I still remember the sting of cold air whipping my cheeks as I launched myself down that first hill just outside Salzburg, a beat-up old toboggan borrowed from a local innkeeper who swore it had seen better decades. It was 2015, my second winter in Austria, and I'd dragged my then-five-year-old niece along, promising her the moon in the form of fluffy snow and uncontrollable giggles. We ended up at Gaisberg, and boy, did it deliver. Sledding here isn't some sanitized resort affair—it's raw, exhilarating, the kind of winter joy that sticks with you like frost on your eyelashes.
Salzburg, with its fairy-tale Alps backdrop and that crisp, pine-scented air, has always been my go-to for these simple thrills. As we gear up for 2026 winter, with snow forecasts looking powder-perfect and lifts humming earlier than ever, these spots deliver unforgettable family adventures right on the city's edge.
What draws me back year after year? The mix of accessibility and untouched Austrian charm. Most of these top toboggan runs around Salzburg are a quick drive from the city center, perfect for squeezing in after a morning of Mozart or stollen sampling. I've wiped out spectacularly, shared thermoses of glühwein with strangers who become instant friends, and watched kids light up like Christmas trees. For beginners, families, or anyone chasing that heart-pounding rush without the black-diamond terror, these shine. Rentals are everywhere, floodlights glow for night runs on select evenings, and the scenery? Jaw-dropping, with views of jagged peaks that make you forget the numb toes.
Top 10 Toboggan Runs Around Salzburg for the 2026 Winter Season
Let's start close to home, because nothing beats convenience when the little ones are bouncing off the walls.
1. Gaisberg: Easiest Hills for Kids in the Salzburg Area
Perched right on Salzburg's doorstep, it's a 15-minute drive up winding roads that already feel like an adventure. Park at the Gaisberg summit lot (Gaisbergstraße 91, 5020 Salzburg, Austria), where you'll find a modest hut slinging hot chocolate and sausages that smell like heaven after a tumble. The main run kicks off from the top at 1,287 meters, a gentle 2.5km toboggan trail weaving through meadows and light forest—wide enough for side-by-side racing but not so steep you'll regret bringing Grandma.
I once spent a whole afternoon here with my sister's family; the kids, ages 4 to 10, couldn't get enough of the bunny hill section midway down, perfect for building snowmen between runs. Sturdy plastic sleds or wooden classics available right at the base for €5-10 per day. Open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM (weather permitting; check salzburg.gaisberg.at for updates), and on Fridays in peak season, they light it up till 8 PM for magical night sledding under the stars, the city twinkling below like a jewel box.
It's family-friendly at its purest: no crowds like the big resorts, just pure, squealing fun. We picnicked on the slopes with homemade apfelstrudel, and as the sun dipped, those floodlights turned the snow electric blue. If you're new to this, start here—it's forgiving and scenic, sure to hook you. Pro tip: wear a helmet, because momentum sneaks up on you.
2. Postalm: Thrilling Yet Cozy Family Runs
Tucked in the Salzburger Sportwelt about 45 minutes southeast. Head to Postalm 1, 5532 Filzmoos (free parking galore), and ride the chairlift up to 1,700 meters for access to multiple runs. The flagship is the 4km Postalm Rodelbahn, a winding beast with banked turns that had me whooping like a kid last January.
My buddy's toddler conquered the beginner loop first—super gentle gradient, roped off for safety—while we adults tackled the faster sections. Sensory overload: the crunch of packed snow under blades, woodsmoke from alpine huts, and that fresh-baked bread aroma wafting from the Postalmhütte. Rentals on-site (€8/day for sleds, plus tubes for variety), open 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily, extending to 9 PM Wednesdays and Saturdays for illuminated night sledding that feels magical under the full moon.
Families rave about the playground at the base and pony rides in good weather; groomed paths and patrol make it ideal for beginners. I once raced a local shepherd down the main run—he won, but only because his sled was heirloom-level slick. Underrated for its valley views stretching to the Dachstein, it punches above its weight. Just pack extra layers; the wind up top bites.
3. Untersberg: Panoramic Views and Moderate Thrills
Swing northwest to the brooding giant looming over Salzburg like a snowy sentinel. Cable car from Grödig (Dr.-Anton-Neumayr-Platz 1, 5020 Grödig bei Salzburg) whisks you to 1,800 meters, where the 3km Panorama Rodelweg awaits. I've hiked these flanks in summer, but winter sledding transforms it—views of the city and Berchtesgaden plunging into misty depths.
