At Parques Reunidos, we believe the most memorable attractions are those that go beyond thrills; experiences that tell a story, offer choice, and connect emotionally with guests of all ages.

With Sky Sifter, opening this spring at Slagharen, that vision comes to life in a bold new way. Rising 30 meters above the Wild West landscape, this innovative attraction introduces a unique dual-experience concept that allows guests to choose how adventurous they want their journey to be.

We spoke with Sander de Haas, General Manager of Slagharen, about the story behind Sky Sifter, what makes it special and why it represents an important milestone for the park and for Parques Reunidos.

Sander, what is Sky Sifter?

Sky Sifter is a brand-new, large-scale attraction that fully immerses our guests in a Wild West story driven by gold fever. At the heart of it is a towering machine created by a sheriff who became obsessed with extracting gold, and silver, from the riverbed.

What makes Sky Sifter truly unique is that it offers two different experiences within one attraction, allowing guests to choose their own adventure before they even board.

What inspired the story behind the attraction?

We wanted a story that felt authentic to Slagharen’s Wild West identity but also had a strong emotional hook. The sheriff’s obsession with gold gave us a powerful narrative: ambition, invention, risk and consequence.

His ultimate creation, Sky Sifter, stands as a monument to that obsession. It’s constantly in motion, under pressure and, sometimes, that pressure builds so much that the entire machine flips, pulling riders into an intense and unforgettable experience.

What makes Sky Sifter different from other attractions?

The key word is choice. Sky Sifter features two separate queue routes — Gold and Silver — each leading to a different ride experience. Guests decide for themselves how intense they want the adventure to be, which makes the attraction incredibly versatile. This flexibility allows us to appeal to thrillseekers and families alike, without compromising on storytelling or visual impact.

Can you tell us more about the Gold Route?

The Gold Route is designed for guests who actively seek thrills. The queue environment is rough, industrial and full of tension, with rusted tools, warning signs and the echoing thoughts of the sheriff. The experience builds anticipation step by step and leads to the most extreme version of Sky Sifter, featuring full inversions, dynamic movements and a high-adrenaline ride.

And what about the Silver Route?

The Silver Route is perfect for families and guests who want adventure without going upside down. This queue winds through a calmer, more playful environment, filled with abandoned belongings, failed inventions and personal details from the sheriff’s past. The ride itself delivers a swinging and floating sensation, with open views and plenty of fun but no inversions. It’s exciting, accessible and still very much part of the same story.

How does Sky Sifter fit into Slagharen’s Wild West world?

It fits seamlessly. Sky Sifter is adventurous, a bit eccentric and rich in storytelling; exactly what Slagharen stands for. We have put our minds and souls into developing the theming, the name, and the queue designs, ensuring everything feels coherent and deeply rooted in our Wild West universe. From the moment guests enter the area, they are fully immersed.

Why is this attraction an important step for Slagharen and Parques Reunidos?

Sky Sifter represents our ambition to keep evolving how we design experiences. It’s not just about adding a new ride; it’s about raising the bar for storytelling, guest choice and experience design. This attraction shows how we can serve different audiences within one concept, while staying true to the identity of the park.

For Parques Reunidos, it’s a strong example of how we continue to invest in meaningful, long-term developments across our portfolio.

When can guests experience Sky Sifter?

Sky Sifter is scheduled to open this spring. In the lead-up to opening, we’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes moments as construction progresses. We’re incredibly excited to welcome our guests to this new Wild West adventure and to see which route they choose, gold or silver.