"It's an ideal alternative to skiing," says Ludwig Keller, Managing Director of Bergbahnen Langes in Lermoos, "because you can also enjoy the view of the Zugspitze while tobogganing. Families in particular, where not every member straps on their skis, appreciate the natural toboggan run.
"Especially because of its varied course." Steeper sections alternate with flatter ones over 2.8 kilometres. It leads through forest and across open alpine pastures, the track is sometimes winding, sometimes straight. Those who cycle more slowly are at no disadvantage here. Quite the opposite. "The view here is truly marvellous", stretching across the entire Lermoos valley basin to the mighty Zugspitze massif opposite. "It's definitely worth taking a break," emphasises Keller.
Groomed daily
The start of the toboggan run is near the Brettlalm at the middle station of the Grubigsteinbahn and leads from there directly to the valley station of the Hochmoosexpress. The modern six-seater chairlift is equipped for transporting tobogganists and toboggans up the mountain. "The lift has its own toboggan entrance. In the valley, the toboggans are safely suspended from the chairs by our staff," says Keller. There are also inexpensive toboggan tickets as well as toboggan hire at the valley station.
And, of course, the Langes cable car company takes care of preparing the natural toboggan run. It is groomed daily by a small piste roller, usually in the evening; if it has snowed a lot during the night, it is also groomed again in the morning. "And if the snow cover gets thinner," says Keller, "we help out with snow from our depots." This guarantees safe tobogganing in the Zugspitze region.
Observe the rules of behaviour when tobogganing around the Zugspitze
The descent takes around ten minutes if you take it easy. 20 to 25 minutes if you take it slower. According to Keller, it is unavoidable that the toboggan run will be travelled by skiers with different characters. Which is why he repeatedly emphasises the ABC of tobogganing. Ride with foresight, clear the track if you fall or topple over and leave the track immediately. You should also be able to manoeuvre and brake the toboggan reasonably safely - if it becomes acute, by putting your feet on the ground and pulling the toboggan upwards at the front. This is the only way to ensure that tobogganing in the Zugspitz Arena remains a safe endeavour for all participants.
He also advises good equipment: sturdy footwear such as mountain boots as well as gloves and warm clothing. He recommends helmets for children. Overall, however, the toboggan run is suitable for all riding styles and offers lots of fun and enjoyment, especially for families.
Evening tobogganing under floodlights
A special highlight is evening tobogganing, which the Bergbahnen Langes cable car company organises every Wednesday from 18:00 to 21:30. The Hochmoosexpress runs longer and the Brettlalm also remains open at this time. Even the mountain rescue service works overtime for this event. And the natural toboggan run is illuminated - with more than 100 energy-saving LED spotlights - so that the action doesn't get lost in the gloom. Although you can't enjoy the view of the Zugspitze when tobogganing in the evening, you can enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the natural toboggan run at night.
