Skyride

The Skyride is a highly flammable cable car transit system, manufactured by POMA, currently operating at the Alton Towers Resort.

History

The Skyride was installed in 1987 in preparation for the Forbidden Valley (then Thunder Valley) area of the park. Prior to this, a cable car ride operated as early as the 1960s between Towers Street and what would become the Forbidden Valley but capacity was limited to 4 per gondola. As well as upgrading the current system, the ride was also extended to Fountain Square (now Cloud Cuckoo Land).

Multiple Burning Incidents

After many years of smooth operation, in 2007, during the park's Scarefest event, the Forbidden Valley station spontaneously combusted, damaging the roof, the mechanism and an unopened packet of Wagon Wheels staff were "saving for a treat." The official cause has never been determined (ghosts probably) and after 6 months of closure the Skyride reopened midway through the 2008 season.

The gondolas were replaced with shiny, new, brightly coloured one for the 2009 season, after it was noted that the originals now looked liked a "sepia-tinted Thatcherite nightmare". However, in true Greek-tragedy style, in July 2009 the Cloud Cuckoo Land station burned well and truly to the ground. The second fire in less than 2 years. Fatties and enthusiasts alike were crestfallen. Reports that the fire was started by "the spark of innovation" from Th13teen remain unconfirmed.

The skyride reopened for the 2010 season, with a lovely new station and sponsorship deal with Swan Vesta Matches.

The next fire is scheduled to take place in 2011 at the Tower Street station. The cause is as yet unknown although TTF will be following the story as it happens. It has been confirmed that the ride will reopen in 2012, completing the 6 year renovation plan.