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The Smiler
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Alton Towers · Operating · 2013

The Smiler

52.8 mph

Photo: Alton Towers Resort · Official park media

Ride video

1 video

POV, off-ride, and preview clips embedded from rights holders — we never re-host video files.

Official park YouTube · Watch on YouTube

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Thrill rideAlton TowersOfficial park siteX-Sector
Gerstlauer logo
Gerstlauer52.8 mph

X-Sector's 14-inversion Gerstlauer Infinity Coaster — the Ministry of Joy's relentless smile machine.

Specifications

Stats can be shown in imperial or metric — your choice is remembered on this device.

Ride profile

Scaled against Alton Towers's operating coasters

Speed

52.8 mph

#3 of 11 at Alton Towers

Speed52.8 mph
Length3,838.6 ft
Inversions14

Ride experience

What this ride feels like — and where to explore more of it.

Signature feel

First drop

98.4 ft drop

The big first plunge that sets the tone.

Learn more
  • Gerstlauer
  • InversionsMoments where the world flips overhead.Learn more
  • Steel · Infinity

Ride details

Min height

4'7"

Drop

98.4 ft

Trains

4 trains with 4 cars per train. Riders are arranged 4 across in a single row for a total of 16 riders per train.

Duration

Pro

Specs from altontowers.com

History

Sourced timeline and background for The Smiler.

Timeline

  1. 2013

    The Smiler opens

    Source

Background

The Smiler operates in X-Sector at Alton Towers Resort.

X-Sector's 14-inversion Gerstlauer Infinity Coaster — the Ministry of Joy's relentless smile machine.

Facts and imagery are taken from the official ride page; this history is original Atlas prose.

History primarily sourced from altontowers.com. See also our data policy.

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About Gerstlauer-built coasters

Gerstlauer — custom inverts and Euro fighters

German builder of compact, intense custom coasters and spinning models.