Professional mountain biker Sam Pilgrim was joined by 30 of his fellow pro riding buddies to take on a downhill adventure offered by Sölden Ski Resort in Austria which he colorfully dubbed “Real Life Mario Karts.”
The 4.5 mile downhill course features steep straightaways and tight hairpin corners with a fair bit of exposure looming if you were to get bumped off the trail. While most vacationers would be heavy on the brakes racing these 3-wheeled karts down a ski resort, Sam and his pals took full advantage of gravity and whipped the course with reckless abandon. This is absolutely thrilling to watch, can’t imagine what it would be like to participate:
How fast can you go downhill on a mountain cart and what safety precautions should you take?
In theory, a speed of up to 37mph and more is possible when riding on a mountain cart. The emphasis is on theoretical, because in reality such a high speed is reserved to professionals who know exactly what they are doing. Additionally, most tracks do not allow such high speeds.
Similar to tobogganing in winter, you should always adapt the speed on a mountain cart to your own ability and ride it while looking ahead and being ready to brake at any time. For your safety, helmets are compulsory for mountain carts in Sölden, as well as closed and sturdy shoes are an absolute must. We also recommend robust outdoor clothing and goggles in order to be protected against wind and pebbles.
- Minimum age: Children under the age of 12 are only allowed to use the route in the presence of a responsible adult of age. Children under the age of 10 and a height of less than 130 cm are not allowed to use a mountain cart alone. The minimum age for accompanying children is 6 years.
- Safety: Helmets are compulsory and closed, sturdy shoes must be used. Appropriate outdoor clothing is as well necessary. Helmets are handed out directly at the pick-up point.
- Equipment: Goggles for the wind are recommended.
- Instruction: There is a short instruction for each mountain cart rider, given by the mountain cart staff directly at the pick-up point.
- Course: The mountain cart route is just under 8 kilometers long. It is not allowed to leave the course. Please note that this is a natural track and that it may also have bumps, water channels and surface irregularities. The route must be used with foresight and always ready to brake.
- Opening times: daily from 9 am – 4 pm, only during the opening hours of the Gaislachkogl Gondola
