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, specifically, have a particular place in my coronary heart. There’s nowhere else on this planet 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 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 may have tried once more, however since I additionally broke my ankle and leg mountain climbing I made a decision to CHILL. But when there’s one factor that harm taught me, it’s that there’s multiple strategy 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 (effectively, principally).
Europe is dwelling to among the finest sledding runs on this planet, a lot of them as thrilling as any ski slope. Whether or not you are on the lookout for a high-speed descent down a mountain cross or a leisurely journey 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 strategy to benefit from the mountains with out the hefty raise ticket costs.
My favourite locations to sled:
- Grindelwald, Switzerland
- Bramberg, Austria
- Wildkogel Toboggan Run – 14 km, from Wildkogelbahn raise, longest floodlit run
- Courchevel-Moriond, France
- Courchevel 1850, France
- Meribel Centre
- Les Menuires
- Val Thorens, France
- Cosmojet – 6 km, VT13 Funitel Peclet raise – 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 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 raise
- Zugspitze, Germany
- Close to Bibsee Cable Automotive, 3km
Sledding is without doubt one of the finest methods to benefit from the mountains with out the excessive value (or excessive threat) of snowboarding. Most runs value below €15 per journey and plenty of embody your raise 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 gained’t overlook.
For those who’re planning a winter journey to the Alps, be certain so as to add sledding to your itinerary. And if you happen to see me on the slopes, I’ll be the one on a sled—ACL intact and grinning all the best way down.
