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SAFE Tobogganing

Tips and advice for your safety on the mountain

As well as offering an unforgettable winter experience, safety is the top priority. That’s why it’s essential to follow instructions, observe the rules of conduct and use appropriate equipment.

Tobogganing is great fun – but it also comes with risks. Learn how to enjoy this activity safely.

Considerate co-operation

Behaviour on the Toboggan Run:
Always act in a way that does not endanger or harm others. As with all winter sports, anyone involved in an accident must provide first aid and identify themselves.

Respect the Instructions

Ensure that the run is open for tobogganing. Familiarise yourself with the route and check the current condition of the toboggan run.

Equipment checklist

- Quality sledge
- safety helmet
- Sturdy boots/mountain boots with a good tread sole
- Ski trousers or waterproof trousers
- gaiters if necessary
- ski goggles
- Headlamp if necessary
- gloves

For safety reasons please do not use plastic bobs or sleds with plastic bases.

Ascend carefully

Only cross the toboggan run where visibility is clear and safe.

Appropriate riding style

Adapt your speed and riding style to suit your ability, the toboggan run, snow and ice conditions, the weather, and the volume of traffic.

Give warning signals

Warn anyone walking up the track with a bell or loud call.
In the dark, use a headlamp and wear reflective clothing.

Wait for each other

Make sure your group stays together. Avoid stopping in narrow or unclear sections of the track.

Use the toboggan run

The risk of collision with skiers is high. At night, frozen toboggan tracks impair the quality of the piste.

Dogs not allowed

Dogs are difficult to lead on the ascent and descent, as there is a high risk of collision with those travelling down the usually narrow toboggan runs.

Tobogganing sober

Alcohol and other substances impair your reaction time and reduce your ability to assess risks correctly.

A group of people sledding down a snow-covered hillside, surrounded by trees, in the Wilder Kaiser region of Tirol. They are dressed in winter gear.

Equipment

  • Sturdy boots/high mountain boots with a good tread sole
  • Ski trousers or waterproof trousers
  • gaiters if necessary
  • Helmet
  • Ski goggles
  • Headlamp if necessary
  • Gloves

Difficulty classifications

Easy toboggan runA toboggan run classified as easy is also suitable for beginners and children. It has a maximum gradient of no more than 14%; an average gradient of up to 10%; curves with a radius of at least 8 metres and no icing.
Natural toboggan run of medium difficultyA natural toboggan run of medium difficulty has a maximum gradient of no more than 18%, an average gradient of up to 12%, curves with a radius of at least 6 metres and no icing.
Difficult natural toboggan run Difficult natural toboggan runs may only be used by trained and experienced tobogganists. It has a maximum gradient of over 18%, an average gradient of over 12%, bends with a radius of less than 6 metres and no icing.
Gelber Rettungshubschrauber fliegt vor blauem Himmel über felsigem Bergmassiv in den Alpen. Österreichische Flagge am Heck des Helikopters sichtbar.
What to do in an emergency?
Safety in the mountains is the be-all and end-all in the mountains. Time and again, mountain sports enthusiasts are surprised or injured by a sudden thunderstorm or other forces of nature and are spontaneously faced with the question: "What is the Alpine emergency number?"

Please note that the information provided on safety on the mountain is exclusively recommendations from the Wilder Kaiser Tourist Board. All information is subject to change without notice.