Alpengeist Review, Busch Gardens Williamsburg B&M Invert | Is Bigger Better?

Alpengeist is the largest Bolliger & Mabillard inverted coaster. This B&M invert is almost as tall of a hyper coaster and it features six inversions, including some of the biggest on any invert. This ride also features a light German skiing theme for good measure. But is bigger better? Find out in this review!
Video Credits
Alpengeist Off-Ride, 1997 (Coaster Jeff)- • Alpengeist opening day...
Background Music
Infraction - Surf Music /Background Music (Royalty Free Music) (No Copyright music)- • Infraction - Surf Musi...

[@thomasxl200]

I feel exactly the same. I used to go to Busch Gardens Williamsburg all the time as a kid and I got to experience Alpy trimless and unleashed many times. Those rides left an indelible impression on my memory, one of the best coasters of my childhood. I came back last summer after a 12 year gap and the midcourse just sucked the life out of that ride. Shame too, because that second half used to be just as forceful and chaotic as the first.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I could've experienced it like that.

[@m_ianO]

Yes! I remember those days. I remember the mid course not engaging at all. I think BGW had an obligation to get it up to their own standard.

[@ultimatestoner4205]

Yea man in the early days the mid course didn’t hit at all and the 2nd half was still just as ferocious as the first

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I could've ridden it like that.

[@lastone032085]

Yup. I remember the earlier days of Alpengeist. The MCBR barely hit and the second half was intense. These days the helix at the end feels utterly pointless because of how much momentum is lost in the mcbr. BGW should seriously consider turning the brakes off.

[@KIKoasterKid]

I kinda have to disagree with the best drop part, banshee’s is just wild

[@HugeRMCFanBoY-bx3od]

Kraken in a nitshelw

[@CivilianSatellite]

I was obsessed with this ride as a kid. One thing I really love is its placement. The way it runs through the valley just makes it seem bigger and faster than it already is; I can't even imagine how it would look in a flat open field. The cobra roll over the Rhine River is just fantastic.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That setting is awesome.

[@heathertruzzolino]

How old were u when u rode it?

[@wickedsickfunkyfreshroller2037]

I consider this like a better version of Banshee. It has the size and forcefulness without the goofy vest restraints and mild transitions. The first half is fantastic, the second half is kind of underwhelming but still pretty fun.

[@certifiednucci6315]

I think the elements and layout of Banshee more but it wasnt as forceful as I wanted it to be and it was a bit rough for an invert. Alpie has slightly worse elements but way better forces and feels way faster. They are my #2 and #3 inverts

[@CanobieCoaster]

It does have similarities to Banshee.

[@themeparkreconnoiter9787]

Banshee would look better if it has a pre drop like most b&m inverts.

[@bradboyd1229]

First rode this in 1997 as a teenager. Not only do I still think it's a wonderful ride, but I have fond nostalgia for it as well. Conversely, I felt like the mid-course didn't hit as hard this Spring as it did last Fall. Maybe that's just me, but I felt like the second half had a bit more oomph to it last month.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I've always had that brake trim.

[@ChrisStephenHP]

Criminally underrated coaster! I agree with you that it's not the best invert in North America, and that bigger isn't always better. But I do find that, similar to The Incredible Hulk at Islands of Adventure, folks penalize the first 1/2 to 3/4 of an outstanding ride just because the mid course trims too hard or there isn't a blow-your-mind, Lightning Rod Lite finale. Not every coaster has to save its best for last. Sometimes an outstanding appetizer and great entrée make a chocolate pudding dessert tolerable. Meanwhile, coasters like Phoenix get overrated because the average meatloaf is served prior to Baked Alaska or whatever. First impressions matter! And Alpengeist delivers.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's fair. I guess it comes down to perception and how you value pacing.

[@WeWereInvertedVideo]

Was excited for this review. This coaster has been a sentimental favorite of mine since it was built. It's my favorite invert and is neck and neck with Pantheon as my favorite BGW coaster. I know Pantheon has better elements, but I enjoy the theme on Alpie more and just so many amazing memories on it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Makes sense you'd have sentimental value for it.

[@chargedonpc9989]

I'm excited to ride Alpengeist whenever I visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg again! I skipped it last time because I wasn't feeling that well, and I was nervous to ride it. I totally agree that it looks imposing. Alpengeist, I305, and Gale Force are probably the most imposing coasters I have seen IRL.

