The Utah Olympic Park is one of the few places in the world you can experience the thrill of a bobsled ride. On the same track that hosted the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympic bobsled, luge, and skeleton races, you can slide on ice and feel 4-5 times the force of gravity at speeds up to 70 mph with a professional pilot. Needless to say, a bobsled isn't for the faint of heart. But for those willing to try, it's an incredible way to truly feel the intensity of this unique winter sport. 

The Details

What: The Bobsled Experience - Winter

Where: Utah Olympic Park

Who: Riders must be 13+ years old and 100+ lbs. to ride

When: Winter and Summer – Reservation strongly recommended

The Experience

It was a bit of balmy, grey day—conducive to winter but not the dazzling sunny conditions we're used to in Park City. When I arrived at Utah Olympic Park, I checked in at the front desk, signed a waiver, and waited for the rest of the group to arrive and sign in. Since it was my first time at the park, I had a few moments to poke around and explore the exhibits in the free Alf Engen and George S. Eccles museums. With my bobsled ride coming up, I made a mental note to come back and explore further.

Once everyone had arrived, we were brought together for our first orientation and assigned a group number. There were three people per group, and everyone rode with an experienced driver. The staff member divvying us up into groups repeatedly reminded us that “it’s an aggressive ride.” The constant reminders were a bit unnerving but definitely added to the excitement. It also gave people another moment to decide whether they wanted to continue.

A thorough orientation before the ride!
The pros training in a two-man sled at the Utah Olympic Park!

A few family members and friends who were not participating were able to join for the entire process, including riding up to the end of the track to be there when their friends or family finished. I won't lie, my fingers were tingling and I was feeling anxious. It would have been nice to have brought a friend. 

After the first orientation, we loaded onto a bus and headed to the bottom of the track for a second orientation. This one was extremely informative and helpful, as we learned how to ride properly in the sled. The staff explained where to place our arms, how to keep our heads in the best position, and how to load and unload the sled. We were also fitted for helmets at this time. 

One fact that I found especially interesting—professional bobsled athletes limit themselves to only a few runs per day—due to the intense experience and G-forces. This alone gave me second thoughts...

Once we had our helmets, we were shuttled farther up the track with the sled we would be riding in. Then it was go time.

For observers, there were a couple of viewing options: watching on a television screen or heading to turn 12 to see the sled fly by in person.

For anyone who wants proof of the experience, it’s important to bring a GoPro—it’s the only camera allowed. The camera can be mounted on the sled facing forward or worn by the driver facing backward. I was fortunate enough to have my camera ride multiple times—once facing forward and once facing backward.

In the moments leading up to loading into the sled, the excitement was incredible. It had been a long time since I felt that kind of nervous energy in my stomach. The ride itself was, in fact, very aggressive. It's bumpy and loud and raw. You really feel the gravity push your body into the sled as you round the long corners. But you are safe. I never once felt like the sled was going to tip. And if it did, there was a roll cage for additional safety. When it was over, I was so glad I went through with it. It was an unforgettable experience, and I walked away with a whole new appreciation for the sport of bobsledding.

Advice

  • Book your ticket in advance
  • It is important to know, that having a camera does not guarantee that it will be used, participants should make their request during the first orientation.
  • Arrive early to see exhibits at Utah Olympic Park

If you are unable to visit Utah Olympic Park this winter and still want to ride the bobsled, don't worry, they offer a summer bobsled experience too. 

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