Downhill Karting by Skyline
A New Zealand Success Story

Luge is the French word for “sledge” and, like bobsleigh, it was developed as a sport in Switzerland in the 19th century, where thrill-seeking tourists would hurdle down a slippery ice track at great speed. 
The concept of the Skyline Luge, however, did not rely on snow or ice and evolved from an idea by Skyline founder Hylton Hensman and director Barry Thomas when Skyline expanded its operations to Rotorua, New Zealand in 1985. 

“The Skyline Luge cart is a classic story of New Zealand inventiveness born out of opportunity and curiosity. It’s a story filled with personalities, hard work, failure, determination, success and most of all fun.”
Inspired by a cart ride on a contoured stainless-steel track in Canada, Hylton Hensman set out to create a 3-wheeled ride that gives the rider full control over their downhill ride, like the much-loved-billy-cart ride – a staple in every New Zealander’s childhood. 
Early prototypes were built incorporating the wheels from son Phil’s old skateboard and were tested on the streets of Queenstown, New Zealand.  After many trials and errors, the manufacturing of the first set of carts to be ridden in Rotorua started in 1985. 
Since then, Skyline Luge has become a world-renowned gravity-fueled thrill ride, with over 60 million Luge rides completed globally.  Our purpose-built Luge carts are still designed and engineered in New Zealand with a strong focus on best-in-class safety features, and ergonomic designs for improved comfort while riding. 
The excitement of Skyline Luge is universally appealing, taking adults back to their childhood and putting kids in the driver’s seat, many for the first time.  Anyone can do it. 
Downhill Karting is part of the Skyline Luge family, opening in 2013 and operating seasonally from May until October at WinSport in Calgary, Alberta.   


Downhill Karting Calgary

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Downhill Karting Calgary

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