[@CanobieCoaster]

This ride looks awesome.

[@ryanfrieman733]

The first drop is soooo massive and intimidating!! I haven't ridden in a while but remember feeling the power of the ride going through the tunnel before the cobra roll

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's awesome.

[@alldat06]

My sentiments exactly! We were so thristy for this coaster, right after the destruction of Drachen Fire.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It was a good follow-up.

[@scottnelson9]

They were both open the first time I went to BGW. I specifically remember because it was the only time I rode Drachen Fire. It was also Alpengeist’s opening year.

[@Matt-yz6vj]

Love this invert so much. I say one of the best in the country!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Same!

[@funklunk]

Really good review! I rode it without trims when I was young. BGW was my home park and I spent many rainy weekday afternoons at the park riding and it's the only ride in the park I couldn't marathon because it would just make me seriously nauseous. I'd get off and walk through the queue again to get my bearings, even if the station was empty. It's an absolute beast of a coaster, but the second half isn't very long. The mcbr trim certainly doesn't help but at least they haven't trimmed the first half! It still flys through and could easily be neutered by the trim on the predrop if they wanted to save more money on maintainence. Here's to 25 years of Alpengiest, and hopefully decades more!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Lucky!

[@mitchellries256]

The height, speed, layout of the inversions, theming and close calls with the ground and walls of the tunnels make this my favorite invert anywhere.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's one of the better ones.

[@BoomerBaskins]

Been waiting for this!! I’d give it a 9. Awesome video as usual!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@nathanpayne1502]

The first year it opened I had just graduated high school and my parents took my two younger brothers and I there. I remember being blown away and helping my parents just get out of they’re seat on off the platform. Lol

[@CanobieCoaster]

Wow!

[@L00PdeL00P]

This ride grew on me during my visit. It has a bit of a rattle, but the creative layout and intensity keeps me coming back for more. Great Bear at Hershey Park is a lot smoother, but smaller. I like them both for different reasons.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That first half keeps me coming back.

[@Balancedpower420]

Thanks for another great ride review! I can see how the ride would be more complete as a thrilling experience if the mid course was not trimmed. It’s too bad, but that first half looks incredible. I have only ridden two smaller B&M inverts so it’s likely this would rank highly for me personally, even with the tamer second half.

[@CanobieCoaster]

You're welcome!

[@Joypyf]

I would love to experience this, especially the first half! Such a tall invert! 😱

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@danieledwards4274]

I give it a 9.0 out of 10. I live locally and have passes annually, I don't recall it going so slow through the mid course and second half. I'll be there Friday, I'll see if it's changed. I love this ride!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I must've been unlucky.

[@lastone032085]

Dude. It's a huge difference from the midcourse onward. I still like the last two inversions but the helix is totally dead.

[@alantrotter2077]

Been on all of the US inverts other than Talon, included both sides of Dragon Challenge, and Alpengeist is my third favorite behind only Montu and Afterburn. It is just outside my Top 50. I agree the first half is nuts. I find a second part of the ride you do have to brace yourself is the first part of the cobra roll as it can be a neck/head banger as well. Overall a great invert. My second favorite at BGW behind only Pantheon.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I rank the top 2 at this park the same.

[@derrickd3012]

I can tell you from working at Busch Gardens in the late 90s that yes, the Alpengeist flew through the mid course brake run when it first opened. After they slowed it down it did lose alot of speed in the second half of the ride.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I rode it like that.

[@donkeyentertain]

I’ll have to get on this ride again next time I’m there. I’ve been on eight B&M inverts… two Batman’s, great bear, dueling dragons, Montu, and Raptor. I’d put it towards the bottom. My favorites are the Batman’s and Great Bear, so maybe my preferences are just strange hah.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I like this one more than most.

[@justiceleaguebattleformetr9239]

Alpengeist is my #3 invert. I have Montu and Raptor above it because I managed to get trimless rides on both of them.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer Montu always.

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

I haven't ridden Pantheon yet but outside of that newest coaster Alpengeist is my favorite coaster in the park, it's my favorite invert and it's a top 10 coaster to me. It has one of the best first drops and cobra rolls out there. I first road it in 98 and my last ride was in 2017 and it has stood the test of time well.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Alpengeist and Apollo are neck-and-neck for number 2 for me.

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

@@CanobieCoaster I like Apollo's Chariot but I LOVE inversions. It's an easy choice for me.

