There’s something about Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain that keeps people coming back decade after decade. It’s not a sprawling theme park with hour-long queues or a place that tries to do everything at once. It’s a compact, well-loved recreation area perched above Big Bear Lake that does a handful of things extremely well — and has been doing so since 1983. Whether you’re riding a chairlift over pine-covered hillsides with a group of kids, racing your partner down a concrete track, or sending yourself screaming through a mile of mountain coaster in the middle of a California winter, the experience is one of those rare things that genuinely holds up every time.
For families planning a Big Bear trip, it tends to be a non-negotiable stop. For couples who’ve never been, it has a way of surprising people who expected something smaller. And for adventure seekers who’ve exhausted the usual Southern California options, the combination of the Alpine Slide, the Mineshaft Coaster, and the Soaring Eagle offers a kind of terrain-based thrill that you simply can’t replicate at a flat-land amusement park.
What sets it apart from traditional theme parks isn’t just the mountain setting — it’s the format. There’s no gate admission. You pay per attraction, pick what interests you, and move at your own pace. On a warm Saturday morning, you might find yourself doing two alpine slide runs, a round of mini golf, and a go-kart lap before lunch. On a powder-heavy January weekend, it’s snow play with the kids followed by a Mineshaft Coaster ride while they warm up inside. The attraction adapts to the season and to whoever’s visiting, which is part of why it’s become such an anchor for the Big Bear experience.
Wild Olive Cabins sits about 30 minutes away in Running Springs, which puts it in easy reach for a half-day or full-day visit to Magic Mountain — with plenty of mountain scenery on the drive in either direction.
What Is Alpine Slide Magic Mountain?
A Big Bear Tradition Since 1983
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain opened on July 8, 1983, and has been one of the defining attractions of Big Bear Lake ever since. It started as a recreation area built around a single signature ride — the Alpine Slide — a concrete bobsled-style track that gave Southern California something it didn’t have anywhere else. Over four decades later, that original slide is still running, still drawing first-timers and returning regulars in equal measure.
The park has grown considerably since those early years. The Soaring Eagle zip ride was added in 2018, giving thrill-seekers a flying-position rush across the hillside. Then in May 2021, the Mineshaft Coaster opened — California’s first and only mountain coaster, a mile-long rail track built into the mountain with tunnels, hairpin turns, dips, and 360-degree corkscrews. Both additions brought new energy to a park that had already been a Big Bear institution for decades.
What’s notable about the way Alpine Slide has grown is that it hasn’t lost the character that made it popular in the first place. It’s still operated as an independent attraction, still family-owned (Bruce and Kim Voigt run it, along with the Canyon Coaster Adventure Park in Williams, Arizona), and still priced in a way that doesn’t feel like you need to budget an entire day’s income for a couple of runs.
Where Is Alpine Slide Magic Mountain Located?
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is located at 800 Wildrose Lane, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. The venue sits along Big Bear Boulevard — the main road that runs through the Big Bear Valley — and is easy to find. The parking area is directly on-site and free of charge, with enough space to accommodate busy peak-season days.
From Big Bear Village, the drive is roughly 5 minutes heading east along Big Bear Boulevard. Wildrose Lane is well-signposted, and the park’s chairlift and coaster track are visible from the road as you approach. Nearby on the same stretch of Big Bear Boulevard you’ll find additional restaurants, shops, and the access road toward the Big Bear Lake shoreline.
For those driving from Running Springs — where Wild Olive Cabins is located — the trip is roughly 25 to 30 minutes via Highway 18 east into Big Bear Lake. It’s a scenic mountain drive through pine forest that’s pleasant in every season.
The Famous Alpine Slide Experience
How the Alpine Slide Works
The Alpine Slide is Southern California’s only authentic bobsled experience, and the mechanics of it are a big part of the appeal. Here’s how a run works:
- Chairlift ride up — Before you ever get near the slide, you board a scenic chairlift that carries you up the hillside with open views over Big Bear Lake and the surrounding San Bernardino Mountains. It’s genuinely beautiful, and it’s included in your slide ticket.
