Avalanche (Kings Dominion)
Avalanche is a bobsled roller coaster located at Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia. Manufactured by Mack Rides, Avalanche opened to the public in 1988. It is located in the Safari Village section of the park. There are seven cars per train and the various cars are themed after Olympic bobsleds that represent five countries. The countries include France, the United States, Germany, Switzerland and Canada. Each car has its country specific Winter Olympic decals.[1]
| Avalanche | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Kings Dominion | |
| Location | Kings Dominion |
| Park section | Safari Village |
| Coordinates | 37°50′24.47″N 77°26′26.51″W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | 1988 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel – Bobsled |
| Manufacturer | Mack Rides |
| Model | Bobsled |
| Lift/launch system | Chain-lift |
| Height | 69 ft (21 m) |
| Drop | 12 ft (3.7 m) |
| Length | 3,200 ft (980 m) |
| Speed | 41 mph (66 km/h) |
| Inversions | 0 |
| Duration | 1:30 |
| G-force | 3.4 |
| Height restriction | 40 in (102 cm) |
| Trains | 3 trains with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 1 across in 2 rows for a total of 14 riders per train. |
 | |
| Avalanche at RCDB Pictures of Avalanche at RCDB | |
Features
Avalanche features chutes or half pipes without any fixed tracks like most other roller coasters. Having no tracks allows the bobsled cars to move freely as if they are sliding on the ice as a real bobsled would.[1]
Cars
Each car in Avalanche seats two riders. One rider sits in between the legs of the first rider. It is a very close fit between the two straddling riders. Many people ride alone because it is such a tight squeeze.[1]
References
- "Avalanche @ Kings Dominion". Coaster Reviews. Retrieved 22 December 2012.