Sledging

The snow crunches under the runners, the rush of cold air brings colour to your cheeks, and somewhere ahead around the bend, someone bursts out laughing. Tobogganing and sledging in the Rauris Valley is one of those winter experiences that children remember for years to come. And adults do, too, truth be told.

The Rauris Valley is among the finest areas for tobogganing and sledging in the Salzburg region because it brings two essentials together: well-maintained natural toboggan runs with short access routes, and an alpine backdrop that makes the ascent an experience in itself. From the 4-Star Superior Hotel Rauriserhof, the starting points can be reached in just a few minutes. Whether you are looking for a fast floodlit descent, a cozy mountain hut stop before heading down, or a long sled run at the head of the valley: there is an ideal option for every day.

The Toboggan & Sled Runs in the Rauris Valley at a Glance

Kreuzboden Natural Toboggan Run in Rauris

The classic run right on your doorstep. Ride up comfortably with the Kreuzboden double chairlift or walk up along the groomed winter hiking trail—which, for many guests, is the most scenic part of the evening.

• Length: approx. 2 kilometres (down to the valley station)
• Elevation drop: approx. 350 metres
• Character: family-friendly, immaculately prepared, with sweeping turns through the mountain forest.
• Mountain hut stop: The traditional Kreuzbodenhütte sits right at the start. Enjoy homemade cheese spaetzle, Jagatee, hot chocolate, and regional specialities before heading down.
• Night tobogganing & floodlights: Every Monday and Thursday, the track is illuminated in the evening. The Kreuzboden chairlift operates specifically for sledgers from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM (separate toboggan ticket required; regular day ski passes are not valid in the evening).

Kolm Saigurn Natural Toboggan Run (Naturfreundehaus & Ammererhof)

The longer and quieter choice for anyone wishing to combine a sled ride with an authentic nature experience. In the Kolm Saigurn valley head, the track leads downhill framed by the peaks of Hoher Sonnblick and Hocharn, right in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park.

• Length: approx. 4.5 kilometres
• Starting point: Lenzanger parking area or Alpengasthof Bodenhaus
• Ascent: an atmospheric winter walk up to the Naturfreundehaus Kolm Saigurn or the Alpengasthof Ammererhof. Hut shuttle transfers are also available upon advance booking.
• Character: long, sporty, and exceptionally scenic. For those who already have a few descents under their belt, this run is the perfect fit.

Day Trip: Wildkogel Arena in Neukirchen and Bramberg

For guests looking for even more variety on their winter holiday, the nearby Wildkogel Arena offers the world's longest illuminated toboggan run at 14 kilometres. The drive from the hotel takes around 45 minutes.

To ensure the outing is a complete success for young and old alike, here are the recommendations from our team:

• Footwear and clothing: Sturdy, warm winter boots with a reliable tread are essential; ski boots are unsuitable. Add warm gloves, ski goggles for night runs under floodlights, and breathable winter clothing. Dress in layers if you choose to hike up.
• Helmets: In the province of Salzburg, children under the age of 15 are legally required to wear a helmet on ski slopes. A helmet makes just as much sense on a sled—mandatory for children and strongly recommended for adults. Your everyday ski helmet does the job perfectly.
• Toboggan & sled hire: Rental sledges and toboggans are available at the valley station of the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen, at the mountain inns in the valley head, and in the sports shops throughout Rauris. Reserving in advance on busy evenings saves waiting time.
• Speed and consideration: Adjust your speed to the visibility, snow conditions, and your own ability, especially across the initial stretch and around the bends. Those who know how to brake can safely go faster.
• Up-to-date information: Operating hours, snow conditions, and floodlight schedules change over the course of the winter. Our reception team has the latest schedules at hand daily.

Arrive and Warm Up: The Rauriserhof after Your Sledding Adventure

After descending through the crisp mountain air, returning to the warmth of the hotel is often the best part of the day.

• Berg-SPA: A sauna area for warming up, an indoor pool for a few quiet laps, and a year-round heated outdoor pool where you can sit overlooking the mountains while snow falls all around.
• Massages: Tailored wellness treatments ease tired muscles after an active day out in the snow.
• Regional gourmet board: In the evening, a 5-course gourmet menu awaits featuring fine regional produce. After two hours out in the fresh air, every dish tastes twice as good.
• Personal service: The reception team of the Rießlegger-Mayr family provides daily updates on lift hours, snow reports, and night sledding dates, and is pleased to assist with reservations for sledges, hut tables, or transfers.