- Choose your track — At the top, you board an individually controlled sled. There are two quarter-mile concrete tracks. First-timers are generally directed to the right track, which is a good starting point before you decide how adventurous you want to be.
- Rider-controlled braking — The sleds are fitted with Teflon runners and ball bearing wheels, and your speed is entirely controlled by a handle brake. Press and hold for slower; ease off for faster. You can take the whole run at a gentle cruise or let it rip through the banked turns and straightaways.
- The ride itself — The track features a mix of high-banked curves and open straightaways, with the occasional view of the valley below. It takes a minute or two to reach the bottom, depending on how liberally you use the brake.
Is It Scary?
The honest answer is: not particularly, unless you choose to make it so. The Alpine Slide is designed so that a cautious rider has full control the entire way down. The sleds don’t have a minimum speed — you can brake to a near-stop on every curve if that’s what you’re comfortable with.
For first-timers or younger riders (within the required height range), the right-hand track is a gentler introduction to the concept. More confident riders tend to take the left track with less braking, and the sensation at that point is closer to a fast sled run than anything you’d associate with a roller coaster.
The chairlift is open-air and sits a reasonable height off the ground, which some visitors find more of a consideration than the slide itself. If that’s a concern, it’s worth keeping in mind before you visit with younger children.
Height and Age Requirements
| Rider Type | Requirement |
| Solo riders | Minimum 36″ tall |
| Children 36″–48″ | Must ride with an adult (18+) |
There is no published upper weight limit for the Alpine Slide specifically. The Mineshaft Coaster has a combined weight limit for double riders of 370 lbs in dry conditions and 325 lbs in wet conditions.
Attractions at Alpine Slide Magic Mountain
One of the reasons Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain works so well as a family destination is the variety. There’s enough here to fill a half-day or a full day, and the per-attraction pricing means you can customize your visit based on interests and age ranges.
Alpine Slide
The namesake attraction is still the centerpiece. Two quarter-mile concrete tracks, individually controlled sleds with Teflon runners, a chairlift ride up with panoramic lake views, and complete rider control over speed from start to finish. It’s a ride that somehow manages to appeal equally to a nervous eight-year-old and an adult who’s been coming since the 1990s.
The experience is unique enough that people who’ve done it once typically want to go again immediately. The views from the chairlift on the way up are legitimately good — the kind of moment where you find yourself pausing mid-conversation to look out over the valley.
Mineshaft Coaster
Opened in May 2021, the Mineshaft Coaster is California’s first and only mountain coaster, and it’s become a major draw in its own right. The track runs approximately one mile through the mountain terrain and lasts around seven to nine minutes. At peak speed, riders reach up to 30 mph.
The track layout includes steep descents, dips, hairpin turns, tunnels, bridges, and 360-degree corkscrew turns — all built into the actual mountain landscape rather than sitting on a flat ride platform. Like the Alpine Slide, the Mineshaft Coaster is rider-controlled, with a hand brake that determines your pace throughout the run. Solo and double riding are both available (double riders must have a combined weight under 370 lbs in dry conditions or 325 lbs in wet).
Height requirements for the Mineshaft Coaster: solo riders must be over 54″ tall; children between 38″ and 54″ (minimum age 3 years) may ride with a driver who is 18 or older.
Soaring Eagle
The Soaring Eagle is a zip ride that works differently from what most people expect. Riders travel backward and upward — 100 feet vertical over a 500-foot cable — to the launch tower, before being released forward and returning to the base at speeds of up to 28 mph. The position is flying-style rather than seated, which adds a layer of sensation that’s distinct from the other attractions here.
Minimum height for the Soaring Eagle is 42 inches. Riders between 42″ and 48″ must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older.
Go-Karts
The go-kart track at Magic Mountain runs 5.5-horsepower Honda-motored racers, available as single karts or double karts for a driver and passenger. The track is enclosed and purpose-built, and the karts are fitted with professional safety restraints.
Solo drivers must be at least 57″ tall. Double karts require the driver to be 18 or older, with passengers needing to be at least 36″ tall. A combo ticket covering both the go-karts and mini golf is available for those who want to do both.
