High tension on ice: 2025 Natural Track Luge World Championships in Kühtai

23 January 2025

Post originally written in: Deutsch

From January 17 to 19, 2025, the idyllic Kühtai hosted a special event: the 25th FIL World Championships in natural track luge. I was able to be there live as the best natural track lugers in the world battled it out for the medals. The World Championships were a complete success for Austria: with gold in the men's single by Michael Scheiklsilver in the women's single by local heroine Riccarda Ruetz and further strong performances in the doubles and team events, the Austrian athletes were among the big winners of the weekend.

The silver medal for Riccarda Ruetz, who shone in front of her home crowd on her home track in Kühtai and thrilled the spectators, was particularly emotional.

The toboggan run in Kühtai - a modern run with tradition

It has only been three years since a new natural toboggan run was built in Kühtai. The track celebrated its World Cup premiere in December 2023 and left a lasting impression on athletes and fans alike. The full length of the track is 1,300 meters long, but a particularly exciting section of 730 meters was used for the World Championships. This section of the track is characterized by a demanding gradient of up to 17 percent and technically challenging curves that demand maximum precision from the athletes.

The track was prepared using the latest technology to create optimum conditions for the World Championships. Embedded in the natural mountain landscape, it remains true to its character as a natural toboggan run and at the same time offers a spectacular experience for athletes and spectators.

Spectator experience up close

The track has been designed so that spectators can experience the action up close. There are several vantage points along the course, inviting fans to support the athletes on their way to the finish line. The area around the key bend was particularly popular during the World Championships, offering spectacular views of the racing action. Practical tip for anyone coming to watch next time: Kühtai is located at over 2,000 meters above sea level, and the start of the toboggan run is even a little higher. So dress warmly and put on an extra layer!

A challenge for the best in the world

The track at Kühtai has quickly established itself as one of the most demanding runs. It demands maximum precision and nerves of steel from the athletes, as every bend has to be taken flawlessly to have a chance of winning.

What makes natural track tobogganing so fascinating?

Natural track tobogganing is one of the most original and exciting winter sports. Unlike artificial track tobogganing, natural toboggan runs are not artificially created, but follow the natural course of paths and slopes. This naturalness, coupled with the high technical demands and spectacular scenery, makes the sport unique. The focus is also on the community, as the sport of natural track luge is supported by a passionate international luge family.