May 5, 2017 - Opening
Dawson Duel: an artificial mountain for a European first
Opened on 5 May 2017, the twin rail coaster races two tracks over a structure built especially above Canada.
Dawson Duel transfers the Alpine Coaster principle to a fully manufactured slope, with a walk to the top, two parallel tracks and an automatic race above the trees.
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Building the slope that did not exist
Announced in September 2016, Dawson Duel begins with an unusual problem: Bellewaerde wants two Alpine Coasters side by side but has no natural slope of the kind normally used by such rides. The park and Wiegand therefore create a large timber and steel structure. The climb to the platform becomes the first part of the experience and gradually opens views over Canada and the surrounding landscape.
A European race opens in 2017
On 5 May 2017, the blue and green tracks host their first races. Dawson Duel becomes Europe’s first duelling Alpine Coaster and the first built on an artificial slope. Braking is automatic, so riders do not control their speed and the two vehicles remain engaged in a genuine race. Its popularity creates long waits and leads in 2018 to revised loading procedures and additional vehicles.
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