The traditional ‘Davos sled’, a wooden sled with metal rails, is still one of the most popular sled models. Plastic breasts with runners also work well. Non-skids are slower, which can be useful on steep slopes. That way you won’t be driving too fast. So put on your gloves, helmet and good shoes. Here we go!
Saxon VS: Col du Lein to La Luy
The sled run, best suited for families, is located above Saxon. It is about three meters wide and not very steep. The toboggan run is designed only for sledders and is protected by nets and mattresses. Big or small, the toboggan run is fun for everyone. The only problem here is the snow conditions. Last year the slope was only open from January. Therefore, it is better to inquire about the slope in advance. There are no catering options here, so bring your own snacks.
Good to know this:
- Yamac is open in the afternoons on weekends and school holidays.
- Free parking next to sled rental in Luy (5 francs for half a day).
- Shuttle buses run all afternoon until the start of the slope.
- Price: CHF 4 per departure for adults, CHF 2 for children under 16 years old.
Mayens de Riddes VS: From Savoleyres to La Tzoumaz
This slope generally has good snow conditions. It begins at the Verbier peaks in the heart of the 4 Vallées. Some parts of the track are shared with skiers. The slope is not particularly long at 4.5 km. It is quite steep and is recommended for children over 8 years old. It can also be steered with a slower bobsled to better get through many tight turns. The cable car ends at Les Établons, where a shuttle bus takes the sleds back to the starting point of the cable car.
You can find more information here.
Good to know this:
- Paid parking under the La Tzoumaz-Savoleyres cable car.
- Sleigh rental at the same place from CHF 15 per day.
- Daily fee for cable cars: between 17 and 33 francs, depending on age.
From Col de la Croix to Les Diablerets VD
This is the longest ascent of our selection: In this section designed specifically for sledders, you can expect a non-stop descent for three-quarters of an hour. The route runs smoothly along a downhill path until it reaches the valley station of the “Diablerets Express” gondola lift. The night landing, which takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the winter, is a special highlight. Bring a headlight or, weather permitting, sled down in the moonlight. Since the toboggan run is neither too high nor too steep, you should choose a sled that slides well and check the snow condition before riding.
You can find more information here.
Good to know this:
- Free parking at the «Diablerets Express» cable car station.
- Renting a sledge at the same place: 14 to 20 francs. Reservation is required for night departures.
- Gondola: 8 francs one way up to 15 years old, 15 francs up to 16 years old.
From the hills of Tsapé to Chandolin VS
The south-facing slope allows you to have fun in the sun. The views of the Rhône plain and the Val d’Anniviers are magnificent. In one section, the track has to be shared with skiers. At this point, however, this is not a problem as the slope is wide enough for everyone. A free shuttle bus runs between the lower part of the slope and the departure of the Tsapé chairlift.
You can find more information here.
Good to know this:
- Sled rental at Chandolin ski resort.
- Paid parking in Chandolin and under the chair lift.
- Daily fee for the Tsapé chairlift: 31 to 37 francs, depending on age from 15 years old.
La Breya to Champex-Lac VS
You can go down this slope with a sled for 40 minutes. However, you have to share it with the skiers who also use the slope. In a wilderness nicknamed “Little Canada”, the descent passes through the Vallon d’Arpette and offers a magnificent panorama of the Rhône Valley, Grand Combin and Dents du Midi. The toboggan run is easy and recommended for ages 6 and up. In the second part of the slope, you may have to pull your sled from time to time. In case of heavy snowfall, you should check beforehand whether the track is closed due to the avalanche risk.
Good to know this:
- Toboggan rental: in the village of Champex-Lac
- Chairlift La Breya 1: daily ticket from 22 to 36 francs, depending on age.
From the hamlet of La Creusaz to Les Marécottes VS
The slope to Les Marécottes is long and not particularly steep. Unfortunately, the last part is quite disturbing. It’s a narrow, often icy corridor where you have to maneuver tightly so you don’t go too fast. It is much more enjoyable to stay on the road and turn right before the end is over. But then you have to walk for 15 minutes to reach the departure point of the cable car.
Good to know this:
- Sleds can be rented in the village.
- Park your car next to the «Mont-Blanc Express» train station and take the shuttle bus to the La Creusaz gondola. The trip is free.
- Day pass for gondola: 14 to 27 francs, depending on age
Plan-Francey to Moléson-Village FR
During this toboggan run, you can get a beautiful view of Moléson and the Gruyere region. The route is also suitable for small children. But in some places you have to pull the sled for longer distances. Also on arrival you have to walk to reach the funicular valley station. Check the snow condition before leaving.
You can find more information here.
Good to know this:
- Free parking at the foot of the Moléson cable car.
- Sleigh rental at the same place for 10 francs per day.
- Mountain climbing fee: 8 to 14 francs, depending on age.
(in collaboration with Big Network)