Sledding is a winter sport for the whole family, and it's great fun, pure and simple. On the toboggan runs near our ALPS RESORTS in Austria, which we are showcasing to you today, you can really go all out – until the runners on your sled are red hot and your cheeks are aglow!
Why is sledding so popular in Austria?
Sledding is actually one of Austria's favorite outdoor activities in winter, and for good reasons:
- Fun over performance: It’s all about enjoyment rather than competition.
- Everyone can enjoy sledding together: kids, teenagers, and adults alike.
- No prior expertise needed. That said, even though sledding is easy to pick up, we strongly recommend familiarizing yourself with steering and braking techniques ahead of time for safety reasons.
- Low-cost activity: You don’t need expensive equipment; sleds are usually available for rent at shops near the toboggan runs.
- Sledding is a great alternative or complement to skiing.
- And last but not least: Active time spent outdoors in the snow and fresh air simply does you a world of good.
Sledding in Austria: A diverse winter sport
Let’s start with the equipment used for sliding: the options range from classic wooden sleds to sleek steerable bobs, saucers, zipfelbobs, and snow tubes. But it’s not just the sledding devices themselves that vary – Austria offers a wide range of:
- natural toboggan runs
- toboggan runs where you’re transported comfortably up to the start by gondola or chairlift, and
- floodlit hills.
Special Variants: Snowtubing and Alpine Coaster
With snowtubing, you slide down a snowy slope in a large, air-filled rubber ring. Unlike traditional tobogganing, you sit or lie in the tube and generally slither down specially prepared, safe tracks, often featuring banked curves and gentle inclines to guarantee an exhilarating ride.
Many snowtubing facilities are equipped with lifts that conveniently carry the tubes – and their riders – back up the hill. Examples include the tubing runs on the Kreischberg in Murtal (next to the gondola mountain station) or in St. Martin am Tennengebirge in Salzburger Land.
Another exciting option is known as an Alpine Coaster – essentially a summer toboggan run permanently installed on rails, winding its way through the mountain landscape. Unlike traditional sledding, however, an Alpine Coaster can be enjoyed year-round, even in rain or snow. As just one example, the Nocky Flitzer on the Turracher Höhe operates both in summer and winter.
The rails provide for added safety, also allowing for higher speeds and really steep curves. Each sled is equipped with brakes, letting riders control their speed for themselves.
Where are the best places to go sledding in Austria?
Close to our 40 ALPS RESORTS in Austria, there are virtually countless sled runs just waiting for you to discover. Here are five of our top recommendations:
Wildkogel Toboggan Run in Bramberg, Salzburger Land
Starting point: 2100 meters above sea level. A 14-kilometer-long, very well maintained track descending 1300 vertical meters. Duration of a typical run: approximately 40 minutes. The Wildkogel Toboggan Run in the Wildkogel-Arena is in fact the world’s longest floodlit sledding hill and an absolute must during a winter holiday spent in the Hohe Tauern National Park region! For anyone who finds 14 kilometers in one go a bit much, the "Zwischenzeit" mountain hut next to the track is a perfect refreshment stop.
The starting point is the Smaragdbahn in Bramberg, Salzburger Land, which can be reached in about 20 minutes by car from Tauern Lodges Uttendorf or in about 25 minutes from Bergresort Tauernblick on Pass Thurn. This popular sled run begins right next to the Smaragdbahn mountain station and ends at the valley station. In summer, the Wildkogel Arena also excites visitors with its iconic Slide Path.
Spieljochbahn in Fügen, Zillertal, Tirol
The Spieljochbahn lift carries you straight from Fügen to the toboggan run, which begins there next to the mountain station at 1858 meters above sea level. After a 5.5-kilometer descent, you’ll cross the finish line at the mid-station. Sleds can be rented from the sports shop located at the mountain station.
Hexen Toboggan Run in Fiss, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Tyrol
Your sledding enjoyment in Fiss extends for almost 4 kilometers: starting from the mid-station, the family-friendly Hexen Toboggan Run leads back to the valley station of the Schönjochbahn. Once a week, it is also open after dark and pairs perfectly with a traditional fondue dinner.
Königslehen in Radstadt, Salzburger Land
The 6-kilometer natural toboggan run in Radstadt starts at the mountain station of the Königslehenbahn lifts. Along the route from the Kehmadhöhe down to the valley, you’ll drop 700 meters in elevation. Toboggans can be rented out at the lift valley station.
Westendorf Toboggan Run, Brixental, Tyrol
Just a three-minute walk separates Chalet 149 Westendorf and Chalet 104 Westendorf from your tobogganing adventure and the Alpenrosenbahn lifts. This moderately difficult natural toboggan run extends for over seven kilometers, starting from the top station (location of the Talkaser mountain restaurant), and winding its way down to wild, romantic Windautal. Your final destination is the Schrandlhof, a cozy inn serving welcome refreshments. From there, a shuttle bus will take you back to Westendorf. Toboggans are available for rent at sports shops in Westendorf.
What to bear in mind if you plan to go sledding
To ensure your sledding experience is pure fun and every tobogganer crosses the finish line safe and sound, you need to keep in mind a few key points. Here are the guidelines we recommend:
- Be considerate of others, adjust your speed to the conditions, stay alert, and never sled headfirst. Always maintain a safe distance.
- Pay attention to warning signs and closures, only use designated toboggan runs, and never obstruct the sledding area.
- Never go sledding under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Provide first aid in case of emergencies.
- Practice steering, braking, and riding your toboggan before you head out.
- Be mindful of weather and snow conditions, keep your eyes open for icy patches.
- Use suitable, high-quality equipment.
What equipment do you need for tobogganing?
For a safe and enjoyable tobogganing experience in Austria, make sure you are well-prepared, including the following essentials – in addition to a reliable sled, of course 😉 :
- Never go topless: A helmet can save lives. Don’t forget your ski goggles either.
- Sturdy footwear: Choose shoes with a firm, treaded sole
- Warm accessories: A snug hat, gloves, ski pants, and a ski jacket are a must
- For nighttime sledding: Don’t forget a headlamp!
- For longer excursions: Bring a backpack with warm drinks and a small snack to keep your energy up
FAQs: Frequently asked questions about sledding in Austria
The longest floodlit toboggan run in the world, extending for some 14 km, is located in the Wildkogel-Arena in Bramberg/Neukirchen, Salzburger Land.
Depending on the region, sleds can be rented right next to the toboggan runs or from local sports shops. Be sure to check in advance – and find out whether reservations are necessary. During peak season, demand can be very high, particularly for nighttime sledding.
Thought of everything and ready to go? In that case, there’s nothing left to say but, "Let the sledding begin!" – Have a marvelous time in the snow!
Photo materials: Sledding with a dog © Salzburger Land Tourismus; Sledding with children © Salzburger Land Tourismus; Sledding in the Wildkogel-Arena © Wildkogel-Arena; Hexen sled run in Fiss © Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Marketing GmbH | Andreas Kirschner; Sledding in Radstadt © TVB Radstadt, Markus Rohrbacher;
Verena J.
Marketing Specialist at ALPS RESORTS
Millennial with a passion for solitary mountains and compelling stories, always on the lookout for exciting destinations and experiences.
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