[@matchesmalone2201]

I haven’t been on this in a few years. Back when I rode it the shaking and rattle were ridiculous and headache inducing, which sucked the fun out of it. It sounds like it runs a lot better now!

[@CanobieCoaster]

It runs great.

[@blackjackva]

I just got on Alpengiest recently and I think it is a great coaster

[@CanobieCoaster]

It is.

[@cfrankbii9613]

So glad I got to ride this during it's opening year. The positive Gs after the vertical loop are so strong. I hate that it's trimmed so heavy. Montu used to glide through its mid course too. Today it doesn't slow down as much as alpengeist, but its trimmed. Alpy is still great, but just not the best.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I could've ridden it opening year.

[@thereason9301]

I rode this in 1997 and in 2022. It was fantastic in 97, but it has held up pretty well.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It has. Just wish the end was as fast as opening year.

[@RockyandTuck]

10/10. It is the 2nd best coaster I’ve ever ridden (behind Kumba), and it’s what I consider the best ride in the park! Montu is the second best B&M invert imo

[@CanobieCoaster]

I much prefer Montu, but that's more because of that ride's quality.

[@user-oq9jw3wd4y]

I found the mid course slowed the train less during my rides in 2022. It slowed the train half as much as it used to and the ending was super forceful. I hope that Busch Gardens continues it like that and it wasn't just a lucky ride

[@CanobieCoaster]

It hit as hard for me as usual.

[@user-oq9jw3wd4y]

@@CanobieCoaster oof that sucks

[@blockin9556]

the front row on this is crazyyyy also its so smooth and snappy as long as you keep your head forward and its so intense i like it way more than afterburn that corkscrew would have been ridiculous if the break run didnt hit so hard though i still give it a 9/10 just cause i loved the front row so much from the speed and forces and pretty theming

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'd love a trimless ride one day.

[@DanCrowleyNYC]

It's a great invert. I'm normally a backseat rider on any coaster, but this one absolutely wins in the front. And that first drop is the best.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's great in any row.

[@starryagent9936]

If that MCBR was off, this thing would be one of the best coasters for positive G’s. I understand it trims to prevent the wheel bogeys from burning through faster, but it’s still a shame it has to be this way

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's a buzzkill, but that first half is still amazing.

[@mateoalvira3514]

On Alpengeist at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, do you like the first half, the second half, the Inmelmann, the loop, the cobra roll, the mid-course brake run, the zero-G roll, the corkscrew, the pacing, the smoothness, and the restraints?

[@CanobieCoaster]

See the review.

[@certifiednucci6315]

This is my #2 invert ive ridden only behind Montu. And as of now (Havent been on Pantheon yet) its my favorite ride in the park. I think the first half is enough to rank it above all the other American Inverts

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's definitely one of the best ones.

[@WilliamCrew]

I remember when it rolled through the mid course brake run and then later on down the road when I rode it again I noticed the slowdown I thought something went wrong. It is still a great ride but man that slowdown through the mid course brake run kills it for me on thw second half.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I rode it like that.

[@clairefunnell8481]

I really like this one. Looks like so much fun. I think it would be good for Canada's Wonderland.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It would!

[@user-ih7pt7qw3u]

I rode this a couple times in 2016. It was very thrilling and intense, but it was just too rough for me to enjoy. I need to go back to Busch Gardens and give this thing another chance

[@CanobieCoaster]

I've thankfully found it smooth.

[@CoasterHorizons]

the cobra roll is one of my favorite inversions of all time

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's excellent.

[@CoasterHorizons]

@@CanobieCoaster it was my 50th credit a little while back and it actually blew me away, it’s too bad the midcourse kills the momentum. would’ve been even crazier. the first half is absolutely wild though

[@TwinRovaMGM]

Just visited BGW in April 2023 and based on older POVs it looks like the trim brakes off the lift hill are hitting much stronger this year, if they even were enabled before. It was quite audible when the brakes were applied, the ride went through the first half much slower than my rides last year, and the second half was consequently even slower. Anyone else been the park to confirm this?

[@CanobieCoaster]

That would be a bummer if it was slowed.

[@m_ianO]

Is the color scheme changing nowadays? Looks like it’s got blue supports now. Or is it blue supports in certain parts depending on which country your traveling through ?

[@CanobieCoaster]

It is getting blue supports. They're painting it on weekdays and running it partially painted on weekends.