Mini Golf
The 18-hole miniature golf course at Magic Mountain is a good option for younger visitors or anyone who wants a lower-key activity in between the higher-intensity rides. The course features breaking greens and water hazards across its 18 holes. There’s a dedicated small child pricing tier for those under 48 inches, and the golf/go-kart combo ticket is available here as well.
Water Slide (Summer)
The water slide operates during summer months and gives the park a cooling-off option after a few runs on the mountain. It’s a double flume design — two twisting, turning slides that feed into a heated pool at the bottom. Life jackets are provided, and the minimum height is 36 inches. No double riding is permitted on the water slide.
Season passes are available for both the unlimited day and anytime variations, which can be worthwhile if you’re planning multiple visits over a summer season.
Snow Play (Winter)
When the season shifts, Magic Mountain transforms its hillside into a tubing area. Five Lenko Fan snow guns cover the area’s five runs with machine-made snow, and the park is set up so you don’t need any equipment rental or special skills — just a willingness to ride a tube down a slope and let the covered Magic Carpet conveyor carry you back up.
Snow Play runs from approximately mid-November to Easter, weather and conditions permitting. Evening sessions on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays (5–9 PM) add a lit-up hill option for those visiting after dark.
Children under 36 inches tall are not permitted on the Snow Play hill. Those between 36″ and 42″ must ride with a paying adult on the same inner tube.
Is Alpine Slide Magic Mountain Open Year-Round?
Yes — with the exception of specific seasonal attractions, Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain operates every day of the year. What changes is the lineup of available activities depending on the time of year.
Summer Activities
Summer is the busiest season at Magic Mountain and the time when the full roster of non-winter attractions is available. The Alpine Slide, Mineshaft Coaster, Soaring Eagle, Go-Karts, and Mini Golf all operate, and the Water Slide opens for the season. This is the longest operating window for the water slide and the best time for families with young children who want to mix active rides with cooling off.
Regular summer hours run Sunday through Thursday 10 AM–6 PM, and Friday through Saturday 10 AM–9 PM.
Fall Visits
Fall offers one of the more underrated windows to visit. Crowds thin out noticeably after Labor Day and through October, but the Alpine Slide, Mineshaft Coaster, Soaring Eagle, Go-Karts, and Mini Golf all remain in operation. The surrounding mountain scenery shifts with the season — Big Bear’s oak trees turn in autumn, and the views from the chairlift gain a different quality in the cooler air. Wait times are generally much shorter than summer, and the temperature on the slide is more forgiving than mid-July.
Winter Snow Fun
When snow arrives — through a mix of natural snowfall and the park’s snowmaking equipment — the Snow Play hill opens and becomes the main draw for families with younger children. The Mineshaft Coaster, Soaring Eagle, Go-Karts, and Mini Golf continue to operate depending on conditions. The Alpine Slide typically continues through winter as well — the park actually clears snow off the concrete tracks so riders can slide year-round, which is a genuinely fun piece of local knowledge worth sharing if you’re visiting with first-timers. That said, it’s always worth checking current conditions before making the drive up.
Friday and Saturday evenings in winter include lit night sessions on the Snow Play hill until 9 PM — a genuinely fun option for anyone staying in the Big Bear area who wants to do something after dinner.
Spring Adventures
Spring is another quieter window, with Snow Play wrapping up around Easter and the Water Slide not yet open for the season. The full year-round core attractions are running, and conditions are generally mild. Spring is also a popular school excursion and birthday trip season, so weekends in April and May can be busier than you might expect.
Ticket Prices & Packages
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain operates on a pay-per-attraction model — there’s no gate admission fee to enter the grounds. You buy tickets for the specific rides and activities you want to do, which allows visitors to tailor the experience to their group and budget.
The following pricing reflects what’s currently published on the official website and is accurate as of mid-2026. Prices can change, so it’s always worth checking https://alpineslidebigbear.com before your visit.
