Sledding: A Convivial Adventure in the Snow

A cozy evening up at a mountain hut, good friends, hearty food, and your sleds – our recipe for an unforgettable adventure in the snow! Tobogganing after dark combines a sense of camaraderie and action in ultra-relaxed ways. Allow us to introduce you to a number of floodlit toboggan runs in Austria – including the world’s longest!

2 tobogganists ride their sledges down the toboggan run into the sunset.

What makes nighttime tobogganing the perfect winter adventure?

Nighttime tobogganing is a favorite winter activity for friends and families. Everyone can join in, while sledding on floodlit runs after dark also promises:

  • A sense of adventure: Tobogganing during the daytime is great fun to begin with – and on a floodlit run after dark, it becomes even more thrilling!
  • A shared experience: A sledding expedition promises valuable together-time and unforgettable moments that create lasting memories.
  • Laid-back winter action: It requires no major planning or expensive gear - merely a sled and high spirits. To ensure everything runs smoothly, don’t forget to reserve a table at a hut just in case.
  • Party atmosphere: Along your sledding route, why not make a pitstop for a mug of mulled wine or perhaps even a tasty evening meal. Many floodlit toboggan runs are also home to mountain huts where you can take a welcome break.
  • A change of pace: Nighttime tobogganing serves as a refreshing contrast and popular addition to typical winter activities like skiing or winter hiking.

Laid-Back Evening at a Mountain Hut: Culinary Pitstop during a Sledding Expedition

A break at a mountain hut next to the floodlit sled run is a must. Certain dishes are not only delicious, but also add to the atmosphere perfectly. Classics include spareribs with potatoes, cheese spaetzle, and Kaiserschmarrn.

Our recommendation: Plan a hut evening by the sled run with your friends or a larger group, and be sure to reserve your table ahead of time. Some mountain restaurants offer specialties like fondue, raclette, or traditional so-called "hat meals" by pre-order, while at several ski huts, live bands take the party vibe on toboggan nights up to a whole new level.

Kaiserschmarrn with apple sauce and powdered sugar

Practical tips for nighttime tobogganing: what to bring along and what to bear in mind

Here are our recommendations to enjoy a safe and fun sledding experience after dark:

The right gear
  • Sled or toboggan: Choose a stable, easy-to-steer sled suitable for the track you are on. Check in advance if sled rentals are available on location.
  • Headlamp: Essential for unlit runs. Go with a bright, long-lasting lamp with a reliable battery.
  • Warm clothing: Layer up with thermal underwear, fleece, and a water-repellent jacket that allows freedom of movement.
  • Gloves, hat, and neck gaiter: Essential for staying warm, especially for your hands.
  • Waterproof shoes with good grip: For secure footing during the ascent and when braking.
  • Helmet and goggles.
Practical Accessories
  • Thermos flask: Fill it with hot tea or mulled wine for a break along the way if you are not planning to stop at a hut.
  • Hand warmers: "Handy" little helpers, especially on those extra-cold nights.
  • Backpack: For spare clothes, snacks, and other essentials.
Safety and Orientation
  • Maps or route information: Familiarize yourself with the track, length, and potential hazards beforehand.
  • Emergency numbers: Be prepared to call for help if something happens.
  • Follow the rules: Always adhere to the local guidelines.
  • Visibility: Wear reflective clothing or attach reflectors to your sled to ensure you’re clearly visible.
Good Preparation
  • Learn all about the route beforehand: Is it illuminated or unlit? What is the condition and difficulty level of the track?
  • Check the weather forecast: Ensure that conditions are suitable for tobogganing after dark.
Rules of Sledding
  • Always follow the rules and any special instructions for the toboggan run you are on.
  • Adjust your speed to current conditions and visibility, and avoid alcohol consumption.
  • Be considerate of other tobogganers.
  • Familiarize yourself with your sled, including steering and braking techniques, before starting.  

Popular Nighttime Tobogganing Runs Close to Our ALPS RESORTS

Night shot of the 14 km long, floodlit toboggan run in the Wildkogel Arena

#1: Tobogganing in the Wildkogel Arena on the world’s longest floodlit toboggan run

Location: Bramberg/Wildkogel Arena in the Hohe Tauern National Park region, Salzburger Land.
Length: 14 km from the mountain station of the Smaragdbahn lift down to the valley station in Bramberg. From the Wildkogelbahn mountain station (setting out from Neukirchen), walk approximately 10 minutes to the starting point of the actual run.
Refreshment Opportunities: Dining options: Wildkogel Alm (at the start), Wildkogelhaus, Zwischenzeit (midway down the run), and the Vierlauchenhütte at the mid-station (closed evenings)
Good to know: The world’s longest floodlit toboggan run in Bramberg is lit up daily until 10:00 p.m. (except Mondays until 6:00 p.m.). On Fridays, lift rides up the mountain for tobogganers are available until 6:30 p.m., and on other days until 4:15 p.m.
In the Wildkogel Arena in Bramberg and Neukirchen, you can rent sleds for your toboggan run from various local providers. For detailed information and any further questions about the world’s longest floodlit sled run, the Wildkogel Arena has set up a dedicated toboggan hotline: +43 6565 39800.
Highlights: Over an impressive length of 14 km, this toboggan run descends nearly 1300 vertical meters taking roughly 40 minutes to complete. The run holds the International Toboggan Run Seal of Quality Double Gold.

