SAFE tobogganing

Tips and advice for staying safe in the mountains

Safety and an unforgettable tobogganing experience are the top priorities. For this reason, it is very important to follow instructions, observe rules of conduct and use adequate equipment.

Tobogganing is fun, but also involves risks! Learn how this winter activity can best be enjoyed safely.

Safety tips for tobogganing fun

  • Be considerate of others on the toboggan run

    Be considerate of one another

    Behave in such a way that you do not endanger or harm others. Safe tobogganing rules: In case of accident, identify yourself and provide first aid.

  • Observe all track closures and warnings

    Respect all instructions

    Make sure that the route has been cleared for tobogganing. Inform yourself about the course and condition of the toboggan run.

  • Use good equipment

    Equipment checklist

    - Quality toboggan
    - Safety helmet
    - Sturdy boots/high mountain boots with good tread sole
    - Ski pants or waterproof trousers
    - gaiters if necessary
    - ski goggles
    - Headlamp if necessary
    - gloves

    For safety reasons, please DO NOT use plastic bobs or plastic bases.

  • Ascend single file on the right hand side of the trail

    Ascend with caution

    Only cross the toboggan run in unobstructed spots that allow you a clear view of the run.

  • Steer in a controlled manner and maintain adequate distance

    Appropriate steering

    Adapt your speed and behaviour to your own skill level, the toboggan run, the snow/ice/weather conditions and the number of other users.

  • Attract attention

    Provide warning signals

    Warn inattentive pedestrians (bells, loud shouting).

  • Wait for others in unobstructed spots that allow you a clear view of the run

    Wait for one another

    Make sure that your group is complete. Never stop in areas that are narrow or have an obstructed view

  • Tobogganing on ski slopes is dangerous and prohibited

    Use the toboggan run

    The risk of colliding with skiers is high. At night, ice can affect the quality of the toboggan track

  • No dogs allowed

    Dogs are not allowed

    It is very difficult to keep dogs under control during the ascent and descent. Toboggan runs tend to be narrow, and there is a high risk of collision with other tobogganists on their way down.

  • Do not toboggan under the influence of alcohol or drugs

    Toboggan sober

    Addictive substances impair your ability to react quickly and make you less able to assess risks accurately.

Be considerate of one another

Behave in such a way that you do not endanger or harm others. Safe tobogganing rules: In case of accident, identify yourself and provide first aid.

Respect all instructions

Make sure that the route has been cleared for tobogganing. Inform yourself about the course and condition of the toboggan run.

Equipment checklist

- Quality toboggan
- Safety helmet
- Sturdy boots/high mountain boots with good tread sole
- Ski pants or waterproof trousers
- gaiters if necessary
- ski goggles
- Headlamp if necessary
- gloves

For safety reasons, please DO NOT use plastic bobs or plastic bases.

Ascend with caution

Only cross the toboggan run in unobstructed spots that allow you a clear view of the run.

Appropriate steering

Adapt your speed and behaviour to your own skill level, the toboggan run, the snow/ice/weather conditions and the number of other users.

Provide warning signals

Warn inattentive pedestrians (bells, loud shouting).

Wait for one another

Make sure that your group is complete. Never stop in areas that are narrow or have an obstructed view

Use the toboggan run

The risk of colliding with skiers is high. At night, ice can affect the quality of the toboggan track

Dogs are not allowed

It is very difficult to keep dogs under control during the ascent and descent. Toboggan runs tend to be narrow, and there is a high risk of collision with other tobogganists on their way down.

Toboggan sober

Addictive substances impair your ability to react quickly and make you less able to assess risks accurately.

Difficulty classifications

Easy toboggan runs A toboggan run classified as easy is also suitable for beginners or children. The have a maximum incline of 14%, an average incline of up to 10%, bends with a minimum radius of 8 metres, and no ice.
Moderately difficult toboggan runs Toboggan runs classified as ‘moderately difficult’ have a maximum incline of 18%, an average incline of up to 12%, bends with a minimum radius of 6 metres, and no ice.
Difficult toboggan runs Difficult natural toboggan runs may only be used by trained and experienced tobogganists. They have a maximum incline of more than 18%, an average incline of more than 12%, bends with a radius of less than 6 metres, and no ice.
What to do in case of an emergency?
What to do in case of an emergency?

Safety in the mountains is paramount. Time and again, mountaineers are surprised or injured by a sudden thunderstorm or other natural forces only to be spontaneously faced with the question: "What is the Alpine emergency number?"

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Please note that the information provided regarding safety in the mountains is a recommendation only on behalf of the Tourismusverband Wilder Kaiser. All information is subject to change without notice.

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