Lady on the Alpine Rollercoaster at Edinburgh Snow Centre

Alpine Coaster Business Spotlight

27 August 2025

Edinburgh has long been known for its dramatic landscapes and love of adventure, and few attractions capture this spirit quite like the Alpine Coaster at Midlothian Snowsports Centre.

Nestled in the Pentland Hills, the Alpine Coaster is Scotland’s only ride of its kind; a family-friendly adventure that combines exhilarating speed with panoramic views of the capital and beyond. From Arthur’s Seat to the Firth of Forth, riders are treated to a perspective that celebrates both the natural beauty and the vibrant energy of the region.

We caught up with Danny Burnett, Operations Manager at Midlothian Council, to uncover how the Alpine Coaster came to life and what it means for the region.

What inspired you to bring the Alpine Coaster experience to Edinburgh?

Bringing the Alpine Coaster experience to Midlothian was inspired by a desire to offer something truly unique and exhilarating that blends outdoor adventure with the stunning natural beauty of the Scottish landscape. The opportunity to create unforgettable memories by combining speed, scenery and family-friendly fun. Edinburgh, with its hills, forests and rich tourist culture, felt like the perfect place to locate our Alpine Coaster in a way that respects and celebrates the local environment while providing a thrilling new attraction for both residents and visitors.  The Alpine Coaster is a key feature of the Destination Hillend project, an initiative by Midlothian Council to develop a year-round family activity centre aimed at securing the future of the facility and supporting a range of other local services.

What makes Scotland’s capital a great destination for outdoor adventure attractions like yours?

As the capital city, Edinburgh benefits from a unique combination of natural assets, cultural significance and a thriving visitor economy. From a council perspective, investing in outdoor adventure attractions aligns with our broader goals of promoting active lifestyles, enhancing local amenities and boosting sustainable tourism. The surrounding landscapes, particularly areas like the Pentland Hills, provide an ideal backdrop for experiences that connect people with nature. Attractions such as the Alpine Coaster support our vision of creating year-round, family-friendly destinations that not only enrich the local community but also contribute to the long-term economic vitality of the region.

How has the local community supported your journey in launching and growing the Alpine Coaster?

The launch of the Alpine Coaster has been greatly enhanced by the strong support and engagement of the local community. Community feedback played a vital role in shaping an attraction that meets local priorities, offering a family-friendly, all-season experience that contributes to the long-term sustainability of the Hillend site.  The Alpine Coaster’s operations have evolved in response to feedback to ensure an improved experience for all visitors. Midlothian Council is proud to deliver an attraction that not only expands the area’s leisure opportunities but is also rooted in community collaboration. This joint approach has ensured the Alpine Coaster is more than just a new adventure ride; it represents a collective investment in the future of the facility and the wider local economy.

Couple walking in the Pentland Hills with City of Edinburgh as a backdrop
Pentlands
In what ways does your attraction showcase Edinburgh or Scotland’s landscape and character?

The Alpine Coaster offers visitors stunning views of the Pentland Hills, showcasing the natural beauty that defines Scotland’s landscape. Visitors on the ride can enjoy stunning views of Midlothian and Edinburgh, with clear sights of Arthur’s Seat, the Firth of Forth, its bridges and the Fife coastline on clear days.  This attraction reflects Edinburgh’s commitment to sustainable, family-friendly tourism that celebrates the region’s unique character.

What do you enjoy most about operating a unique experience like this in or near Edinburgh?

We offer visitors an enjoyable and unforgettable opportunity to connect with Scotland’s stunning natural landscapes and Edinburgh’s vibrant heritage. Watching people of all ages enjoy the attraction, while knowing it benefits the local community, makes our work truly fulfilling. What sets our Alpine Coaster apart is that it is Scotland’s only Alpine Coaster. Midlothian Snowsports Centre has grown into a nationally recognised visitor and tourist attraction, which also features the second-largest dry snow sports slope in Europe.

Skier staring down the dry ski slope at Hillend with Edinburgh skyline in distance
©VisitScotland, Kenny Lam
Midlothian Snowsports Centre looking from top of dry ski slope down
©VisitScotland-Kenny-Lam
Looking ahead, how do you see the Alpine Coaster evolving within the city’s exciting tourism and leisure landscape?

We envision the Midlothian Alpine Coaster becoming an increasingly important feature of the City’s tourism landscape, offering enhanced visitor experiences and deeper community engagement. Our goal is to continue promoting sustainable tourism while providing a fun, family-friendly attraction that appeals to both locals and visitors.  Looking ahead, we will regularly review and assess the offerings at Midlothian Snowsports Centre.  Should opportunities arise to further invest in and enhance the customer experience, we will certainly explore them to support the site’s ongoing growth and development.

What advice would you give to other local attractions thinking about joining Forever Edinburgh?

Go for it! Joining Forever Edinburgh is an excellent way to connect with other local businesses, increase your visibility, and work together to grow tourism. Being active, sharing ideas and building partnerships are essential to making the most of the opportunity. The networking and exposure benefit everyone involved.

Share