountain landscape
- The track is located next to Ruka’s Front Slopes. The lower station is in front of the Piste Rental Shop.
- Track length: 767 meters
- Maximum speed: 40 km/h
- Minimum age: 8 years (ages 3–7 with an adult)
- Minimum height: 135 cm
- One sled fits two adults. Individual seat belts and locking devices ensure a safe ride. Maximum combined rider weight: 150 kg/sled
- Ruka Coaster is included in the Ruka Speed Pass. Alternatively, you can buy 1, 2, or 5-ride tickets.
- 10-year-olds ride for free: Every child born in 2015 receives a free Ruka Speed Pass, valid for one day of fun at Ruka during summer 2025.
More info and opening hours for Ruka Coaster
History of Ruka Coaster:
The alpine coaster originates from the Alps. The first alpine coaster opened in Austria in 1996. Since then, sled tracks by German company Wiegand have become popular in mountain destinations, with over 300 tracks operating worldwide. Wiegand also built Finland’s first alpine coaster, the Ruka Coaster. The track was built with respect for the surrounding environment.
Ruka Coaster and Ruka Rally are co-funded by the European Union.
Project Info: Ruka – Europe’s most Snow-Secure, Year-Round Resort!
Ruka’s development follows the Ecosign Master Plan created in 2003, which focuses on building a year-round, responsible, attractive, and internationally competitive resort.
This project enhances Ruka’s summer appeal by introducing completely new experiences: the Ruka Coaster alpine coaster and the Ruka Rally mountain cart track. These new investments significantly increase Ruka’s attractiveness to both international and domestic families and strongly support Ruka’s strategy of being “The World’s Best for Families” and the summer concept of a “National Amusement Park” ("Kansallishuvipuisto" in Finnish).
More information about EU co-funded projects by Rukakeskus Oy can be found here.
