AVERY COUNTY, N.C. – North Carolina's first alpine coaster is open in Avery County. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster opened its doors this week for a soft opening.

This means the business is asking customers to choose a time slot on its Facebook page or website to ensure social distancing. The more than 2,000-foot coaster is controlled by gravity, meaning you are able to slow it down or speed it up using a handle on the cart.

There are 270 coasters like it worldwide, though only 30 are in the United States.

The owner, Eric Bechard, says the company is working to protect its customers from coronavirus.

"Each and every time the sleds come in, they are being wiped down front to back seat, and we are keeping people 6 feet apart with marks on the ground," Bechard says

Bechard asks that during phase one of the opening customers only visit if they are within 45 minutes away.

To find out how to ride the coast, visit Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster's Facebook.