AlpspitzCOASTER Night Riding | Nesselwang's Nocturnal Rush

Most alpine coasters are tame summer diversions for families. The AlpspitzCOASTER in Nesselwang changes the equation when the sun sets and the snow falls. Piggybacking on the resort's floodlit night skiing infrastructure, this steel-rail beast runs deep into the winter night.

Riding a mechanical sled at 40 km/h through a pitch-black forest, illuminated only by pools of halogen light and the reflection of the snow, is a sensory distortion event. The speed feels doubled. The "jumps" are invisible until you hit them. This guide ignores the summer fluff to focus on the "Winter Night Ride"—a legitimate adrenaline spike for under €10.

The Adrenaline Audit

The Experience

The Black Hole Effect: The limited lighting creates tunnel vision. You can't see the runout of the turns, destroying your depth perception and spiking the thrill.
Icy Rails: In sub-zero temps, friction drops. The sleds run faster and "hotter" than in summer.
The Tow-Up: You are dragged up the mountain backwards in the dark, watching skiers carve down the floodlit piste next to you. It’s surreal.

Tactical Warnings

The Slowpoke Hazard: The biggest buzzkill is getting stuck behind a cautious tourist. Protocol: Wait 60 seconds at the top before launching to create a massive buffer.
Eyewear: Essential. At 40 km/h in -5°C, your eyes will water until you are blind. Wear clear ski goggles or sunglasses. PRO TIP: Do not ride bare-eyed.
Cold Hands: You are holding metal handles. Wear thin, grippy gloves. Ski mittens are too bulky for precise braking.

Mission Specs

Parameter	Data
Track Length	1,100 meters (Downhill) + 680m (Uphill Tow)
Max Speed	40 km/h (Electronically limited but feel is higher)
Night Window	18:00 – 21:00 (Daily in Winter Season)
Cost	~€9.00 / Ride (Adult)
Location	Base of Alpspitzbahn (Nesselwang)

Logistics & Strategy

The "Free" Ascent

Unlike the Zipline, you do not need a main cable car ticket. The coaster has its own integrated tow system. You sit in the sled at the valley floor, and it pulls you up. This makes it a cheap thrill.

Timing the "Epic" Window

Target: January/February, 18:00 – 20:00.
Why: The night ski season is the only time night riding is guaranteed daily. In summer, it's rare/sporadic.
Weather: It runs in light snow/rain (sleds have bubbles), but shuts down in high wind.

The "KönigsCard" Hack

If your hotel gives you the Königscard, you usually get one free ride per day. Use it. It turns a €9 coffee break into a free adrenaline shot.

Adventure Stacking

The Big Brother

Activity: AlpspitzKICK (Zipline)

The Move: Do the Zipline (120 km/h) during the day/twilight, then hit the Coaster at night. The Zipline requires a lift ticket and hike to the mid-station.

The Recovery

Activity: Sportheim Böck

The Move: A classic mountain hut at the mid-station. If night skiing is on, it may be open for Kässpatzen. Otherwise, the "Sepp's Stadel" at the base pumps techno and beer.