The run's moderate pitch suits mixed groups; my group last year included a nervous newbie who ended up begging for "one more go." Rentals at the valley station (€12 including lift), open 9 AM to 4 PM (cable car dependent; untersbergbahn.at for 2026 schedule), with night sessions Thursdays till 8 PM. Eagles soaring, ice crystals sparkling—pure alpine magic. The top station cafe does killer kasnocken, those cheesy potato dumplings that hit post-sled perfection. Not the steepest, but those hairpin turns demand focus—hilarious wipeouts guaranteed. Shorter kids' run near the mid-station is gold for families.
4. Lammeralm: Long, Floodlit Runs Near Abtenau
Pushing into Pongau, a 50-minute drive that's worth every curve. Park at the base (Lammeralmstraße 1, 5441 Abtenau), hop the T-bar lift to 1,600 meters for the 5km floodlit run—one of the longest around. Wooded sections give way to open meadows, and the speed? Thrilling without terror.
I brought my Austrian in-laws here once; the grandma out-sledded us all on a borrowed bobsled. Rentals aplenty (€10), open 10 AM to 5 PM daily, night sledding Fridays/Saturdays till 10 PM. Air smells of damp spruce and roasting chestnuts from the alm hut, where they serve speckknödel that melt in your mouth. Easy access and no lift lines make it a family favorite, worlds away from Salzburg's bustle.
5. Rossbrand: Natural Trails with Terrain Variety
En route to Schladming but firmly in Salzburg's orbit (about 1 hour south). Base at Rossbrandstraße 20, 5550 Radstadt. Six runs from 1,785 meters, including a 4.5km natural toboggan trail—gentle starts building to fun waves. Lift pass covers it all; rentals €9. Open 9 AM-4 PM, illuminated select evenings.
Last visit, fog rolled in, turning it ethereal; we huddled in the stube with schnapps, laughing over spills. Kids adored the terrain park section. Views to the Tauern peaks are chef's kiss.
6. Filzmoos Gamskogel: Meandering Through Larch Groves
Venturing to Filzmoos proper. Filzmoos 44, 5532 Filzmoos. The 3km Gamskogel run from 1,900 meters is a dream—meandering through larch groves, perfect pitch. I sledded here solo one stormy eve; the fresh powder hushed everything but my heartbeat.
Rentals on-site, open 9 AM-5 PM, night Tuesdays/Fridays. Hut at top does strudel that'll ruin you for store-bought. Families flock for the calm vibe.
7. Rauris Valley Hoher Sonnblick: Glacier Vistas
1.5 hours but unmissable. Base: Rauriser Höhenstraße 49, 5664 Rauris. 4km piste with stunning glacier vistas. Moderate thrills, rentals €11, 9:30 AM-4:30 PM, night weekends. My epic fail here: overshot a turn, ended in hip-deep snow. Locals fished me out with poles and beer. Pure alpine immersion.
8. Schwarzsee bei Golling: Serene Lake-Fringed Slopes
Closer in (Golling 18, 5446 Golling an der Salzach). Lake-fringed runs at 1,100 meters, 2km gentle slope ideal for families. Rentals galore, open 10 AM-dusk, some nights. Picnic spots abound; we grilled wurst by the frozen water last time. Serene, underrated.
9. Flachauwinkel: Beginner Bliss with Kids' Lifts
Flachauwinkl 245, 5542 Flachauwinkel. 3.5km runs from lifts, beginner heaven. Rentals €10, 9 AM-4 PM + nights. Kids' magic carpet nearby. I raced nephews here—lost badly, won their hearts with hot cocoa.
10. Zauchensee: High-Alpine Powder Finale
Zauchensee 318, 5541 Altenmarkt im Pongau. High-alpine 4km run at 2,200 meters. Rentals, full-day ops, night glow. Powder days are legendary; my foggy memory includes a snowball fight with pros.
Plan Your Sledding Adventure Near Salzburg
Whether you're plotting family escapes or solo speed chases, these hills promise 2026 memories etched in snow. From scenic slopes open all day to the best night spots in the surroundings, pack thermals, embrace the chaos, and let Salzburg's winters rewrite your story. Prost to the powder!