Ruka front slopes. Photo: Eemeli Hepola
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Ruka is set to launch Finland’s first alpine roller coaster in July–August 2025. The new ride, called Ruka Coaster, is built into the steep terrain of the Eturinne slope and follows the mountain’s natural contours.
The track, 767 metres long, includes several curves and a high spiral, reaching speeds up to 40 km/h. Unlike traditional summer sled runs, Ruka Coaster runs on elevated tracks and operates in all weather conditions.
Riders use sled-style cars fitted with hand brakes, allowing them to control their speed.
Antti Kärävä, CEO of Rukakeskus, said the project was inspired by a desire to bring speed and nature together for the summer season.
“We love fast moments in nature. That’s how the idea of Ruka Coaster was born — to give people summer excitement surrounded by natural scenery,” Kärävä said.
Originally developed in the Alps, alpine coasters have grown in popularity worldwide. German firm Wiegand, which built the first such coaster in Austria in 1996, also constructed the Ruka installation. The structure was designed to minimise environmental impact by preserving existing trees and landforms. The coaster is powered uphill by an electric motor and descends using gravity.
Ruka Coaster is part of the “Vauhti wristband” summer activity package. It is also available as a single, double, or five-ride ticket. Each sled holds two adults and is equipped with individual seatbelts. The minimum age is eight, though children aged 3–7 may ride with an adult. The minimum height is 135 cm, and the combined maximum weight per sled is 150 kg.
To support outdoor activity among children, Ruka is offering all 10-year-olds, those born in 2015, free wristbands for the entire 2025 summer season. This includes access to Ruka Coaster and other nature-based experiences.
Kärävä said the initiative builds on a policy that has already been in place during winter.
“Since 2019, we’ve given local 10-year-olds free access to the slopes during the ski season. In our 2024–2025 anniversary season, we extended the benefit to all 10-year-olds. The results have been excellent,” he said.
This summer marks the first time the offer will apply to warm-weather activities. Children can choose between two free wristbands: the “Ruka wristband” or the “Vauhti wristband”.
The Ruka wristband includes unlimited access to the traditional summer sled track, scenic chairlifts, a zipline, minigolf, and the Bike Park. It also includes free disc golf rentals and discounts at the water park, bike rentals, and other services.
The Vauhti wristband includes all Ruka wristband activities, plus access to the Ruka Coaster and a second new feature, Ruka Rally soapbox cars, launching in July.
Ruka Coaster’s base station is located near the Piste Rental Shop. The coaster adds a new attraction to Ruka’s summer offering, blending amusement park features with natural mountain scenery.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
