TIP Sledge runs for families across the Saanenland

DREAM RIDES on RUNNERS

TIP

The Gygax family is spoilt for choice. No less than four exhilarating sledge runs are available in and around Gstaad. Parents Michael and Eveline are carrying brand new wooden sledges. Winter sports enthusiasts know them as Davos sledges ― although they’re now fabricated across Switzerland and beyond.

THE LONGEST RUN ― The starting point for the Wispile run is easy to reach via gondola lift, even if you have kids, kit and caboodle in tow. From the Wispile mountain lodge, the first stretch of the route runs along the panoramic trail to Chrinetritt, where the fast-paced fun begins. The run takes you all the way down to Gsteig via Satteleggli. 8.0 km, 2 hours

THE LUMINOUS ONE ― Those who are looking for a gentle first step into sledging should choose the sedate route from Sparenmoos ― a beautiful nature reserve above Zweisimmen ― down to Heimchueweid. This is a particularly family friendly sledge run, and is even lit up. “Repeat offenders” can simply catch the bus back up to Sparenmoos. 3.4 km, 45 mins

THE LAST LEG ― Provided there is sufficient snow, emboldened souls can continue on from Heimchueweid for a final sprint down to Zweisimmen. 2.2 km, 30 mins gstaad.ch/winter/outdoor/schlitteln

The youngsters prefer the modern take. “When we go sledging, it’s always with our plastic sledges,” Loris and Fabio declare. “And your helmets,” Eveline adds. Protection is important. Today the four intrepid explorers decide to head out on the Eggli run. It's snowing lightly and the sun is trying to burn through the clouds.

The Eggli run is the Saanenland’s signature sledge run, and with six kilometres it is also one of the longer ones. The family enjoy a comfortable ascent ― floating up the mountain by cable cabin. First, they stop off for drinks in the mountain restaurant, and then they’re off. The run starts with a steep descent, allowing riders to pick up speed for the subsequent flatter section. The sledge run stretches along 6 kilometres, from Eggli down to Gstaad Grund, and is for exclusive use with sledges, toboggans and airboards ― a type of inflatable bodyboard for use on snow. With its broad sweeping bends and long straight sections, it has plenty to offer those who like their sledging fast, but is also a delight for those who simply want to enjoy the views. The descent takes about one hour. Those who fancy it, simply walk the couple of hundred metres to the lower terminus and head back up for another round. After all, one might as well make good use of the day pass. The parents are all for it. After a day of outdoor pursuits like this, the kids will be dog tired. Abig plate of pasta and off to bed, for a good night’s sleep. Ready for another day, another route. (rw)