Sledging in Arosa (Tobogganing)
Sledging in Arosa is one of those winter activities that appeals to everyone, from families with young children to groups of friends looking for a fun evening on the mountain. With three maintained toboggan runs covering 4.7 km, night sledging under the stars, and scenic routes through side valleys, Arosa offers some of the best sledging in the Swiss Alps. Best of all, the toboggan runs are free to use.
Sledging Runs in Arosa
Arosa has three dedicated toboggan runs, each offering a different experience. All are marked on the official Arosa Lenzerheide piste map and maintained throughout the winter season.
Pratschli to Obersee
This is the most popular and accessible run in Arosa. Starting from Pratschli, the route winds past the Tschuggenhütte and the Kulm before arriving at Obersee near the village centre. The run passes several landmarks, including the ETH astrophysical observatory and the historic Bergkirchli, one of the oldest churches in Arosa. It is a scenic, moderate run suitable for all ages and abilities.
The Pratschli run is also the one used for night sledging, as it is illuminated and can be used 24 hours a day during the winter season.
Untersee to Litzirüti
This is a longer, more relaxed run that starts at the Untersee lake in Arosa and finishes in the hamlet of Litzirüti. The gradient is gentle with only short walking sections, making it ideal for families and those who prefer a leisurely pace. At the end of the run, you can take the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) back up to Arosa, turning the whole outing into a mini adventure that combines sledging with a scenic train ride through the valley.
Sapün Valley - Heimeli to Langwies
For a longer and more remote sledging experience, the route through the Sapün side valley is hard to beat. Starting at the Heimeli mountain guesthouse, this run covers just under 5 km as it winds through the valley back to Langwies. It feels genuinely off the beaten track and rewards you with beautiful scenery and a satisfying length of run. Combine it with lunch or a warm drink at the Heimeli before setting off.
Night Sledging in Arosa
Night sledging is one of the highlights of a winter stay in Arosa and a tradition that locals and visitors alike look forward to.
Pratschli Night Run
The Arosa Bus night express takes you up to Pratschli every evening during the winter season. From there, the illuminated toboggan run takes you back down towards Obersee. The combination of the lit trail, the quiet of the mountain at night, and the cold alpine air makes this a genuinely special experience. It is particularly popular as an after-dinner activity.
Tschuggen Night Sledging
Every Thursday evening from January through to early March, the Gondola lift Kulm operates continuously from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, giving access to the floodlit toboggan run from Tschuggen. The run takes you back down to the valley at speed, and you can ride it multiple times in an evening. Night sledging from Tschuggen is free for all guests. Sled rental is available at the Kulm valley station for CHF 10.
Fondei Valley - Casanna to Langwies
For those looking for something truly special, the Fondei valley toboggan run is a hidden gem. Starting at the Casanna ski house, this run winds through the wild and romantic Fondei side valley for over 5 km before reaching Langwies. It is one of the longest sledging runs in the region and takes you through a landscape that feels untouched and remote. The return to Arosa is by train from Langwies, adding to the sense of a proper mountain excursion.
Equipment Rental
You do not need to bring your own sled. Classic wooden sledges and sporty bobsleds are available for rent from several shops in Arosa, including Luzi Sport at the train station. Rental prices are modest, with sleds from Tschuggen available for CHF 10.
For those who want to ride the lifts, a sledging day ticket allows unlimited trips on the Arosa Weisshorn first section and the Kulm gondola until 4:30 PM, giving you easy access to multiple starting points without the uphill walk.
Practical Information
The toboggan runs in Arosa are free to use throughout the winter season, which typically runs from early December to mid-April. Accident and liability insurance is the responsibility of the user, so make sure your travel insurance covers winter sports activities.
Dress warmly in waterproof layers, and wear sturdy boots with good grip. Gloves are essential, and a helmet is recommended, especially for children and on faster runs. The runs are maintained regularly but conditions can vary, so take it easy on your first run of the day to get a feel for the surface.
Your Base at Faern Hotel Altein
Faern Hotel Altein is centrally located in Arosa, making it easy to reach all the sledging starting points by foot, local bus, or a short lift ride. The hotel reception can help you plan your sledging day, arrange equipment rental, and suggest the best runs based on conditions and your group's preferences.
After a day (or evening) on the toboggan runs, the hotel's wellness facilities are the ideal place to warm up. One of the largest spa areas in Arosa, it is the perfect way to end a day of winter adventure.
