Destination Hillend
Our Alpine Coaster
You can also book using our app - download our app on Apple or download our app on Google
Slots for our Alpine Coaster are normally available up to 8 weeks in advance. Bookings can not be transferred or refunded.
Please check our Snowsports Centre Facebook page for the most up-to-date information as our website is not updated at weekends or public holidays.
Please read our customer agreement before booking. We cannot take bookings over the phone and it may be sold out if you arrive on the day so book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Opening hours
- Mon-Fri (excluding Wed): 11:00am
- Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00am
Cost - from 01 August 2026
Peak days - Friday, Saturday & Sunday (3 rides only)
- 3 rides £22.00
- 3 rides for driver + passenger £44.00
Off Peak - Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
- 1 ride £8.00
- 3 rides £22.00
- 1 ride for driver + passenger £16.00
- 3 rides for driver + passenger £44.00
ALL rides must be within your half hour time slot. Please arrive in time as you will not be allowed to ride if you arrive late.
About the coaster
- The coaster is interactive, riders can slow their cart down
- The coaster ride includes a 360 degree helix
- The vertical drop is approximately 74 metres
- The maximum speed is regulated to 28mph
- Including the ascent, the ride is just over 3 minutes
- The overall length of the coaster is 980 metres (315 metres uphill & 667 metres downhill), the equivalent of Beinn a' Chochuill Munro
- Participants must be aged over 9 years and 1.4m tall to use the Alpine Coaster independently.
- Children must be a minimum of 4 years. Children aged between 4-8 years old must be accompanied by someone over 9 years and over 1.4m tall
- The maximum weight in each cart is 145kg (22 stone, 8lbs)
- Those who are pregnant, or have heart, back or neck conditions, should not ride.
- No mobile phones or cameras permitted whilst riding the Alpine Coaster, any riders found using a mobile device or camera risk having their remaining rides cancelled with no refunds given.
Accessibility
- Access to the Alpine Coaster is via a series of steps or an inclined road for use by a mobility scooter
- Mobility scooters can be left securely at the Alpine Coaster building
- Access and exit for the Coaster Carts require basic mobility
What to expect - safety briefing
CCTV
- CCTV is in operation and signage is in place to advise that CCTV cameras are recording.
- Personal data processed through CCTV cameras is used for:
- Crime prevention and detection
- Health and safety of users of the Alpine Coaster
- Please read our Hillend Alpine Coaster privacy policy for more information.
Find us
Midlothian Snowsports Centre
Biggar Road, Hillend
Edinburgh EH10 7DU
By car
Exit Edinburgh City Bypass at Lothianburn junction. Head for Biggar on A702. We are 1/2 mile from the junction on the right (just after The Steading restaurant).
By train/bus
Lothian Buses 4 (from Dalry Road by Haymarket station) or 15 (from Waverley station) to Hillend. From Sunday 3 August the Lothian Buses 4 drops passengers outside the Centre and not at the foot of the hill.