A couple with 2 sledges look out of the gondola lift at the mountains at sunset.

#2: Night Tobogganing in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, Tyrol

In the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, at the foot of Germany’s highest mountain, you will find several nighttime sled runs to choose from, including:

  • Ehrwald: This 3 km nighttime toboggan run extends from the mountain station to the valley terminal of the Ehrwalder Almbahn lifts, and is reserved for the enjoyment of night tobogganers on select dates. 2024/25: Every Friday from December 27, 2024, to March 7, 2025. From Bergresort Zugspitze Ehrwald, it is only about 2 km to the valley terminal.
  • Lermoos: The 2.8 km night toboggan run in Lermoos leads you from the mid-station of the Grubigsteinbahn/Brettlalm back to Lermoos and the Hochmoos Express. 2024/25: Every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with sled rentals available on-site. The Hochmoos Express is approximately 300 meters from Zugspitz Suites Lermoos.
  • Biberwier: In Biberwier, the toboggan run spans approximately 1.5 km from the mountain station to the valley station of the Marienbergbahn 1 lifts. Sled rentals are available there at the valley station. Meanwhile, Alpenchalets Biberwier are just a few meters from the valley station. 2024/25: Every Friday from December 27, 2024, to March 21, 2025, FunSport Sledding Night

#3: Night Tobogganing Hochwurzen, Schladming-Dachstein, Styria

  • Location: Gipfelbahn Hochwurzen in Schladming
  • Length: 7 km from the mountain down to the valley station
  • Refreshment Opportunities: For a chillin’ evening at a mountain hut, these four ski huts next to the Hochwurzen toboggan run are a great choice: Hochwurzenhütte (at the top of the run), Hochwurzenalm, Seiterhütte, and Tauernalm, all of which are located across from the valley station of the Hochwurzen Gipfelbahn.
  • Good to know: This toboggan run is open in the evening from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. For detailed information, please visit nachtrodeln.at. Sleds can be rented on-site, for example at the valley station or Tauernalm. Additional nighttime toboggan runs in the Schladming-Dachstein region: Reiteralm (3.8 km), Rittisberg (2.9 km), and Galsterberg (4.8 km).
Group of tobogganists ride down the prepared toboggan run.

#4: Night Sledding at the Bergeralm, Tyrol

  • Location: Steinach am Brenner in the Wipptal valley, approximately 20 km from Innsbruck in Tyrol. The Bergeralm Chalets are about 100 meters from the valley station.
  • Length: The toboggan run spans over 5 km, dropping from the mid-station of the gondola to the valley station.
  • Refreshment opportunities: Panoramarestaurant Bergeralm, located near the start of the toboggan run, is open in the evening whenever after-dark tobogganing is possible.
  • Good to know: The Bergeralm toboggan run is open on select evenings. Detailed information can be found at bergeralm.net. We recommend using the gondola to get to the top. The ascent route (approximately 1.5 hours on foot) follows the actual toboggan run, which is often very busy.
Skis and sledges in front of a mountain restaurant on the Bergeralm

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Night Tobogganing

Where is the longest floodlit toboggan run in Austria?

The longest floodlit toboggan run in the world is located in the Wildkogel Arena/Bramberg in Salzburger Land. It is 14 km long.

When and where can you go sledding after dark?

Most toboggan runs (and the gondolas that carry you up to the starting point) have strict schedules. Check the opening times, costs, and refreshment opportunities in advance by visiting the website of the local tourist office or the respective lift operator. For safety reasons, it is essential that you only go sledding during the times that have been posted.  

Winter holidays without skiing

Photo materials © Tiroler Zugspitz Arena/C. Jorda; Wildkogel-Arena Neukirchen Bramberg; Schladming-Dachstein/Martin Huber; Wipptal Tourist Office/Johannes Bitter; iStock/Aykut Yalin

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Verena J.

Marketing Specialist bei ALPS RESORTS

Frühaufsteherin mit einer Leidenschaft für einsame Berge und gute Geschichten, immer auf der Suche nach spannenden Ausflugszielen und Erlebnissen.
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