Bobsled Rides – Health Precautions
The Olympic Parks warn that bobsled rides are very aggressive rides. They strongly discourage anyone from participating who has chronic neck, back, kidney, or heart problems, who is pregnant or has had a recent pregnancy, or anyone who has had recent surgery.
Bobsled Rides – Lake Placid Olympic Sports Complex
Located at the Verizon Sports Complex outside of Lake Placid, New York (the site of the 1980 Winter Olympics), the 1-mile bobsled track has 20 curves and a 350-foot vertical drop. Public rides start at the half-mile point, just after the “Shady Corner” curve. There are no age limits, but riders must be at least 4 feet tall. The ride is thrilling, but it’s over in under one minute.
Summer Bobsled Rides – $45 to $55
Late May to early October. You will reach speeds up to 50 mph on the “Summer Storm,” a wheeled 4-person bobsled driven by a professional driver and brakeman.
Winter Bobsled Rides – $65 to $75
Late October to late April. You will ride in “The Storm,” a custom built 4-person bobsled with a professional driver and brakeman. Winter rides reach speeds up to 60 mph.
Bobsled Rides – Utah Olympic Park
Located near the ski resort town of Park City, Utah Olympic Park was the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics, and features a 1,335-meter (.8 mile) sliding track with 15 curves, for bobsled, luge, and skeleton.
Summer Bobsled Rides – $60 per person; $30 for 2nd ride same day
Fee includes admission to the park, reservations not required. Riders must be 14 or older. You will ride down a concrete track in “The Comet,” a 4-person wheeled bobsled with an experienced driver. The ride takes three passengers the entire (.8 mile) length of the Olympic bobsled course, reaches speeds of up to 70 mph with 4 G’s of gravitational force.
Winter Bobsled Rides – $200 per person; ages 16 and up
December – March. Fee includes admission to park, and reservations are recommended. You will ride down the iced track in “The Comet,” a 4-person bobsled with an experienced driver. The ride takes three passengers the entire (.8 mile) length of the Olympic bobsled course, and reaches speeds up to 80 mph with 5 G’s of gravitational force (similar to jumping off a 40-story building). Organizers say this is a “very aggressive ride” and to expect a few bruises by the time you’re done.