Sledging in Styria
Fun for kids and grown-ups
Sledging in wintry Styria brings back memories of childhood. It's a pleasure for all those who are looking for a change from the ski slopes or cross-country ski trails.
To get to the start of the sledging run, you can either walk or take the lift. Once at the top, you'll enjoy stunning scenic views over snow-covered winter landscapes and idyllic valleys. And when you're done taking in the beauty of Styria, you can swoosh downhill on a sledge – as leisurely or swiftly as you please. What's more: On several floodlit runs, you can turn night into day while night sledging.
Tobogganing in Murau | © Steiermark Tourismus | Tom Lamm
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7 km Tobogganing from the Hochwurzen (Schladming-Dachstein) | © STG | Peter Lugosi
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Sledding uphill at the Tonner Hut | © Region Murau | Susanne Einzenberger
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Tobogganing at Tauplitz, Ausseerland | © Steiermark Tourismus | Tom Lamm
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Tobogganing at Hochwurzen, Schladming-Dachstein | © Steiermark Tourismus | Tom Lamm
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Tobogganing at Tauplitz, Ausseerland | © Steiermark Tourismus | Tom Lamm
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Dog on a toboggan | © Steiermark Tourismus | Tom Lamm
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Tobogganing fun on the Zirbitzkogel | © Region Murau | Susanne Einzenberger
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Uphill sledging: a truly special experience
Uphill sledging is a one-of-a-kind experience in Styria. Sitting on sledges specifically developed for this purpose, you can take a tow lift up to the starting point of the run.
The site of this unusual adventure is the Grafenwiese near Bad Mitterndorf. The tow lift takes visitors up to the start, and then they swoosh back down into the valley at up to 60 kilometres per hour. How fast they've covered the distance to the Grafenwiese ski hut – where they can savour a tasty organic snack – is shown on the speed display on site.
Uphill sledging is also possible at rel="noopener">St. Jakob im Walde ski resort, on the Rieseralm in the Murtal region and at the Tonnerhütte at the foot of the Zirbitzkogel. Night sledging through the forests of Styria is a particularly atmospheric experience.
From the sledging run to the hut
A hut is the perfect place for a break – not just while skiing but also when going sledging. After a speedy descent, many huts along the sledging runs invite you to sit, relax and get warm again. Tasting delicious culinary delights complements this wonderful experience. From savoury to sweet, the wide selection of regional delicacies will make your mouth water and your taste buds rejoice ...
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about tobogganing in Austria
Tobogganing in Steiermark is one of the most enjoyable winter activities for young and old alike – from family outings to action-packed night runs. Here you will find questions and answers about tobogganing in Steiermark.
Offer & highlights
A tobogganing holiday in Steiermark is suitable for a wide range of winter breaks. It is particularly ideal for families, groups and couples who want to enjoy winter away from the ski slopes or are looking for fun after a day of skiing. Thanks to the many natural toboggan runs, floodlit tracks and convenient ascent options, both leisure seekers and thrill-seekers will find the right experience.
No, no prior experience is required for tobogganing or sledging. It is a popular winter activity suitable for all age groups. Important: always ride in a controlled manner within your line of sight, be considerate of other tobogganers and keep a safe distance. The focus is on fun, not performance.
Yes. Toboggan runs combined with mountain lifts are particularly convenient and family-friendly. Numerous cable car and chairlift mountain stations serve as starting points for toboggan runs. Particularly popular are:
- Stuhleck
- Hochwurzen
- Bürgeralpe Mariazell
- Galsterberg
- Grebenzen
- Loser
- Kreischberg
- Rittisberg
Night tobogganing in Steiermark is particularly popular with families, groups and holiday guests. Steiermark offers almost 40 toboggan runs, eight of which are floodlit in the evening. The run on the Hochwurzen, at seven kilometres in length, is one of the longest night toboggan runs in the Alpine region:
Uphill tobogganing is a popular speciality in some regions of Steiermark. With specially adapted toboggans, you are pulled uphill by a drag lift before racing back down into the valley:
A successful day or evening of tobogganing also includes a cosy stop for refreshments. Along almost all toboggan runs in Steiermark, there are places to eat and drink. Among the most charming huts along the runs are:
- Hochwurzenhütte
- Pierergut
- Tonnerhütte
- Moasterhaus
- Edelrautehütte
- Winterleitenhütte
Safety & rules
Tobogganing is great fun – and with a few simple rules, it stays safe as well.
When tobogganing, sit centrally on the seat of the sled, hold the steering strap firmly and stretch your legs forward. When heading downhill, lean your upper body well back to reduce wind resistance. You brake using your feet, taking care that they do not get caught under the runners. If you pick up too much speed, pulling up the front tips of the runners can help support braking.
Important: toboggan runs are often busy. Never stop in blind bends. If you need to walk a short distance after a fall or stop, keep to the inside of the bend and proceed carefully while facing the slope.
Yes. Ascend on the right, descend on the right – this keeps both ascent and descent safe. To ensure an orderly flow, it is recommended to walk up along the right-hand edge of the toboggan run in single file. The same applies when descending: ride down into the valley on the right-hand side.
Tobogganing on ski slopes is prohibited for safety reasons. For this reason, many ski resorts provide specially designated toboggan runs and sledging areas that are separate from the ski pistes.
Dogs are not permitted on toboggan runs, as the risk of collisions is too high.
The mountain rescue emergency number 140 is available throughout Austria for accidents in alpine terrain. Alternatively, the European emergency number 112 can be dialled – both numbers activate the rescue chain.
Equipment & rental
Good equipment is the foundation for safe tobogganing in Steiermark. In addition to a toboggan or sled, gloves, a warm hat or helmet, ski goggles and water-resistant, warm outdoor clothing that allows plenty of freedom of movement are essential. A headlamp is advisable if needed.
Proper footwear is also highly recommended. Shoes should fit well, keep your feet warm, provide stability and be waterproof. Boots or high hiking shoes with good tread are ideal.
Children up to the age of 15 are required to wear a helmet. For safety reasons, wearing a helmet is also strongly recommended for adults.
Yes. Toboggans can often be hired directly at mountain lift stations or mountain huts. Sports shops in ski resorts and ski rental outlets also offer toboggans and sledges for hire. Further details are available from the local tourist offices.
