365: The Reboot: Utah Olympic Park

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Utah Olympic Park

By Christina 9:37 AM

This year I've found myself embracing all sorts of adrenaline pushing activities, some of which I've never thought to try before. This day was no different. Driving by the day before we spotted the Utah Olympic Park parked up on the mountain looking down at us. This was something our friend Clint (who grew up near Park City and who currently resides there) had never tried before... so of course we had to get it a shot. So we all bravely signed up for the "Xtreme Package" which basically meant we were able to do all four of their summer activities: Bobsled Rides, Xtreme Zipline and the Kiddie Zipline, "The Quicksilver" Alpine Slide. And we were off and very excited (despite having stomachs FILLED with sushi from our lunch stop earlier.

The Bobsled Rides were first. One thing I will say is that this park has certainly figured out how to minimize labor in the bobsled ride experience. Everything was handmade signs or homemade looking instructional videos. Not too big a deal... but being in a similar industry I felt it left much to be desired in the overall experience. We watched the video, signed the waiver and selected our helmets... then went out to meet "Comet" - our bobsled. Comet is a 4-person bobsled, designed to allow you to feel the rush as you speed down the Olympic track with a trained pilot through 15 curves, reaching speeds up to 70 mph, and pulling close to 5 G's of force. The "Comet" bobsled ride is not for the faint of heart. Billed as the most intense minute of your life, this ride will give you a very good idea of what Olympic bobsled athletes experience day in and day out. I don't think I'd do it again... simply b/c I worry my back would be permanantly broken. But I'm glad I did it... it was AWESOME!

Next was the Xtreme Zipline. This is billed as the World’s Steepest Zipline, where you fly down at 50 miles per hour along the K 120 ski jumping hill. I've now done quite a few ziplines this past year and I have to say this is definitely the fastest, steepest and most fun of all. We were also sitting in a seat of sorts so it was a LOT more comfortable that those where your harness is cupping your outer thighs.

Then there was "The Quicksilver" Alpine Slide. This European-style alpine slide is the first of its kind in North America (so they say). It is a state-of-the-art steel track and will allow riders to weave down a narrow course that concludes at the base of the K-64 ski jump. Experience what it's like to slide down a track like a luge, skeleton or bobsled athlete with this adventure. I'd bill this more for the kiddies... not as scary or fast as a bobsled and completely in your own control (which freaked out several in our party more than the bobsled). I kept it on "fast" the entire time and loved every second. I even took photos on the way down. (Don't try that at home kids).

Clint and Sande did the kiddie Zipline while Emily and I shopped - go figure, I know. :)

Overall it was a FABULOUS time. Loved that we all experienced this "new" adventure together.