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 looks like magic. The Alps, particularly, 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 sizzling chocolate, and the promise of journey round each bend.
That mentioned, my relationship with snowboarding took a flip for the more severe after I tore my ACL. One unhealthy fall, a pointy ache, and identical to that, my snowboarding days have been over. Sure, I do know I might 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 harm taught me, it’s that there’s multiple approach to benefit from the mountains. And that’s after I actually found sledding—or tobogganing, because it’s usually known as in Europe. Belief me, it’s simply as enjoyable as snowboarding, with out the danger of a hospital go to (nicely, principally).
Europe is dwelling to among the greatest sledding runs on the earth, a lot of them as thrilling as any ski slope. Whether or not you are searching for a high-speed descent down a mountain cross or a leisurely trip by a snow-covered forest, there’s an ideal run for everybody. And in contrast to snowboarding, sledding is far more budget-friendly, making it an accessible approach 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 guide it till 18:00
- Valmorel, France
- Gulli – 2.4 km, Combelouvière chairlift in Doucy
- Mountain Cart – Pierrefort cable automotive 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 Automobile, 3km
Sledding is likely one of the greatest methods to benefit from the mountains with out the excessive value (or excessive threat) of snowboarding. Most runs value beneath €15 per trip and plenty of embrace your elevate tickets AND sled rental! Plus, it’s simply pure, unfiltered enjoyable. Whether or not you’re racing down a floodlit observe in Austria, taking within the Swiss Alps on a 10-km descent, or testing your nerve on a nook, sledding is an expertise you gained’t overlook.
In the event you’re planning a winter journey to the Alps, make sure that so as to add sledding to your itinerary. And should you see me on the slopes, I’ll be the one on a sled—ACL intact and grinning all the best way down.
