5 of the most beautiful toboggan runs around Innsbruck

At least one tobogganing trip is part of every perfect winter holiday. Around Innsbruck there are a whole range of natural toboggan runs and illuminated routes for little night adventures. With our German neighbours these are better known as toboggan runs. Designation or not – it’s all about the fun. Depending on snow conditions and fitness, these are suitable for young and old. The principle is simple: pack your toboggan, wrap yourself up warm as well (spare T-shirt to change into!) and off you go.

The excursion is particularly enjoyable if you take a break in one of the rustic alpine huts and enjoy some hearty refreshments. For the descent, it’s full of fun ahead and, as always in winter sports: safety first! Helmet, sturdy shoes and ski goggles are standard.

Tobogganing around Innsbruck:

Birgitzer Alm – the classic
Ascent: approx. 1:00h, 438hm
Stop for a bite to eat: Birgitzer Alm (1808m)

The Birgitzer Alm is the absolute tobogganing classic for the people of Innsbruck. The toboggan run is also used for the ascent, as well as touring skiers and also the Innsbruck Vertriders (freeride mountain biking on snow). On Wednesdays and Fridays the Alm is open until 10 pm and is a popular night tobogganing destination. In the hut it can get quite cozy, but large portions with affordable prices are waiting for hungry visitors. From sausages with chips to Knödel Tris (three types of dumplings: spinach, bacon and cheese) with cabbage, everything is available. Tip: Ski tourers can continue uphill for about half an hour to Birgitzköpfel.

Directions:
By public transport: Postbus L1 to the bus stop “Axams/Abzweigung Birgitzer Alm”
By car: approx. 30 minutes from Innsbruck via A1, exit Kematen, direction Axamer Lizum skiing area, tobogganing car park on the roadside after the bend with the Adelshof Inn
More information and current snow conditions: Birgitzer Alm: 0664/5970026

Juifenau Alm – for the diligent ones
Ascent: ca 2:00, 592hm, 4,9km
Refreshments: Juifenau Alm (2020m)

The long as cent pays off twice. Once with a delicious meal prepared on the alp and once because you can ski the entire ascent back down with the toboggan afterwards. The small alp is lovingly decorated and offers a simple menu with typical dishes. Specialities such as the self-collected herbal tea or the delicious apple strudel should definitely be tried. In the preparation, emphasis is placed on regional products and the eggs come, according to the information on the menu, “from chickens we know”. Tip: the hut gets full quickly and you often have to wait a while. You should keep this in mind, especially when visiting with children, and perhaps pack a few muesli bars and a tea.

Directions:
Best by car: about 30 minutes from Innsbruck via A1, exit Kematen, direction Kühtai, at Grieß im Sellrain turn left direction Juifenau/Lüsens, Juifenau Alm parking: 3€ day parking ticket.
More information and current snow conditions: Juifenau Alm: 0664/5305064

Rangger Köpfl – also for the lazy ones
Ascent: mountain railway and 45 minutes additional ascent, if you want
Refreshments: Restaurant Mittelstation-Sulzstich, Panorama Restaurant Stiglreith, Rosskogelhütte

Twice a week there is also a lot of action in the evening. However, the last stretch to the Rosskogelhütte is unlit even then, so it’s best to pack your own headlamps. If the snow conditions are good, you can then toboggan from the very top down to the valley (approx. 45 minutes).

Night tobogganing: every Tuesday and Friday until 21:15
Tobogganing ticket (one ride): 9€ adults, 5,00€ children
Night tobogganing (18:30-21:30): 17,00€ adults, 10,00€ children
More information and current snow conditions: http://www.rangger-koepfl.at/winter/infos-downloads/

Directions:
Public: from Innsbruck in winter sports equipment free of charge, regional bus 4165 direction Oberperfuss, station Rangger Köpfl lift. 30min from Innsbruck tax office
By car: approx. 20min from Innsbruck via A1, exit Kematen

Mutterer Alm – tobogganing 2.0 with Pistenbock
Ascent: Gondola, 363hm (mountain to middle station),
Descent to the valley only possible via sport toboggan run

Two different toboggan runs await visitors to the Mutterer Alm: the sports toboggan run and the family toboggan run.

Access:

By public: free ski bus from Innsbruck
By car: to Mutters/ski lifts approx. 10-15 minutes from Innsbruck
More information and current snow conditions: http://www.muttereralm.at/

Rinner Alm – new takeover 2014
Ascent: approx. 1:30, 434hm
Refreshments: Rinner Alm (closed on Mondays!)

In 2014 the alp, which was built in 1927, was taken over by the new tenants, the Gruber couple, and the toboggan run was also improved in the summer. Here there is a separate ascent to the toboggan run, at the end of which a warm parlour with delicious Kasspressknödel awaits. By the way, the Zirbenschnaps also tastes particularly good here. The toboggan run is wide and equipped with barriers in the lower part of the curves. Nevertheless, you should be particularly careful when there is ice or little snow. Tip: When the sun is shining, there are benches in front of the hut to sunbathe and enjoy the view!

Directions:
By car: A12 to exit Innsbruck Mitte, left to Aldrans, continue to Rinn. At Gasthof Arche, turn right uphill and take the next left until you reach the toll forest parking lot.
Night tobogganing: Lighting Tuesday, Friday, Saturday from 19:00-23:00
More information and current snow conditions: TVB Rinn: 05223/78173 and Rinner Alm Website or on Facebook
Public: Take the bus from the main train station to Rinn Kirchplatz, then you’re practically at the hiking trail in just a few meters. Attention! The last bus back to Innsbruck leaves shortly after 22:00h. Bus: 4,40€ per direction.

No toboggan? No problem.

Some hotels have toboggans available for their guests, it’s worth asking. Otherwise you can rent toboggans in most ski rental shops, e.g. in the Börse for 10€ per day (or overnight).

Got on the toboggan? Here you can buy Tyrolean quality products:

In Tyrol, the Gasser company (1909) produces toboggans of all kinds in an old family tradition just before the Brenner Pass. More info: www.gasserrodel.at

Also from Tyrol comes the brand Kathrein (in Prutz) and Gallzeiner from Sankt Magarethen (near Jenbach).

Link tip: On www.innsbruck.info there is a list with all toboggan runs!

All photos: Lea Hajner