Sledging in Styria: A great alternative to the slopes

Tons of fun for people of all ages: Sledging, or ‘rodeln’ as it’s called in German in these parts, is an alternative to skiing nad very enjoyable for anyone who’s looking to take a break from the ski slopes.

Feeling inclined towards a sledging excursion? Sledging has meanwhile established itself as a wonderful winter activity, as it’s suitable for all ages, from little kids to grandparents. It requires no special knowledge, but is almost as fast as skiing and usually costs (almost) nothing. In the region of Semmering-Waldheimat-Veitsch, sledging is very popular not only with guests but also with the locals. On well-kept natural sledge runs, some of them with track lengths of up to five kilometres, you’ll glide down into the valley on a wooden sledge. The flat climbs and easy descents make the region a popular excursion destination for families. You’ll go up the hill either on foot under your own steam through the snow-covered winter landscape or with the convenient mountain railway; most people traditionally take a short rest at one of the snack stations along the way. Cosy snack cabins keep guests supplied with regional delicacies and specialities both during and after a round of sledging.

The designated sledging slopes are guaranteed to provide great fun on two different curves:

Krieglach

In Massing, you can get up to lots of fun on the 1.5-kilometre-long natural sledge run. The Knabl family at the ‘Haizlhof’ would love to treat you to a hearty snack. Info and sledge hire: Tel. +43 3855 2500

Mürzzuschlag

The access road to the Ganzalmhaus is closed in winter, so it is overtaken by people sledging. The ‘Ganzalmhaus’ can be reached from Bärenkogelsattel in about one hour. After that, a four-kilometre-long, well-groomed natural sledge run takes you back to Bärenkogelsattel.

Info and sledge hire: Tel. +43 664 2442539 (Ganzalmhaus)

St. Barbara im Mürztal / Veitsch

• The Klein Veitsch sledge run leads along a prepared forest track through the stunning winter woods. This track can be found not far from the town centre.
• Groß Veitsch sledge run: Entrance right next to the skating rink
• Tel. +43 699 17385617, sledge hire: Tel. +43 5 7083350 (JUFA Veitsch)
• The WinterWanderWeg (WWW) in the middle of the Brunnalm-Hohe Veitsch ski area can traversed with both snowshoes and sledges. The trail starts at the mountain station of the four-person panorama chairlift and leads west past the Sonnkogel Lift. Free sledges are available from the lift ticket offices. Tel. + 43 3856 2067 (Freizeitbetriebe Veitsch GmbH)

Stuhleck natural sledge run

A five-kilometre-long, family-friendly natural sledge run. The four-seater chair lift takes you from the valley or middle station to Stuhleck. The beginning of the trail is about 20 metres below the restaurant; it ends at the family ski lift. From there, you’ll return to either the valley or middle station on the Stuhleck railway. Info and sledge hire: Tel. +43 3853 270 (Stuhleck Mountain Lift)