Avalanche, Steel bobsled roller coaster at Pleasure Beach Resort, Blackpool, England
Avalanche is a steel bobsled roller coaster at Pleasure Beach Resort in Blackpool, where the cars slide freely along a trough rather than being fixed to a traditional rail. The white track with green supports winds through a series of curves and spiral sections, keeping riders upright the whole time.
The ride was built by the German manufacturer Mack Rides and opened at the park in 1988. It was one of the first of its kind in the country, bringing a type of coaster experience that had not been seen in Britain before.
The theming along the ride draws from mountain winter sports, with decorations styled to resemble alpine lodges and snowy slopes. Riders can spot these details throughout the course, which gives the whole experience a consistent winter feel.
Visiting on a weekday outside school holidays tends to mean shorter queues and a more relaxed experience overall. Going early in the day, soon after the park opens, is a good way to get on the ride before lines build up.
Avalanche is the only bobsled-style coaster in the United Kingdom, which makes it a rare type of ride for the country. Unlike a standard coaster, the cars swing sideways through bends rather than following a fixed track, which gives a noticeably different feeling to the motion.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
