Sledding through winter landscapes

When the first snowflakes fall and the world transforms into a winter wonderland, there’s hardly anything more beautiful than curling up in a warm blanket and gliding through snowy landscapes on a sled. Sledding is not only a fun pastime but also a nostalgic journey back to childhood. Around the globe, there are numerous places offering breathtaking winter landscapes and unforgettable sledding experiences – from classic horse-drawn sleigh rides to dog sledding and thrilling toboggan runs. Here are some of the best destinations for a magical sledding adventure.

1. Switzerland – Engadine: Horse-drawn Sleigh Ride in an Alpine Paradise

The Engadine in Switzerland is one of the most renowned regions for a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride. Surrounded by majestic Alps and deeply snow-covered valleys, you can glide on traditional sleds through one of the most beautiful winter landscapes in Europe. Particularly, the area around St. Moritz is famous for its luxurious winter experiences. A horse-drawn sleigh ride in the Engadine not only offers a wonderful view of snow-covered peaks and idyllic villages but also an unforgettable natural experience.

Special Highlight: The sled rides in the Engadine often take you along frozen lakes, making the experience even more picturesque. In St. Moritz, you can also participate in special winter events like the “White Turf” – a horse race on the frozen lake.

2. Lapland, Finland – Dog Sledding in the Far North

Lapland in Finland is famous not only for its endless snowy landscapes and the Northern Lights but also for exciting dog sledding experiences. Here, you can even step into the sled as a musher (sled driver) and glide through the deep snowy forests and over vast snowfields with a team of huskies. These adventures lead you to the most remote corners of nature, where you can experience the magic of the polar regions in all its glory.

Special Highlight: In Lapland, you can not only go dog sledding but also stay overnight in traditional glass igloos or ice hotels. A night sled ride under the glowing Northern Lights is a particularly magical experience.

3. Austria – Tyrol: Sledding and Tobogganing in a Winter Paradise

Tyrol is the perfect destination for all who love classic sledding. Here, you will find not only beautiful horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy valleys but also numerous natural toboggan runs that provide exhilarating fun. Particularly, the region around Innsbruck and Kitzbühel is known for its excellent tobogganing options. Those who prefer a more relaxed experience can embark on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Tyrolean Alps, while enjoying the winter views of snow-covered peaks.

Special Highlight: In Tyrol, there are many long toboggan runs, such as the famous “Toboggan Run Mutters,” perfect for a thrilling descent. After the ride, you often encounter a cozy alpine hut where you can recharge with regional specialties.

4. Canada – Whistler: Adventure in Snowy Mountains

Whistler in Canada is a paradise for those yearning for an adventure in the snow. Away from the popular ski slopes, Whistler also offers great opportunities for sledding. You can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy Callaghan Valley or enjoy a thrilling tobogganing session on the natural toboggan runs. The region shows its most beautiful side in winter when the mountains and forests are covered in a white blanket.

Special Highlight: In Whistler, you can not only experience a horse-drawn sleigh ride but also partake in an exciting "snowmobiling" adventure or explore the area with a dog sled.

5. Norway – Geilo: Sledding and Tobogganing Norwegian Style

Geilo, a picturesque village in the heart of Norway, is known for its winter sports opportunities and offers a particularly idyllic setting for sledding. Here, you can both undertake romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides and toboggan down the snowy mountains. The region around Geilo is perfect for those who want to sled in a quiet winter atmosphere away from the crowds.

Special Highlight: In Geilo, you can enjoy a relaxing horse-drawn sleigh ride combined with a winter hike or a hot drink in a cozy mountain hut.

6. USA – Vermont: Snowshoeing and Tobogganing

Vermont in the USA is known for its winter activities, and sledding is part of that. Particularly, the area around the Green Mountains offers numerous options for toboggan runs on the snowy hills and gentle mountains. Additionally, there is the opportunity to ride with sled dogs through the deep snowy forests – an adventure for the whole family.

Special Highlight: In Vermont, you will find not only sled and dog sled rides but also romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides where you can glide over the snow wrapped in a blanket. The state is known for its charming winter villages, providing the perfect backdrop for a winter trip.

7. Sweden – Jukkasjärvi: Sledding Through a Winter Wonderland

Sweden is known for its pristine nature and impressive winter landscapes. In Jukkasjärvi, near the famous Ice Hotel, you can embark on a beautiful sledding journey. Here, not only can you glide through the snowy forests on a dog sled, but you can also enjoy a peaceful ride through winter Lapland on a traditional horse-drawn sleigh.

Special Highlight: Jukkasjärvi is particularly famous for its icy attractions, such as the iconic Ice Hotel, which is redesigned every year. A sledding trip through this enchanted winter landscape, combined with a visit to the Ice Hotel, makes the experience especially unforgettable.

Conclusion

Sledding is one of the most beautiful winter experiences you can enjoy, especially as you glide through breathtaking landscapes. Whether you take a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride in the Alps, rush through Lapland on a dog sled, or toboggan down snowy hills in the USA – these places offer you a magical way to fully experience winter. A sledding journey is not only a great way to enjoy nature but also an experience you will never forget.