Vortex (Paramount's Carowinds)

Vortex at Paramount's Carowinds was built during the last year before Paramount bought the park in the year 1992. This extraordinary ride (of its time) officially opened on March 14, 1992. Vortex was Bolliger & Mabillard's 3rd ride and is a stand-up roller coaster. Although very small, the ride offers one loop and a corkscrew with a helix before returning riders into the station.

Ride Layout

Riders depart from the station in a unique standing position ready to ascend a small 90 foot lift. A small dip, characteristic of Bolliger & Mabillard rides, follows the lift hill, preceding the curved drop. A loop follows the drop and is followed-up by a upward and downward banked turn. A helix follows the downwards turn and is followed-up by a corkscrew. After a wide turn the brake run slows the train before it enters the station.

Ride Elements

  • Loop
  • Corkscrew

Construction Data

  • 109 columns and foundations
  • 411,000 pounds of steel
  • 931 cubic yards of concrete