Individual Ride Tickets
| Attraction | Standard | Child/Other |
| Alpine Slide | $10 per ride | — |
| Mineshaft Coaster | $20 (54″+) | $10 (38″–54″, 3+ yrs, with adult driver) |
| Soaring Eagle | $12 | — |
| Go-Kart (single) | $10 | — |
| Go-Kart (double) | $12 | — |
| Mini Golf | $9 | $8 (under 48″) |
| Water Slide | $2 per ride | — |
| Snow Play | $50 (day session) | $35 (36″–42″ with adult) |
Multi-Ride Packages
- Alpine Slide: 5 rides for $45
- Water Slide: 10 rides for $15 / Unlimited Day Pass for $25
Combo Packages
- Golf + Single Go-Kart: $17
- Golf + Double Go-Kart: $24
- Water Slide Sun–Fri Season Pass: $60 (not valid July 4th)
- Water Slide Anytime Season Pass: $75
Where to Buy Tickets
Tickets can be purchased on-site at the Magic Mountain ticket window. The park encourages advance planning via their website at alpineslidebigbear.com, where you can review current hours and conditions before making the drive up.
Peak season note: Summer weekends and holiday periods are the busiest times. If you’re visiting during July or a long weekend, arriving early in the day (10 AM at opening) gives you the shortest wait times before midday crowds build.
Best Time to Visit Alpine Slide Magic Mountain
Best Time of Day
Morning is consistently the best window for shorter wait times. The park opens at 10 AM, and arriving at or shortly after opening means you can get a few rides in before the peak crowd arrives, especially on weekends.
Afternoon tends to be the busiest period, particularly on summer weekends. Between noon and 3 PM, lines for the Alpine Slide and Mineshaft Coaster can stretch noticeably.
Evening sessions on Fridays and Saturdays (until 9 PM) offer a different atmosphere — particularly in winter when the Snow Play hill is lit up. Summer evenings from around 5 PM onward can see a natural thinning of crowds as day visitors head out.
Weekdays vs. Weekends
Weekdays are noticeably calmer at almost any time of year. If your schedule allows it, a Tuesday or Wednesday visit in summer will feel dramatically different from a Saturday in July. Wait times on quiet weekdays can be minimal even during the summer season.
Peak Tourist Seasons
The peak windows to plan around (or prepare for) are:
- Summer (June–August): Highest crowds, particularly weekends
- Winter holiday break (late December–early January): Heavy family traffic on the Snow Play hill
- Spring Break (late March–mid-April): Concentrated school holiday visits
- Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends: Among the busiest days of the year
Holiday Crowds
July 4th and the days immediately around it are consistently among the most crowded at Magic Mountain. Note that the Water Slide Sunday–Friday season pass is specifically not valid on July 4th. If you’re visiting over the holiday weekend, arriving at opening is particularly important.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Loose, comfortable clothing works well for the Alpine Slide — you’ll be seated in a sled, and anything overly bulky or restrictive is less comfortable. For the Soaring Eagle, avoid loose items that could shift around during the ride.
Closed-Toe Shoes
Closed-toe shoes are the right call for the Alpine Slide and Go-Karts. Flip-flops or sandals can slip or interfere with the ride, and the concrete surface on the slide track is not forgiving of bare feet.
Bring Sunscreen
The chairlift ride, the slide track, the go-kart area, and the lawn and sun decks are all exposed. At Big Bear’s elevation (around 6,750 feet), UV exposure is stronger than at sea level, and the sun is genuinely intense on a clear summer day.
Arrive Early
This applies year-round but especially in summer. The park opens at 10 AM, and the first hour is consistently the most comfortable time to be there — shorter lines, cooler temperatures, and the full morning light on the lake from the chairlift.
Purchase Tickets Ahead of Time
Checking the website before you go gives you current pricing, hours, and any condition updates — especially relevant in winter when Snow Play availability depends on snowpack. While tickets are sold on-site, reviewing hours and pricing ahead of time helps you budget and plan.
Let Faster Riders Pass
The Alpine Slide tracks have enough space for riders at different speeds, but the etiquette is to be mindful of riders behind you. If you’re braking often and someone is closing in behind you, the considerate move is to maintain enough distance or allow space for them to pass where the tracks allow.
