Finland’s First Alpine Coaster Opens in Ruka in July–August – Free Rides for 10-Year-Olds
Published: May 15, 2025
Finland’s first alpine coaster, Ruka Coaster, will open in Ruka during July–August. The alpine coaster will be built on the scenic Front Slope of Ruka and follows the natural terrain of the fell. To encourage outdoor activity among children, Ruka is offering all 10-year-olds a free day pass for the alpine coaster and other nature-based experiences.
“At Ruka, we love thrilling moments in the heart of nature. We want to offer exciting outdoor experiences during the summer as well. That’s where the idea for Ruka Coaster came from,” says Antti Kärävä, CEO of Rukakeskus.
Photo: Antti Kärävä at the lower station of Ruka Coaster in May 2025. Construction of the track is underway in the background.
The alpine coaster concept originates from the Alps. The first alpine coaster opened in Austria in 1996. Since then, German company Wiegand’s coasters have become popular in mountain resorts, with over 300 installations worldwide. Wiegand is also behind Finland’s first alpine coaster, the Ruka Coaster. The track has been built with respect for the environment.
“The design of the track carefully considers existing trees and terrain. It requires minimal foundations or heavy earthworks. The sled is pulled uphill with an electric motor, and the descent happens by gravity. At Ruka, we use only renewable electricity – both for the lifts and the alpine coaster,” Kärävä explains.
Ruka Coaster is like a roller coaster in an amusement park – but set in mountain scenery. Unlike Ruka’s traditional summer sled track, Ruka Coaster can operate in all weather conditions. The elevated track runs on support pillars and is ridden with sleds. The downhill run stretches 767 meters, featuring around ten curves and one larger spiral elevated above the ground. The top speed is 40 km/h.
“The alpine coaster suits many preferences – you can enjoy a more relaxed ride, too. Riders can control the speed themselves with a brake handle, tailoring the experience to their liking,” Kärävä says.
Free Rides for 10-Year-Olds on the Alpine Coaster
“We want to support children’s outdoor activity and make nature experiences more accessible. Local 10-year-olds have been skiing for free at Ruka since 2019, and in the 2024–2025 winter season, we celebrated our anniversary by offering free ski passes to all 10-year-olds,” Kärävä explains.
“We’ve received great feedback, and more 10-year-olds than ever took part. Now, we’re extending the benefit to the summer season for the first time,” he continues.
Ten-year-olds can choose a free Ruka Fun Pass or Ruka Speed Pass. The Ruka Fun Pass gives one day of unlimited access to the classic summer sled track, scenic lifts, zipline, mini golf, Ruka Bike Park, and includes free disc golf discs for two different courses. It also offers discounts on the water park, bike rentals, and other local activities and services. The Ruka Speed Pass includes everything in the Ruka Fun Pass plus access to the Ruka Coaster (opening in July–August) and another summer novelty – the Ruka Rally mountain carts (opening in July).
Read more about the Ruka Fun/ Speed Pass benefit for 10-year-olds
Ruka Coaster:
- Alpine coaster in fell landscape.
- Located by the 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 (children aged 3–7 must ride with an adult)
- Minimum height: 135 cm
- Each sled holds two adults. Individual seat belts and locking devices ensure a safe ride. Max combined weight: 150 kg/sled
- Included in the Ruka Speed Pass. Alternatively, single, two-ride or five-ride passes can be purchased.
- Free fun for 10-year-olds: Every child born in 2015 gets one free Ruka Fun Pass or Ruka Speed Pass valid for one day during summer 2025.
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.