[@serjuiceman]

this was my first non-family coaster and i loved it dude, i was yelling "oooohh yeahhhh this is my shit!!!" and it was so funny i really loved this roller coaster

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@maxhagenauer24]

It doesn't quite look as whippy but more like Banshee where its just absolutely massive and focused on mainly positive Gs Force. 6 massive inversions and the largest drop on an invert if you don't count the Giant Inverted Vekoma Boomerangs. It likes like mid tier to honestly almost lower tier cause it just doesn't seem like the older school intense ones.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The cobra roll delivers enough whip on its own.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

With the demise of Wicked Twister, I think that Alpengeist is once again the world's tallest invert, full circuit or not. It is one of my favorite inverts after last year's visit, maybe # 3 behind Montu & Banshee. It seemed to ride much better for me in 2021 than in 2018.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Didn't China open a new Impulse that's taller?

[@DanielCollinsBachata]

@@CanobieCoaster they did

[@mateoalvira3514]

What do you think about Alpengeist at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Montu at Busch Gardens Tampa?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Awesome rides.

[@Lucky_9705]

I think that Busch Gardens needs to disable the midcourse next season. Given how reliable B&Ms are on top of the ride’s excellent capacity, I’m sure that it can handle it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Probably maintenance/wear reasons.

[@lololol7538]

The mid course didn’t stop me when I went on it

[@CanobieCoaster]

Lucky.

[@mrprobro522]

Busch Gardens should disable the trims. I think the capacity would be good if there was a midcourse but it never trimmed. I just think the 2nd half has so much potential but it was just wasted. The 1st half looks exceptional but had the midcourse not trimmed at all I think the zero G roll and corkscrews would have the same snap as other older B&M inverts and the helix would be a big greyout moment. I also think if there was no midcourse the drop off the midcourse could even give airtime in the back. I think if the midcourse didn’t trim at all this would be the best B&M invert in America.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish it ran untrimmed, but I'm guessing it was done for maintenance reasons.

[@wilbert_GT]

just got off alpengeist today and ysterday and i agree its wippy very wippy

[@CanobieCoaster]

That first half is spectacular.

[@Goliath146]

I’m going to ride this for the first time as I wasn’t able to ride any coasters because I was there for the Christmas light show

[@CanobieCoaster]

Enjoy!

[@Goliath146]

@@CanobieCoaster i had a great day here alpengeist was great least favorite ride here was lochness

[@elidavidson5503]

The cobra roll on this thing actually feels like a mistake ha, what a blast. That midcourse sucks but this would be a complete ride even if it ended there so I feel like the slow second half isn't a huge issue.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I love that cobra roll.

[@skyguyismyguyr12turn]

Is that guest that appears at 2:57 just someone you sat next to or, like, your family member/friend? Or something like that...

[@CanobieCoaster]

Fiancee

[@michaelpryor78]

The most intense ride at the park and it's not particularly close

[@CanobieCoaster]

Pantheon is pretty intense too.

[@jtwoolley]

Which do you prefer? Alpengeist or Verbolten?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Alpengeist easily.

[@TheWolfXCIX]

Any idea why they trim it? :/

[@CanobieCoaster]

Maintenance most likely.

[@zacharystewart5344]

I go to both Busch Tampa and Williamsburg very often. Every time I ride Montu I'm like "oh that's the best invert" and every time I ride Alpi I'm like "oh that's the best invert"

[@CanobieCoaster]

I much prefer Montu.

[@mateoalvira7826]

Imagine a list of coasters I would recommend you trying again: Alpengeist at Busch Gardens Williamsburg Montu at Busch Gardens Tampa Twister at Knoebels Lisebergbanan at Liseberg Typhoon at Bobbejaanland Great White at Morey's Piers GhostRider at Knott's Berry Farm Intimidator at Carowinds Tiki-Waka at Walibi Belgium Technic Coaster at Legoland California Coast Rider at Knott's Berry Farm To ride, what would you think about all those coasters?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Most of those are fine, but Coast Rider is uncomfortable.

[@michael9cats812]

Just. 6. more. feet.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm surprised they didn't go for it.

[@charlanator225]

I've never ridden an adult invert before, but I imagine it may have been the best or second best invert in America without those dumb trims.

[@thomasxl200]

It really was.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I could've ridden it untrimmed.

