Bobsled boon: Public rides up almost 20% in the absence of snow

Public bobsled rides increased at the UOP. Photo: courtesy of the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation.

PARK CITY — Saturday marked the last day of the season for the Winter Bobsled Experience at the Utah Olympic Park, a public bobsled program that saw an 18% increase in registrations this past season.  

Visitors who traveled to town for ski vacations may not have been spending the usual amount of hours, or days, on the slopes due to an historic lack of snow in Northern Utah. Already in the vicinity, visitors looking for alternative or additional activities flocked to the passenger bobsled program, which has been in operation since just after the track’s use in the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Games.

Sold out for most sessions this season, online preregistration is required for the $225.00 ride that delivers 3 g-forces for the three members of the public per sled, all over 16 years of age. Professional pilots sit in the fourth seat.

The refrigerated ice on the track is 100% artificial, which mitigated the warm weather and allowed the world-renowned track to remain open all the way through to the target date set in the fall.

Ride times were offered during the day as well as in the evenings after the ski resorts close.

“Despite a challenging snow year, we’ve seen strong participation in our bobsled rides,” said Patrick Rosevear, public programs director at the UOP. “We also maintained a steady demand for our guided tours. I’m incredibly proud of our staff for recognizing the increased interest and pivoting quickly to make guest experience a top priority, all while maintaining world-class ice conditions for our elite athletes.”

Olympic years also traditionally also bring heightened activity at all venues, if for nothing else but a fun photo op.

The UOP’s upcoming Summer Bobsled Experience modifies the carts to roll on the concrete track.