Whether you live for snow or would prefer to live without it, winter (and snow) can be lots of fun. Take advantage of all the wonderful things winter has to offer from cozy nights by the fire with some hot chocolate to heart-racing descents down powder-filled hills. You can’t beat winter, so you might as well join it. Grab your sled and your wits and head down these top 12 epic sledding hills.
Bergun, Switzerland
Europe’s longest floodlit sledding run starts in Preda and ends in Bergun. A scenic ride up the Rhaetian Railway brings you close to 1,828 metres above sea level in Preda, where you can grab a bite to eat before starting the six-kilometre sledding journey through the mountains. On your way down maneuver all the twists and turns while taking in views of snow-capped mountains and ancient stone bridges. Once you reach the bottom the Rhaetian Railway will be waiting for those who want to do it again.
Canada Olympic Park, Alberta, Canada
Take your sledding game to the next level and barrel down an official Olympic Luge track at Canada Olympic Park in Alberta. Hold on tight as you reach speeds of 60 kph and peel around five turns. Riders receive a brief introduction to Luge before making their way down. If Luge isn’t for you, you could always try Bobsleighing. A professional driver will take through 14 turns at speeds of up to 120 kph while you experience 5G forces. The ride lasts 60 seconds, but the memories will last a lifetime.
Ski Dubai, United Arab Emirates
When you think of Dubai, snow is probably the last thing to come to mind, but at Ski Dubai there is more than 22,000 square metres covered with snow, year round. From skiing and snowboarding to ziplining and more, you will have hours of fun at the world’s largest indoor snow park. Be sure to make time for the tobogganing hills and the twin track bobsled runs. Race your friends to the bottom to see who is the fastest. Last one down is a rotten egg!
Telluride, Colorado, United States
Telluride may be famous for its great skiing and resort town fun, but it’s also a great sledding town. Head to Town Park, or as the locals call it, Firecracker Hill, for some serious sledding fun. It’s one of the cheapest forms of entertainment in town, and a good excuse for warming up afterwards in the bustling Après-ski scene.
Skyline Luge, multiple locations
While not sledding in the true sense with snow, Skyline Luge offers a great luging experience without the white stuff. So whether you find yourself in a climate without snow or just miss sledding during the summer time, you can race down the hills with Skyline Luge in Singapore, New Zealand and Canada.
Sunburst Winter Sports Park, Kewaskum, Wisconsin, United States
With more than 45 tubing lanes, Sunburst Winter Sports Park is one of the world’s largest tubing parks. Experience a 30-metre drop on quarter-mile runs and reach speeds of more than 60 kph. The best part? You don’t have to worry about climbing back up the big hill. With two magic carpets bringing riders to the top, you can spend all your time enjoying the fun, so grab a tube and a friend and you’re ready to go.
Wilder Kaiser, Austria
Wilder Kaiser is made up of four villages, Ellmau, Going, Scheffau and Söll, all of which provide countless activities to keep you entertained for days. Whether you visit in the summer or winter you can ski, hike, golf or toboggan, and Wild Kaiser is known for their toboggan runs. With 16 kilometres of natural and well-maintained tracks spread over five tracks, you are sure to find one that suits your needs. Whether you are looking for a fast track with lots of turns or a romantic, moonlit track to experience with someone special, Wild Kaiser won’t disappoint.
Cypress Snow Tube Park, Vancouver, British Columbia
With six chutes, each longer than 100 metres, Cypress Snow Tube Park is the perfect place to spend a wintry day. Feel the thrill and rush of flying down the hills and don’t worry about climbing back up, their tube tow will do all the work for you. If the tracks seem too intimidating for little ones (or the rider doesn’t meet the 42-inch height requirement) head to the sliding area where you can bring your own sled with you. This area has a gentle slope with a four-metre drop over 25 metres.
Cerro Negro, Leon, Nicaragua
Craving a good sled ride, but don’t have snow? Just swap it out for some volcanic rocks and you’re ready to go. Grab your wood board and start hiking up an active volcano and then get ready for your very different journey down. You can control your own speed by placing your feet down, but if you dare, lift your feet up and prepare for a fast, wild and dirty ride.
Volcan Villarrica, Chile
If you like the idea of sledding down a volcano, but want snow, then Volcan Villarrica is the volcano for you. The experience begins with a three to four hour hike up the mountain, but you can cut out about an hour by taking a lift if you choose. Once you reach the top you will be rewarded with majestic panoramic views of mountains, lakes and even another volcano in the distance. After you are done snapping pictures, the return trip down will take a fraction of the time (20 minutes) as you slide down a frozen water slide to the bottom.
London, England
When snow falls in London, grab your coat and sled (a flattened cardboard box will do, too) and head to either Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park or Hampstead Heath for some fast fun. Take in beautiful views of London each area has to offer and end your day with a warm cup of hot chocolate at a nearby cafe.
Jefferson, New Hampshire, United States
The long, snowy winters in New England make for some great sledding, but how about sledding year-round with Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel. Enjoy a scenic dog-sled ride on Mount Washington or throughout the town of Jefferson. Each dog is a rescue or second-chance sled dog and all proceeds go to covering the expenses involved in taking in these incredible canine athletes and providing them with a home and job for life.
Featured image: kyletaylor
