Is the Imst Alpine Coaster Worth a Visit?
If you’re spending time in Austria and want a fun outdoor activity that’s great for all ages, the Imst Alpine Coaster is worth looking into.
This isn’t your average roller coaster. It’s an open-air, gravity-powered ride that winds down a mountainside for more than 3.5 kilometres.
When we visited Austria a few years ago with 3 of our kids, we had an absolute blast! It was the best mountain coaster that we have ever ridden!
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before you go—from how to get there to what else you can do while you’re in the area.
Is the Alpine Coaster in Imst Worth a Visit?
Yes, it’s ABSOLUTELY worth it—especially if you’re looking for something unique to do in western Austria.
The ride is fun, safe, and scenic – the best we have been on!
It’s also a nice break from museums and city sights, and a great option for families or anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
The best part is you can make it a quick stop or spend the better part of a day enjoying the whole area.
Where Is the Imst Alpine Coaster?
The Imst Alpine Coaster is located in the town of Imst, in the Tyrol region of western Austria.
It sits in the middle of the Austrian Alps, not far from the German border.
The coaster starts at the top of the Untermarkter Alm and ends down in the valley near the Imst ski resort area.
This part of Austria is popular for skiing in the winter and hiking or biking in the summer.
The views here are everything that you would expect from a classic Austrian mountain town—from mountains to forests, and beautiful meadows.
How to Get to the Imst Alpine Coaster
During our trip in Austria, we drove the hour and a half from Zugspitze to get to the Imst Alpine Coaster.
I’m not gonna lie. Between the road closures, construction and some really steep and narrow roads – and while driving a larger-than-compact manual shift vehicle – getting there was a little bit of a challenge.
But OMG was it ever worth it!
Imst is a town in the Austrian federal state of Tyrol.
It is located approximately 50 kilometres west of Innsbruck and is at an altitude of 828 metres above sea level.
You can reach Imst by car or by train from Innsbruck in less than an hour.
By Car:
Driving is the easiest way to reach the coaster, especially if you’re coming with kids or want to keep your schedule flexible. Imst is about:
- 50 minutes from Innsbruck
- 1 hour from Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- 2.5 hours from Munich
- 3.5 hours from Zurich
There is plenty of free parking available at the base station.
By Public Transport:
You can also take a train to Imst-Pitztal station.
From there, you’ll need to hop on a local bus or grab a taxi to the base of the Imst Bergbahnen (mountain lift).
Plan for a bit of a walk if using public transport—it’s not as seamless as driving, but it’s doable.
What to Expect at the Imst Alpine Coaster
Of course, the main draw is the alpine coaster itself, but the area around it offers plenty of other things to do as well.
You’ll take a chairlift to the top of the mountain, and from there you can hike, eat, play, or just relax before zooming down.
About the Coaster
At 3.5 km (just over 2 miles) of sheer excitement, the Imst Alpine Coaster has earned its title as the longest alpine coaster in the world.
Riders sit in small sleds that are fixed to a metal track and descend through forests, open slopes, and over bridges.
It takes about 10-12 minutes to ride from the summit station (with a 1500 m altitude) to the base of the Alps (a 500 m change in altitude), along a rail that curves, jumps and winds.
You control your speed with hand brakes, so you can go as fast or slow as you like (within reason).
Children ages 3-7 are allowed to ride the coaster but must be seated with an adult. Kids 8 and older can choose to ride alone.
Kids 14 and older are allowed to have a passenger.
Here are a few fast facts
- Ride length: 3.5 km
- Ride time: About 10 minutes
- Max speed: Around 40 km/h
- Open: Typically from spring through fall (check specific dates each year)
- Minimum age/height: Children must be at least 3 years old and 1.05 m (approx. 3’5″) tall to ride with an adult. To ride alone, kids must be 8+ years and 1.25 m (about 4’1″).
Our Experience
Our youngest son (who was 8 at the time) was a little nervous, so he chose to ride with his oldest sister.
Our younger daughter, John and I all rode separately.
And as I already mentioned, the coaster is fitted with a handbrake, so you can control how fast you want to go, provided there isn’t anyone in front of you.
Our timing was perfect, as we had an open track to speed ride safely down the mountain.
We all found the coaster easy enough to control. Even our son would have been ready to ride on his own, had we decided on a second trip down.
I think the most challenging sections of the ride for younger kids would be the 450-degree corkscrew.
That, or the sections where the track is actually lifted 10 meters above the ground.
What Else is There to Do in the Area?
While the coaster is the main attraction, there’s plenty more to enjoy in the park, especially in warmer months.
1. Enjoy the Hiking Trails
If you are into hiking, the area around the Alpine Coaster is really scenic.
There are several marked trails from the top of the chairlift. Some are gentle enough for families, while others are a little more demanding.
And if you are feeling a little more energetic, you can actually hike up the mountain from the base station to the Alpine Coaster.
We actually saw quite a few people doing it while we were comfortably perched on our chairlift! Ha!
2. Relax on the Scenic Chairlift Ride
And speaking of the chairlift, the ride up to the mountain coaster is a nice part of the experience.
