Sledding in Switzerland is not for the timid or the risk-averse.
"So my buddy sends me a video of someone going down a mountain on a sled in Switzerland, and I'm thinking, 'That looks insane, let's try it!'" muses 47-year-old geographer and environmental scientist Veilleux, who resides in the Netherlands.
That's how she wound up careening down a nearly two-and-a-half mile (four-kilometer) sledding run at the popular Grindelwald-First ski area in Switzerland's Jungfrau region earlier this month.
Veilleux's pastimes involve buying a hard plastic sled for two people or a red saucer for a snowy afternoon at her local golf course in Connecticut. She learned that Swiss sledding was a whole different ball game once she hit the slopes.
The sled she was riding was made from wood and had iron runners for high speeds. Riders perch upon a vinyl, sling-style seat. Veilleux soon became "Airborne," taking her fair share of spills within the first ten minutes.
Sledding in the Jungfrau region is no amateur's pastime. This part of Switzerland boasts more than 30 miles (almost 50 kilometers) of "sledging" trails. The Big Pintenfritz sled run stretches for nearly seven miles, but it isn't easy to reach—you'll need to pull your sled along a nearly two-and-a-half-hour snowy hike that concludes with a cable car ride part-way up.
But danger lurks around every corner. Sled runs might be shared by downhill skiers, winter hikers, and snowshoers. And let's not forget about speed demons and inexperienced sledders vying for territory.
In Grindelwald, sledding is just another winter tradition. Video footage of sledders careening down the Swiss slopes dates back to the 1920s, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down.
Lars Michel, co-owner of Hotel Fiescherblick in Grindelwald, grew up around sledding. He received a traditional wooden Grindelwald sled as a baby gift and a velogemel (a wooden bike-like sled from the region) at his confirmation. According to Michel, once fresh snow falls, virtually no one takes to the bike or car. Instead, they opt for a sled or a velogemel.
Sledding has experienced a recent surge in popularity, both among local Swiss and international vacationers.
Beginners should start on gentle slopes and exercise caution when attempting more challenging terrain. Proper safety gear is essential—helmet, leg leash, and sturdy snowwear are non-negotiables.
At bodmiARENA, a beginner ski area, you'll find a magic carpet for getting up the small hill, making it the perfect place to practice before tackling steeper runs.
The best way to control the sled is by leaning in the desired direction, pulling the sled's rope, and placing one foot beside the runners on a turn. Stopping is a balancing act, but placing both feet next to the runners and tugging on the rope will help slow you down.
Despite her mishaps, Veilleux considers her sledding adventure a success. The Eiger North Face and cozy on-mountain restaurants made the experience worthwhile.
Ready to give Alpine sledding a try? The Jungfrau region, Graubünden, Verbier, and St. Moritz offer thrilling downhill experiences to rival skiing. If you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines natural beauty, tradition, and adrenaline rush, don't miss out on Swiss sledding.
Veilleux discovered that Alpine sledding in the Jungfrau region is significantly more challenging than her local experiences, requiring a different approach to control the sled and navigate the shared trails with winter sports enthusiasts. The traditional wooden Grindelwald sled, also known as a 'velogemel', is a popular choice for locals in Grindelwald, and sledding experiences have surged in popularity, attracting both locals and international tourists.
