Lets face it, every time we watch the Winter Olympics (or Cool Runnings) we always dream about what it would be like to ride in a real Bobsled. Historically you needed to be an elite athlete dedicated to the Bobsled Event to eventually get the opportunity to slide down the ice but now, thanks to the Winter Bobsled Experience near Salt Lake City, Utah, anyone who meets some fairly standard health requirements can sign up for the ride of a lifetime on the actual bobsled track from the 2002 Winter Olympics!
As soon as my Wife and I made the decision to plan a ski trip to the Salt Lake City Region I knew that I would have to reserve a day on our itinerary to check this epic experience off of the Life List! I quickly booked the first available date during our trip (in case of weather or other issues that would require rescheduling for later in the trip) and dove into the YouTube abyss to get a feel for what the experience would be like.
Upon arriving at the Olympic Park I had to check in at the Quinney Welcome Center and attend a quick introductory and safety session before everyone was bussed up to the finish line. Friends and family could remain at the finish line while they waited for the participants to complete their pass and even watch them on the live cameras throughout the track. Participants were given helmets and then bussed with their sleds to the starting line for the experience. Before hopping into the sled I gave my GoPro to a member of the staff who attached it to the preinstalled mount on the front of the sled. Once everyone agreed on the lineup position we each piled into the sled and awaited the green light!
In the sled we had a driver (who was a member of the Olympic Staff at the park) and three experience participants. The driver of course sat upfront and behind him sat the three participants. The farther back in the sled the more intense (re: bumpy) the ride and as the youngest of the three I volunteered to play caboose. Once we got the green light, the sled was released down a ramp onto the ice and away we went. We gained speed quickly and the g-forces really anchored you onto your seat but you could still peer out just enough to see the world flying by you at what seemed like light speed. The ride felt like a roller coaster but without a track as the sled moved about the course. At one point our driver accidentally slid us into a wall but he was able to quickly recover and continue piloting us down the course. Before we knew it we crossed the finish line and began slowing down as we moved into the exit area. Greeted by our friends and family the three of us took a picture together on the podium before departing the facility and going about our day. All in all, a great experience that gives you a glimpse of perspective into the intensity of the actual event. Watching the Winter Olympics will never be the same!