The 10-12 minute ride up is really peaceful and gives you some beautiful views of the Alps before the thrill of the ride down.
I was more than happy to pay for the lift ticket to get up to the top. But more on that later!
3. Enjoy the Family Fun Zone
Just a short walk from the base station, you will find a large family fun zone.
There you will find several Bungee Trampolines, a mountain-biking course for kids (ebikes provided), and photo booths.
You will also find washrooms, picnic tables, and a small restaurant to grab a quick bite.
4. Grab a Bite to Eat or Enjoy a Drink with Mountain Views
There are several places in the park to grab a bite to eat.
From a sit-down restaurant to snack kiosks and even an umbrella bar, you are sure to find something that appeals to you.
But more on this later.
We found the food to be a little on the expensive side, which was not surprising given the venue.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Imst Alpine Coaster?
The coaster is usually open from late April through early November, depending on the weather.
Best Times:
Our advice would be to try and go early in the day or later in the afternoon if you want to avoid crowds.
We got there quite early and had the ride pretty much to ourselves. But about an hour later, the lines were getting pretty long.
Weather Tip:
Since it’s in the mountains, the weather can change quickly.
Make sure to bring a jacket, even in summer, and check the forecast before heading out.
We were all wearing jackets in June, as it was quite chilly. This is especially true when zooming down the mountain on the coaster!
And just a heads up, the coaster may shut down if it’s raining heavily or if there’s a thunderstorm.
Tickets and Costs
Where to Buy Tickets
Tickets can be purchased at the base station or online in advance.
We would recommend buying online in advance to save time, especially on weekends or during holidays.
What Type of Tickets are Available?
Tickets for the coaster are available in a variety of options.
We purchased a Coaster + Lift single ride ticket for each of us.
You could also purchase a 3-ride or 10-ride bundle, as well as opt to buy just the chairlift ticket or just the coaster ticket.
But most people buy the combo. Discounts may be available for families or groups.
One look at the steep hill told me we did not have the time to hike to the top.
And to be quite honest, I was pretty happy sitting in the lift while enjoying the views on the way up.
There are also other tickets available for gondola rides, both up and down the mountain, with or without the Alpine Coaster option.
Prices are subject to change each season, so check the official site before you go. But here’s a general idea:
Lift + Coaster Combo Ticket:
- Adults (15+): approx. €14–16
- Children (8–14): approx. €11–12
- Young children riding with an adult: about €7
Are There Places to Eat Nearby?
Yes! You definitely won’t go hungry while visiting the Imst Alpine Coaster!
Dining Options Near the Base Station
From full meals to quick snacks and even a fancy drink or two, there are plenty of options all within easy reach of the base station.
Appart Sonneck – Restaurant
Located slightly below the Imster Bergbahnen base station, this restaurant offers international cuisine in a relaxed setting.
Hoch-Imst Umbrella Bar (Schirmbar Hoch-Imst)
A casual spot perfect for a quick drink or snack, especially popular during ski season. We really enjoyed sitting in this Umbrella Bar to grab a quick snack!
Tennis Café
Situated near the base area, this café provides light meals and refreshments, ideal for a casual bite.
Schatz Kiosk
A small kiosk offering snacks and beverages, convenient for a quick stop before or after your coaster ride.
Dining Options at the top of the Chairlift
At the top of the chairlift, you’ll find the Untermarkter Alm.
This mountain restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating, serves simple Austrian fare.
Dig into schnitzel, sausages, soups, French fries, soft drinks, coffee, and beer.
You can also bring your own food. There are some picnic areas near the top and bottom of the coaster.
What Should You Wear When Visiting the Alpine Coaster?
We visited Imst in June. And while it was sunny and hot at the base station, the further up the mountain you went, the chillier it got!
Here are some of our clothing recommendations:
It’s also a good idea to bring:
You should avoid bringing large bags or anything you can’t secure during the ride.
There are small lockers at the base if needed.
Imst Alpine Coaster – FAQs
Not really. You control your speed, so it’s only as intense as you want it to be. Some sections go faster, but it’s more fun than frightening.
Yes. Younger children ride with an adult in a two-person sled. Staff help with loading and safety checks.
Yes, absolutely. You can buy multiple ride tickets or a day pass, depending on the season.
Pets can’t go on the coaster or chairlift, but leashed dogs are welcome in the hiking areas.
Not usually, but on busy weekends or during school holidays, it can help to book online to skip the ticket line.
No. It usually runs from late April through early November. In winter, the area is used for skiing.
Light rain may not stop the ride, but heavy rain or storms will cause temporary closures. Check the forecast and be prepared to wait or come back later.
Final Thoughts
We had the most amazing time at the Alpine Coaster in Imst.
My only regret was not having a GoPro to document the experience!
Also, purchasing a 3-ride pass would definitely have been worth it… Hubby’s regret!
With restaurants, hiking trails and a children’s playground, we could have easily spent the day there.
Definitely, something to consider if you are planning your own fabulous family adventure at the Alpine Coaster.
Are you daring enough to try the most awesome Mountain Coaster in the Alps??
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