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19 February 2015
Post originally written in: Deutsch Information An automatic machine translation. Super fast and almost perfect.

At least one tobogganing excursion belongs to every perfect winter vacation. Around Innsbruck there is a whole series of natural toboggan runs and illuminated routes for small night adventures. With our German neighbors, these are better known as toboggan rides. Designation or not – it’s all about the fun. Depending on snow conditions and fitness, these are suitable for young and old. The principle is simple: pack your toboggan, wrap yourself up warm as well (spare T-shirt to change into!) and off you go.

The excursion is especially nice with a rest at one of the rustic alpine huts and a hearty snack. For the descent is then full of fun ahead and as always in winter sports: Safety first! Helmet, sturdy shoes and ski goggles are standard.

Tobogganing around Innsbruck:

Birgitzer Alm – the classic
Ascent: approx. 1:00h, 438hm
Refreshments: Birgitzer Alm (1808m)

The Birgitzer Alm is the absolute tobogganing classic for the people of Innsbruck. The toboggan run is also used for the ascent, as well as touring skiers and also the Innsbruck Vertrider (freeride mountain biking on snow) cavort here. Wednesday and Friday the Alm is open until 10 pm and is a popular night tobogganing destination. In the hut it can then become quite fast also fast cozy, for it large portions with affordable prices wait for hungry visitors. From sausages with fries to Knödel Tris (three types of dumplings: spinach, bacon and cheese) with cabbage, everything is available. Tip: Ski tourers can go about half an hour further uphill to Birgitzköpfel.

Directions:
By public transport: Postbus L1 to the bus stop “Axams/Abzweigung Birgitzer Alm”
By car: about 30 minutes from Innsbruck via A1, exit Kematen, direction Axamer Lizum skiing area, toboggan parking on the side of the road after the bend with the Adelshof inn
More information and current snow conditions: Birgitzer Alm: 0664/5970026

Juifenau Alm – for the industrious
Ascent: ca 2:00, 592hm, 4,9km
Refreshments: Juifenau Alm (2020m)

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The long as cent pays off twice. Once with a delicious meal prepared on the alp and once because you can ski the entire climb back down with the toboggan afterwards. The small alp is lovingly decorated and offers a simple menu with typical dishes. Specialties such as the self-collected herbal tea or the delicious apple strudel should definitely be tried. In the preparation, emphasis is placed on regional products and the eggs come, according to the information on the menu, “from chickens known to us”. Tip: the hut gets full quickly and you often have to wait a bit. This should be taken into account, especially when visiting with children, and perhaps pack a few granola bars and a tea.

Directions:
Best by car: about 30 minutes from Innsbruck via A1, exit Kematen, direction Kühtai, at Grieß im Sellrain turn left direction Juifenau/Lüsens, Juifenau Alm parking: 3€ day parking ticket.
More info and current snow conditions: Juifenau Alm: 0664/5305064

Rangger Köpfl – also for the lazy ones
Ascent: mountain railroad and 45 minutes additional ascent, whoever wants to
Refreshments: Restaurant Mittelstation-Sulzstich, Panorama Restaurant Stiglreith, Rosskogelhütte

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Twice a week, things get busy here in the evening as well. However, the last stretch to the Rosskogelhütte is unlit even then, so it’s best to pack your own headlamps. If the snow conditions are good, you can then toboggan from the very top down to the valley (approx. 45 minutes).

Night tobogganing: every Tuesday and Friday until 21:15
Tobogganing ticket (one ride): 9€ adults, 5,00€ children
Night tobogganing (18:30-21:30): 17,00€ adults, 10,00€ children
More info and current snow conditions: https://www.rangger-koepfl.at/winter/infos-downloads/

Directions:
Public: from Innsbruck in winter sports equipment free of charge, regional bus 4165 direction Oberperfuss, station Rangger Köpfl lift. 30min from Innsbruck tax office
By car: approx. 20min from Innsbruck via A1, exit Kematen

Mutterer Alm – tobogganing 2.0 with Pistenbock
Ascent: Gondola, 363hm (mountain to middle station),
Descent to the valley only possible via sport toboggan run

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Two different toboggan runs are waiting for visitors on the Mutterer Alm: the sports toboggan run and the family toboggan run.

Access:

By public: free ski bus from Innsbruck
By car: to Mutters/ski lifts approx. 10-15 minutes from Innsbruck
More info and current snow conditions: https://www.muttereralm.at/

Rinner Alm – new takeover 2014
Ascent: approx. 1:30, 434hm
Refreshments: Rinner Alm (closed on Monday!)

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in 2014 the Alm, which was already built in 1927, was taken over by the new tenants, Mr. and Mrs. Gruber, and in summer also immediately improved the toboggan run. Here there is a separate ascent to the toboggan run, at the end of which a warm parlor with delicious Kasspressknödel awaits. By the way, the Zirbenschnaps also tastes particularly good here. The toboggan run is wide and equipped in the lower part with barriers in the curves. Nevertheless, you should be especially careful when there is ice or little snow. Tip: When the sun is shining, there are benches in front of the hut to sunbathe and enjoy the view!

Directions:
By car: A12 to exit Innsbruck Mitte, left to Aldrans, continue to Rinn. At Gasthof Arche, turn right uphill and take the next left to the toll forest parking lot.
Night tobogganing: Lighting Tuesday, Friday, Saturday from 19:00-23:00
More info and current snow conditions: TVB Rinn: 05223/78173 and Rinner Alm website or on Facebook
Public: Take the bus from the main train station to Rinn Kirchplatz, then you are virtually already on the hiking trail in a few meters. Attention The last bus back to Innsbruck leaves shortly after 22:00h. Bus: 4,40€ per direction.

No toboggan? No problem.

Some hotels have sleds available for their guests, it is worth asking. Otherwise, sleds can be borrowed in most ski rentals. eg in the stock exchange for 10€ per day (or overnight).

On the toboggan come? Here’s Tyrolean quality products to buy:

In Tyrol, the company Gasser (1909) produces all kinds of toboggans in an old family tradition just before the Brenner Pass. More info: www.gasserrodel.at

Also from Tyrol comes the brand Kathrein (in Prutz) and Gallzeiner from Sankt Magarethen (near Jenbach).

Link tip: At www.innsbruck.info there is a list of all toboggan runs!

All photos: Lea Hajner

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