Much to celebrate as Scotland's first alpine coaster turns one
A year since it opened on Saturday 14 September 2024, Scotland’s first alpine coaster at Midlothian Snowsports Centre has exceeded visitor targets.
More than 300,000 customers
Midlothian Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry confirmed today (Monday), the coaster has welcomed 300,000 customers, 115% more than outlined in the business case.
Great achievement
Councillor Parry said: “We said at the opening we hoped to exceed 139,000 visitors so this is a phenomenal achievement for the snowsports centre team considering it only opened on a full-time basis after the February break.”
Only one in Scotland
The coaster, which enjoys views across the Pentlands and down to Edinburgh, is the only one in Scotland, one of the longest in the UK at 980m (3,215ft), can reach up to 28mph (45kmph) and has a vertical drop of 170m (558ft).
Celebrity endorsements
Customers have included Oscar winner and Hollywood actor Matt Damon and family and social media influencer Chris Lawlor, whose video of his coaster ride has been viewed more than 16 million times.
Destination Hillend
The coaster is the final part of phase one of the Destination Hillend project to build a year-round attraction to improve and safeguard the future of Midlothian Snowsports Centre on the edge of Edinburgh.
Phase One
Phase one also included opening a new freestyle slope, building a new A702 junction, additional car parking and widening the access road to the centre for public transport drop-offs. Since Sunday 3 August, Lothian Buses’ Service 4 drops and picks up passengers from outside the Midlothian Snowsports Centre.
Phase Two
Councillor Parry said the coaster’s success will inform plans for phase two of the project.
Lots on offer
She said: “The snowsports centre now attracts more than 400,000 visitors who come to enjoy tubing runs, the coaster, dry ski and snowboarding slopes and the café.
Further ambitions
“However, our ambitions are to expand our ‘offer’ by adding even more family-friendly outdoor attractions to encourage people to come and make a day of it.
Affordable
“We know what we’d like to do – and we’re hoping to share plans very soon - but we obviously need to be mindful of the public purse.
Broader goals
“The coaster’s success and income will certainly have a bearing on what is affordable, achievable and what activities will complement what’s already on offer while aligning with our broader goals of promoting active lifestyles, enhancing local amenities and boosting sustainable tourism.”
To book tickets
Tickets are £7 for a single ticket and £19 for a bundle of three rides and are booked online.
In the picture
From left to right are: Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry, Midlothian Snowsports Centre Manager Danny Burnett, Capital Projects Lead Andrew Souter and Cabinet Member for Tourism Councillor Colin Cassidy.