There’s one thing concerning the crisp alpine air, the snow-covered peaks, and the sheer thrill of being surrounded by nature’s grandeur that simply seems like magic. The Alps, specifically, have a particular place in my coronary heart. There’s nowhere else on the earth the place winter feels fairly as good—charming villages, steaming mugs of scorching chocolate, and the promise of journey round each bend.
That stated, my relationship with snowboarding took a flip for the more serious after I tore my ACL. One dangerous fall, a pointy ache, and identical to that, my snowboarding days have been over. Sure, I do know I may have tried once more, however since I additionally broke my ankle and leg mountaineering I made a decision to CHILL. But when there’s one factor that damage taught me, it’s that there’s multiple technique to benefit from the mountains. And that’s after I actually found sledding—or tobogganing, because it’s typically known as in Europe. Belief me, it’s simply as enjoyable as snowboarding, with out the chance of a hospital go to (nicely, principally).
Europe is dwelling to a few of the greatest sledding runs on the earth, lots of them as thrilling as any ski slope. Whether or not you are in search of a high-speed descent down a mountain cross or a leisurely trip by way of a snow-covered forest, there’s an ideal run for everybody. And in contrast to snowboarding, sledding is rather more budget-friendly, making it an accessible technique to benefit from the mountains with out the hefty elevate ticket costs.
My favourite locations to sled:
- Grindelwald, Switzerland
- Bramberg, Austria
- Wildkogel Toboggan Run – 14 km, from Wildkogelbahn elevate, longest floodlit run
- Courchevel-Moriond, France
- Courchevel 1850, France
- Meribel Centre
- Les Menuires
- Val Thorens, France
- Cosmojet – 6 km, VT13 Funitel Peclet elevate – Normally 10-16:00 however you’ll be able to e-book it till 18:00
- Valmorel, France
- Gulli – 2.4 km, Combelouvière chairlift in Doucy
- Mountain Cart – Pierrefort cable automobile in Valmorel Village
- Wilder Kaiser, Austria
- Zillertal, Austria
- Les Diablerets, Switzerland
- 7 km sled run in Alpes Vaudoises
- Gstaad, Switzerland
- A number of tuns, my favourite is Eggli Run, 6.4KM
- Wispile Run 8.2 Km
- Rottach-Egern, Germany
- Wallberg Toboggan Run – 6.5 km, from Wallbergbahn elevate
- Zugspitze, Germany
- Close to Bibsee Cable Automotive, 3km
Sledding is among the greatest methods to benefit from the mountains with out the excessive price (or excessive threat) of snowboarding. Most runs price beneath €15 per trip and plenty of embody your elevate tickets AND sled rental! Plus, it’s simply pure, unfiltered enjoyable. Whether or not you’re racing down a floodlit monitor in Austria, taking within the Swiss Alps on a 10-km descent, or testing your nerve on a nook, sledding is an expertise you received’t neglect.
When you’re planning a winter journey to the Alps, be certain that so as to add sledding to your itinerary. And for those who see me on the slopes, I’ll be the one on a sled—ACL intact and grinning all the way in which down.
