Sochi: „Russian Mountains“ from the Black Forest
Today the 2014 Winter Olympic Games will be opened in Sochi/Russia. Next to the sports arenas and facilities Sochi Park, a theme park featuring five theme areas home to castles, dragons and other fantasy and fairy tale creatures as well as rides and rollercoasters, is currently being built. As one of many manufacturers and suppliers, the Germany-based Mack Rides company provided the new park with a wild mouse ride, a teacup carousel as well as a launch coaster (pictured) which is identical in construction to Europa-Park’s “Blue Fire” coaster. – The origin off all rollercoaster developments dates back to the 17th century in which wooden structures were covered with snow and ice to serve as sledding hills, the so-called “Russian Mountains”. This is why today in many Roman languages the expression “montana russa” is still used for rollercoaster. – The new “Russian Mountains” at Sochi Park are indeed coming from the Black Forest in Germany, among others. Theater, dance and circus shows will also entertain visitors at Sochi Park. Restaurants and cafés as well as a hotel complete the theme park’s offer, where up to 1.5 million visitors are expected annually. More about Russia’s new theme park can be read in one of our next magazine issues. (eap)