[@thomasxl200]

@@CanobieCoaster Hopefully they will run it full tilt one day. Maybe they can follow Holiday World's lead and do trimless Alpy rides for an ACE event... lol

[@zacg_]

I have very mixed feelings on Alpengeist. I find it to be quite rough for a B&M invert in most seats. It's got a rattle and it's noticeable well before the MCBR. It can beat you up. It's not terrible but for a B&M it's quite rough if you ask me. However, I find the front row to be significantly smoother and to be a much more fun and enjoyable experience. I like the front row on Alpengeist over any row on Raptor or Banshee. In the front it's my second favorite B&M invert after Montu. Anywhere else and I'm not a fan.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I've gotten smooth rides of late.

[@Wabwastoewwfttjacwsoodsltmmib]

Imagine if they ditched the mid course for a zero g roll. That would make the ride so much more insane, especially at the end

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sure would!

[@lastone032085]

Might as well, Alpengeist doesn't run three trains anymore so the mcbr is pointless.

[@sustainedfloatercoasters5103]

Unpopular opinion, but I rode this a few days ago and liked it so much more than Montu 🤷‍♂️ it’s my favorite B&M invert by far

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer Montu, but both are great.

[@1uhot426]

I use to ride it on my lunch break when i worked there, n watched the people scream lol

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@mateoalvira3514]

the best B&M inverted coaster you rode was this?

[@CanobieCoaster]

OzIris

[@davidnevolo4402]

So they added a zero car to give it more speed, wheels that make it more slow, and a trim at The Mid course? They should’ve just left this thing alone

[@CanobieCoaster]

Wheels were to make it quiet. They had a side effect of being slower.

[@RochD2]

Pre-trim Alpengeist was goat.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Looked amazing!

[@wildboy1983]

I wonder why they would spoil the ride experience of the second half by slowing it down so much?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Probably to reduce wear.

[@maincoasters]

i wish all parks ran there coasters with no trims for like a halloween event like holiday world

[@CanobieCoaster]

Me too.

[@dytamic]

imagine if they reprofiled the lift hill to get a hyper

[@CanobieCoaster]

That would be funny and costly.

[@GregBatte]

I liked Alpengeist more than Montu in terms of inverts, until it was neutered. It is still great, but not even close to it's original form.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I could've ridden it year one.

[@clinton5623]

They should have kept the original teal color

[@CanobieCoaster]

The new color looks good.

[@rossh688]

By far, my least favorite B&M invert for these reasons... 1. Hitting head on zero car hurt like hell. 2. The kink in my neck caused by the worst cobra roll I've experienced lasted for days and happened on 2 different occasions. 3. The MCBR absolutely sucks and 4. The tediously slow ride after the MCBR. I only ride it with my friend who loves it but hates riding it alone. Montu, which has plenty of snap to it, is my #1 invert.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I much prefer Montu.

[@superthrills7398]

I Feel Like Coasters That Are Faster Or Taller Don’t Effect Me Much It Mostly Matters If Its Smooth, Intense, Whippy, or Ejector Airtime

[@chargedonpc9989]

I agree. I like when coasters are tall and fast, but it doesn't neccesarily make them more intense. That's why I think Backlot Stunt Coaster and Verbolten are some of the most intense coasters I've ridden. Griffon might look imposing, but I find those two "family coasters" more intense because they make me grey out.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree quality of elements beats stats.

[@maincoasters]

it’s huge

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@maincoasters]

@@CanobieCoaster what would you rate my homeparks invert? afterburn!?

[@benjaminfriedman9107]

For your next stream could you do a huge kahoot also I find Alpengeist kind of boring.

[@CanobieCoaster]

What's that?

[@benjaminfriedman9107]

It's a quiz platform

[@supremefan]

Too many B&M's are ruined by the mid course brakes...

[@CanobieCoaster]

It does help capacity, but I agree it hurts them.

[@wolfrecordingz2614]

Alpen vs Montu: IMO Montu

[@CanobieCoaster]

Montu easily.

[@magnumman5597]

Overall:good ride

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@EmeraldBayMovies]

Well my girlfriend told me that size doesn't matter

[@CanobieCoaster]

Applies to coasters too.

[@themeparkreconnoiter9787]

What will happen If Alpengiest gets diverted into a B&M Ski Coasters? Of course the track will still be inverted, but you'll be standing up when it's inverted, running on RMC like rails below to make it look like your skiing 🎿 . it will still be called Alpengiest but if they diverted into a Ski Coaster, it would match the theming?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Well that would be something.