Don’t Overuse the Brakes
This is a first-timer habit — gripping the brake the entire way down. The slide is designed to be ridden with a lighter touch, and the most enjoyable runs tend to involve picking a few spots to let the speed build between turns. Constant braking results in a slower, less fun experience.
How Long Should You Plan to Spend Here?
Quick Visit (1–2 Hours)
One to two hours is enough to do the Alpine Slide twice and one other attraction — the Mineshaft Coaster, the Soaring Eagle, or a round of mini golf. This is a reasonable window for a family that’s also planning to visit other Big Bear spots during the day.
Half-Day Adventure
Three to four hours covers the Alpine Slide multiple times, the Mineshaft Coaster, Soaring Eagle, Go-Karts, and Mini Golf comfortably. Add in the water slide in summer and you’re looking at a full morning or afternoon. This is the most common visit length for families.
Full Family Day
If you’re coming with young kids who are particularly into the Snow Play hill in winter, or a group that wants to spread out across all available attractions, a full day is entirely possible. The park has a snack bar, outdoor patio, water slide deck, and lawn areas — so there’s space to take breaks and come back for more rides without leaving the venue.
Is Alpine Slide Magic Mountain Good for Kids?
Best Ages
Most of the attractions have a minimum height of 36 inches, which maps roughly to kids around 3 to 4 years old depending on how they’re growing. From that point forward, children tend to enjoy the Alpine Slide, Go-Karts (as passengers), and Mini Golf. The Mineshaft Coaster has a slightly higher floor — children between 38″ and 54″ can ride with an adult driver.
The Snow Play hill is popular with very young kids — those as small as 36″ can participate with an adult on the same tube.
Parent Participation
Parents don’t have to ride anything they don’t want to. The park’s model is pay-per-attraction, which means parents can accompany kids on the rides they want to do or sit out and enjoy the lawn and sun decks. The note on the Yelp listing says it plainly: “Parents pay only if you play.” The outdoor seating areas are comfortable for spectating.
Family-Friendly Attractions
The most universally family-friendly options at Magic Mountain:
- Alpine Slide — Kids 36″+ with an adult, or solo once they’re over 48″
- Mini Golf — Accessible from young ages, no height restriction for small children at the discounted rate
- Go-Karts — Great for older kids who want to be the passenger
- Snow Play — An easy winter favourite, especially for families with kids who aren’t ready for ski resorts yet
- Water Slide — Summer staple, 36″ minimum height
Safety Measures
The Alpine Slide has been operating for over 40 years with an established safety record. The sleds include rider-controlled brakes, and staff are positioned at the top and bottom of the run. The Mineshaft Coaster is rail-mounted — the cart stays on track regardless of speed. The Soaring Eagle has harness systems and height restrictions for solo riding. The Go-Karts include professional safety restraints.
Is It Worth Visiting Without Kids?
Absolutely. A good portion of the adults who visit Magic Mountain arrive either as a couple, a group of friends, or simply adults who grew up coming here and want to relive it.
The Mineshaft Coaster is arguably the most purely thrilling thing at the park regardless of age — mile-long, rider-controlled, through tunnels and 360-degree corkscrews in actual mountain terrain. It’s the kind of experience that gets people immediately wanting to go again.
The Alpine Slide chairlift offers one of the better vantage points for panoramic views over Big Bear Lake that you can access without hiking — and racing a partner down the two side-by-side tracks is a legitimately fun competitive experience.
The Soaring Eagle has a particular appeal for adults who want something with more intensity. The reverse ascent to the launch tower followed by a forward catapult at up to 28 mph is a quick hit of adrenaline that stands on its own.
For couples, the combination of scenery, casual competition, and the novelty of a mountain coaster makes for a very enjoyable afternoon. The photo opportunities — both from the chairlift and at various points along the coaster track — are a natural bonus.
