Winter fun on sleds and sleds: 3 tips from Swiss champion Albert Steffen

“A good profile of your shoes is very important when tobogganing and tobogganing,” says Steffen. This is the only way to brake in a controlled and adequate manner and prevent accidents. The profile of most winter shoes is generally adequate. However, if you are traveling at higher speeds or in icy conditions, you can purchase special soles for your shoes. “They have screw-in studs that allow you to brake quickly and in a controlled manner,” says Steffen. But without a good profile you can often only choose between evasion and collision. Steffen: “Spikes contribute to your safety and the safety of others.” The biggest advantage is that the number of nails on the upper soles can be adjusted individually; This means the braking effect can be adjusted to your needs. “Also, thanks to the spikes, you are guaranteed not to slip if you get off the sled or toboggan and the slope is hard or icy.” The only drawback: the cost of such soles is over 80 francs.

When braking, steering or maintaining your own balance on the wooden sled: When tobogganing and tobogganing, you have to repeatedly extend your hands into the snow. “If the gloves are not tough enough, there will be a lot of wear and tear,” says Steffen. This is especially annoying if you use expensive ski gloves. Although they keep your hands warm and dry, they often cannot withstand heavy strain. Steffen has a simple solution for this: “I always use sturdy work or craftsman gloves when tobogganing and tobogganing.” Many models with warm lining are now on the market. “They are perfect,” says Steffen. Especially since their price is no more than 15 francs and the disappointment is less if they break.

Sleds can rust if the sled or toboggan is stored wet in the garage or basement after use, or if left in a damp location during the summer. Steffen says sled maintenance is not complicated. “Rust can be removed by brushing with a standard steel brush or steel wool.” It is important to always grind in the direction of travel, not along the runners. Once the rust is removed, Steffen recommends cleaning the sprues with a dry cloth and then applying inexpensive liquid polish along the sprues in the direction of travel as well. Steffen doesn’t have a preferred wax: “Traditional ski wax is ideal for hobby sledders and bobsledders.” For example, cheap products of the Swiss brand Toko are sold at prices below 20 francs.