Skyrush

Skyrush is an Intamin hyper coaster located at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Opened in 2012, Skyrush stands 200 feet tall, offering an intense ride experience characterized by high speeds, sharp twists, and steep drops. Each row of its trains has four seats: the two center seats sit above the track, and the two outer "winged" seats hang off the sides of the train. With a top speed of 75 mph and a 5G force pull, it is known for its powerful airtime moments and rapid changes in direction. The coaster’s yellow track and bright blue supports make it a standout attraction in the park. Its original lap-bar restraints were widely criticized as painful, and the seats and restraints were replaced for the 2024 season. Despite this, it remains one of Hersheypark's most popular and exhilarating coasters.

Skyrush is renowned for its thrilling and intense ride experience due to several key factors:

1. Extreme Airtime: One of Skyrush's most exciting features is the intense airtime it delivers. With a top speed of 75 mph and a 212-foot drop, riders experience powerful moments of weightlessness, especially during the hill crests, giving a feeling of being lifted out of their seats.
2. Winged Seats: Skyrush's outer "winged" seats hang off the sides of the train with nothing directly above or below them. This setup enhances the feeling of freedom and flight, making each twist, turn, and drop feel more exhilarating.
3. 5G Forces: The ride subjects riders to up to 5Gs of force, particularly in its tight turns and rapid transitions. This intensity creates an adrenaline rush, as riders feel the strong forces pushing them into their seats.
4. Quick, Unpredictable Movements: Skyrush features rapid direction changes, tight turns, and overbanked curves that come quickly, leaving riders little time to anticipate what’s coming next. This unpredictability heightens the excitement and keeps the adrenaline pumping.
5. Steep, Massive Drop: The ride’s 85-degree, 212-foot first drop is one of the steepest and most thrilling parts of the coaster, providing a powerful rush as the train plummets toward the ground.
6. Minimalistic Restraints: Skyrush uses lap bar-style restraints, which, despite being known for their "thigh-crushing" pressure, provide a more open and vulnerable feeling compared to over-the-shoulder harnesses. This design amplifies the sensation of speed and airtime, contributing to the ride's intense thrill.

These features combined make Skyrush a standout coaster that delivers an electrifying, edge-of-your-seat experience, appealing to thrill-seekers who enjoy high-intensity rides.

Our take

Skyrush is known for its intense speed, height, and airtime. The ride features a 200-foot lift hill and a 75 mph top speed, delivering a thrilling experience with its steep 85-degree first drop. Riders experience up to 5 Gs and an abundance of airtime due to its minimalistic lap-bar restraints, making it one of the most exhilarating coasters in the park. Its winged seating, with two seats on either side of the track, enhances the feeling of flying through its rapid turns and hills.