What to Bring
| Item | Notes |
| Water | The site has a snack bar, but bringing your own saves time and money |
| Sunscreen | High-altitude UV exposure is stronger than most visitors expect |
| Sunglasses | Both the chairlift and the coaster track involve open-air sun exposure |
| Light jacket or layers | Mountain mornings can be cool even in summer; evenings more so |
| Closed-toe shoes | Required for the slide; strongly recommended for all attractions |
| Cash or card | Pay-per-attraction model means you’ll be buying tickets at the window |
| Camera or charged phone | The chairlift views and coaster track are both genuinely photogenic |
Nearby Attractions to Visit After Alpine Slide Magic Mountain
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is essentially the centrepiece of the entire region, and the Alpine Slide sits just off the south side of the valley, a short distance from the lake’s southern shore. After a morning at Magic Mountain, the lake itself is a natural next step. During summer months, the Pleasure Point Marina at the eastern end of the lake offers boat rentals, paddleboards, and kayak access. The Big Bear Discovery Center is a short drive further east and offers a good introduction to the wildlife and ecology of the San Bernardino Mountains.
Big Bear Village on the southern shore has the highest concentration of restaurants, shops, and ice cream stops — it’s a comfortable place to spend an hour after a day on the mountain. The Village spans several blocks along Village Drive and Pine Knot Avenue with a mix of local shops, casual dining, and mountain-town character.
For those interested in summer hiking, the top things to do in Big Bear extend well beyond the immediate area — the Castle Rock Trail, the Alpine Pedal Path along the lake, and the access roads into the San Bernardino National Forest all offer good options for before or after a Magic Mountain visit.
Where to Stay Near Alpine Slide Magic Mountain
Why Wild Olive Cabins Makes the Perfect Home Base
Wild Olive Cabins is located in Running Springs, about 30 minutes from Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain — a comfortable and scenic drive via Highway 18 through the San Bernardino Mountains. The drive itself is a pleasant part of the trip, passing through national forest land before dropping into the Big Bear Valley.
The cabins sit in a peaceful mountain setting in Running Springs, which provides a quieter base than staying in Big Bear Lake itself — useful during peak summer weekends and holiday breaks when the lake-side accommodation fills quickly. After a full day at Magic Mountain and the surrounding Big Bear attractions, returning to a cabin with a full kitchen and a fireplace is a different kind of experience from a hotel room.
For families, the space and layout of Wild Olive Den and Wild Olive Lodge offer room for kids to decompress after a busy day of rides without the compressed quarters of a single hotel room. For couples, the mountain setting and cabin character suit the area naturally — it’s the kind of accommodation that fits a weekend of outdoor activities and quiet evenings rather than one that feels incidental to the trip.
The 30-minute drive from Running Springs also means you’re within reasonable range of both Big Bear and the Arrowhead area, giving you flexibility to plan different days around different parts of the San Bernardino Mountains.
Thinking about a Big Bear trip? Browse available vacation rental cabins and plan your dates around the season and attractions that suit your group best.
Planning Your Big Bear Trip Around the Mountain’s Seasons
One of the things that makes Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain a good anchor for a Big Bear visit is that it genuinely works in any season. That’s unusual for mountain attractions, most of which lean heavily toward either summer or winter.
If you’re planning around the Snow Play hill, mid-November through March is the target window, with December through February typically offering the most reliable snow conditions between natural snowfall and the park’s snowmaking equipment.
If summer is your window, June through August gives you the Water Slide alongside all the year-round attractions, and the lake is warm enough for swimming and water sports at that time of year. The summer activities calendar in Big Bear is dense — there’s consistently something going on between the lake, the Village events, and the outdoor recreation options in the national forest.
Fall and spring offer a different pace — quieter crowds, better odds of shorter wait times at Magic Mountain, and the natural rhythm of the mountain in shoulder season. For anyone who has tried Big Bear in July and found it busy, a return visit in October or May tends to feel like a completely different place.
Wild Olive Cabins sits in this part of the mountains year-round, making it a practical base regardless of when you’re making the trip. The cabins are equipped for cold evenings just as well as warm ones, and the drive from Running Springs into Big Bear remains one of the better mountain routes in Southern California in every season.
