Quicksilver alpine slide opening for Labor Day

The Quicksilver alpine slide will open over the Labor Day weekend at the Utah Olympic Park. The park's newest ride is the first of its kind in North America.

The Quicksilver, Xtreme and Ultra Ziplines will be open Saturday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Utah Olympic Park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Utah Olympic Park management hired a company from Germany to design the 3,116-foot slide. The company has installed slides in a number of countries, but this is the first slide in North America.

The German-made slides are different from typical alpine slides in several key ways.

"The stainless steel design and heavier sleds make it a very smooth, quick ride," said Rex Dabling, Utah Olympic Park director of mountain operations. "These slides are more exciting than other alpine slides."

Riders on the trough-shaped slides can reach speeds exceeding 25 mph.

Admission to the Utah Olympic Park is $7 per person and includes access to the Alf Engen Ski and Olympic Museum. A ride on the Quicksilver is $15. Quicksilver riders must be 8 years old to ride alone. Children from 3-7 years old may ride when accompanied by an adult. There is no charge for children 3-7 years when accompanied by a paying adult.

For more information on the availability of the Quicksilver and other activities at the Utah Olympic Park throughout the fall please call the host desk at 435-658-4200 or visit www.olyparks.com.