A Ski Hill Thrill Ride, Any Season
Giddyup. The Cowboy Coaster zips you through nearly a mile of spirals, curves, and drops along the face of Snow King Mountain.
Ride one of the only mountain coasters in the country that runs in winter and summer. Cruise at speeds up to 25 mph, but know you can control the speed if it gets too rowdy.
Scale 456 vertical feet, take in some of the best Teton views in Jackson Hole, and then control your own descent through banked turns and drops as tall as four stories.
Summer on the Cowboy Coaster
In summer, the Cowboy Coaster runs through Snow King’s open wildflower meadows with full Teton views in every direction. It is one of the most popular summer activities in Jackson Hole, and it pairs naturally with the Scenic Gondola, Alpine Slide, Treetop Adventure, and Amaze’n Maze.
Summer riders get:
- Long daylight hours and warm-weather riding
- Wildflower meadow scenery from late spring through early fall
- Easy combination with other Snow King summer activities through the Big King Pass
- Open daily during peak summer season (see hours below)
If you are planning a Jackson Hole family vacation, the Cowboy Coaster is one of the most reliable family activities in town. Kids who meet the height requirement love it. Adults love it more than they expect to.
Winter on the Cowboy Coaster
The Cowboy Coaster is one of the few mountain coasters in the country that runs straight through winter. While most Jackson Hole winter activities involve skis or snowboards, the coaster gives families and non-skiers a thrill ride option in the snow.
Winter riders get:
- Snow-covered Tetons and a quieter, white-blanketed mountain
- An ideal alternative on low-snow or weather-challenged ski days
- A natural pairing with King Tubes and the Scenic Gondola through the Triple Play Winter Pass
- A great option for first-time Jackson visitors who want to be on the mountain without taking a ski lesson
Weather note: the coaster can be closed during heavy snowfall, ice events, or extreme cold. If conditions look questionable, call (307) 201-5667 to confirm operation before you arrive.
Climb 456 vertical feet up the face of Snow King in your own one- or two-person sled. The nearly mile-long descent lasts roughly 7 to 9 minutes, depending on how aggressively you ride. Each sled has a hand brake so the driver stays in control. There are no upside-down sections, but the banked corners create some G-force in the turns. Maximum speed: 25 mph. →Push forward to accelerate ←Pull back to stop ✓No loops, no upside-down sectionsHow the Cowboy Coaster Works
Each sled holds one driver and one optional passenger. Find your spot below to see who can drive and who can ride along. Height chart: drivers must be between 54 and 84 inches tall Driver You run the hand brake and set your own pace. No special skills required. Height chart: passengers must be at least 38 inches tall Passenger Little ones ride up front and enjoy the views while a grown-up drives. Driver and passenger combined. Very cold day or fresh snow? Call (307) 201-5667 before you head over. Sign your waiver online before you arrive.Who Can Ride the Cowboy Coaster
54″ to 84″ tall
38″+ tall, age 3+
375 lbs max per sled
Weather can pause the ride
Skip the line at check-in
The Cowboy Coaster is more fun with friends, and it is even better value when bundled. Unlimited access to the Cowboy Coaster, Scenic Gondola, Alpine Slide, Treetop Adventure, Mini Golf, and Amaze’n Maze. The best value in Jackson Hole for a full day of summer adventure. One round-trip Scenic Gondola ride, one hour on the Cowboy Coaster, and two hours at King Tubes. Built for visitors who want a full day of winter fun without skiing. Pair the coaster with King Tubes for back-to-back winter thrills.Cowboy Coaster Bundles and Combo Tickets
Big King Pass
Triple Play Winter Pass
Cowboy Coaster + Tubes Combo
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does the Cowboy Coaster go?
The maximum speed is 25 miles per hour. You control your speed with the hand brake on your sled.
Can I control my own speed on the Cowboy Coaster?
Yes. Each sled has a hand brake. Push forward to go. Pull back to slow down or stop. If you let go, the sled stops.
How long is the Cowboy Coaster ride?
The ride up takes about 5.5 minutes. The descent takes 7 to 9 minutes, depending on how fast you ride. Plan on roughly 12 to 15 minutes for the full experience.
Is the Cowboy Coaster open in winter?
Yes. The Cowboy Coaster runs year-round at Snow King Mountain. It is one of the few mountain coasters in the United States that operates through winter. Weather closures can happen during heavy snow, ice, or extreme cold. Call (307) 201-5667 if conditions look questionable.
How tall do you have to be to ride the Cowboy Coaster?
Drivers must be 54″ to 84″ tall; passengers must be at least 38″ tall and 3 years old. See Who Can Ride above for full details.
Can young kids ride the Cowboy Coaster at Snow King?
Yes. Children as young as 3 years old can ride as passengers if they are at least 38 inches tall and ride with a qualified adult driver between 54 and 84 inches tall.
Does the Cowboy Coaster go upside down?
No. The track has banked turns that create some exciting G-force, but there are no loops and no upside-down sections.
How much does the Cowboy Coaster cost?
Cowboy Coaster pricing varies by season and is available on our online ticket store. The best value is the Big King Pass in summer or the Triple Play Winter Pass in winter, both of which include the Cowboy Coaster alongside other Snow King activities.
Where is the Cowboy Coaster located?
The Cowboy Coaster is at Snow King Mountain, 402 E. Snow King Avenue in Jackson, Wyoming, six blocks from Town Square.
What is the difference between the Cowboy Coaster and the Alpine Slide?
The Cowboy Coaster is an alpine mountain coaster on a fixed track that runs year-round. The Alpine Slide is a summer-only ride down concrete chutes on a wheeled sled. Both are at Snow King. Many visitors do both in the same day.
Do I need a reservation for the Cowboy Coaster?
Reservations are not required, but we strongly recommend purchasing tickets online in advance. Online booking is faster at check-in and guarantees your ride during busy periods.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The Cowboy Coaster operates in most weather conditions, including light snow and rain. It can close during heavy snowfall, lightning, or extreme cold. If conditions look questionable, call (307) 201-5667 to confirm operation before you arrive.
Who should ride the Cowboy Coaster?
The Cowboy Coaster is best for families with kids age 3 and up, couples, thrill seekers, groups, and first-time Jackson visitors looking for a quick, energizing mountain experience.
How long should I plan to spend?
A single ride can be completed from parking lot to parking lot within 30 minutes. But most people plan at least a half day on the mountain with other Snow King activities while they’re here. Shop combo passes for more ways to experience the mountain.
Is parking free?
Yes. We have free on-site parking a short walk from the start of the Cowboy Coaster.
Other Activities
King Tubes
King's Tube Park has snow tubes, three smooth groomed lanes, and a rope tow to take you up the hill. All you need are warm clothes and a need for speed!
Scenic Gondola Rides
Enjoy the best views of the Tetons, the Elk Refuge, and the town of Jackson on our brand-new gondola to the summit of Snow King Mountain.