There’s something about the crisp alpine air, the snow-covered peaks, and the sheer thrill of being surrounded by nature’s grandeur that just feels like magic. The Alps, in particular, have a special place in my heart. There’s nowhere else in the world where winter feels quite as perfect—charming villages, steaming mugs of hot chocolate, and the promise of adventure around every bend.
That said, my relationship with skiing took a turn for the worse when I tore my ACL. One bad fall, a sharp pain, and just like that, my skiing days were over. Yes, I know I could have tried again, but since I also broke my ankle and leg rock climbing I decided to CHILL. But if there’s one thing that injury taught me, it’s that there’s more than one way to enjoy the mountains. And that’s when I really discovered sledding—or tobogganing, as it’s often called in Europe. Trust me, it’s just as fun as skiing, without the risk of a hospital visit (well, mostly).
Europe is home to some of the best sledding runs in the world, many of them as thrilling as any ski slope. Whether you're looking for a high-speed descent down a mountain pass or a leisurely ride through a snow-covered forest, there’s a perfect run for everyone. And unlike skiing, sledding is much more budget-friendly, making it an accessible way to enjoy the mountains without the hefty lift ticket prices.
My favorite places to sled:
- Grindelwald, Switzerland
- Bramberg, Austria
- Wildkogel Toboggan Run – 14 km, from Wildkogelbahn lift, longest floodlit run
- Courchevel-Moriond, France
- Courchevel Moriond Racing – 3.2 km, from Ariondaz lift
- Courchevel 1850, France
- Courchevel 1850 to Courchevel Village – 2 km, night time, from Grangettes lift most directly or maybe Tovets lift too
- Meribel Centre
- Mission Black Forest – 3.4 km, from Tougnete 1 lift
- Les Menuires
- Val Thorens, France
- Cosmojet – 6 km, VT13 Funitel Peclet lift – Usually 10-16:00 but you can book it until 18:00
- Valmorel, France
- Gulli – 2.4 km, Combelouvière chairlift in Doucy
- Mountain Cart – Pierrefort cable car in Valmorel Village
- Wilder Kaiser, Austria
- Rodelbahn Astberg in Going, 3.2 Km
- Zillertal, Austria
- Spieljoch – 5.5km
- Les Diablerets, Switzerland
- 7 km sled run in Alpes Vaudoises
- Gstaad, Switzerland
- Multiple tuns, my favorite is Eggli Run, 6.4KM
- Wispile Run 8.2 Km
- Rottach-Egern, Germany
- Wallberg Toboggan Run – 6.5 km, from Wallbergbahn lift
- Zugspitze, Germany
- Near Bibsee Cable Car, 3km
See everything I recommend to pack/wear for sledding and winter in Europe here!
Sledding is one of the best ways to enjoy the mountains without the high cost (or high risk) of skiing. Most runs cost under €15 per ride and many include your lift tickets AND sled rental! Plus, it’s just pure, unfiltered fun. Whether you’re racing down a floodlit track in Austria, taking in the Swiss Alps on a 10-km descent, or testing your nerve on a corner, sledding is an experience you won’t forget.
If you’re planning a winter trip to the Alps, make sure to add sledding to your itinerary. And if you see me on the slopes, I’ll be the one on a sled—ACL intact and grinning all the way down.
