Sledding in Austria: Sled run Kleinarler Hütte

Austria is famous for its many terrific ski runs. But what if you’re not a fan of skiing yet you’d still like to do a fun Winter activity? Don’t be dismayed. We have a solution that lets you enjoy the nature as you hike up, and then rush down the mountain screaming for joy. Here’s why sled run Kleinarler Hutter offers the best sledding in Austria.   

Sledding in Austria

I don’t do Winter. Not a fan. I wouldn’t mind if I could sleep through it. And I have terrible memories of the few times I tried skiing. One time I fell into a hole and couldn’t get out of it. It’s something that still haunts me.

But our kids are too enthusiastic about snow, and it rubs off on me. Suddenly, I find myself googling for the best sledding in Austria and planning a trip.  

Slovenia also offers lots of great sledding trails, but I chose Austria, because we wanted to try something new.

My goal was to find the longest sledding run in Austria, to be able to enjoy the ride down as long as possible. I forgot to consider that a long trail down, means a very long hike up first.

Facts about the sled run Kleinarler Hutte

  • 7.5 km long, one of the longest natural sledding runs in Austria  
  • it offers over 700 meters of sledding
  • you will need about 2 and a half hours to reach the top from the car park
  • 583 meters uphill.

Where is the best sledding in Austria?

The run is located in the Radstätter Tauern in Salzburg. It is about 2 and a half hours away from Ljubljana. To find it I suggest using Google maps and typing in: Parkplatz Kleinarler-Hütte. There you’ll find signs that will lead you directly to the hut and the starting point for sledding.

Read more about the trail on the official website.

Where to park?

Easy park at the car park called Kleinarler-Hutter. It is a paid parking, and it cost us 7 euros for 5 hours of parking. The parking machine accepts both cards as well as cash.

How long does the hike up to Kleinarler Hutte take?

I am not going to lie, it took us 2 and a half hours but we did take several breaks because none of us are too fond of hiking. Kids were ready to give halfway up because it’s all up hill, which is perfect for ridding down not so much when you are climbing up.

We convinced them (and ourselves) to keep going by promising warm treats at the hut located at the top.

Do you have to hike to try the best sledding in Austria?

I would say yes, because you’ll appreciate the whole adventure more but no, you can easily reserve transport to the top of the hill. Call : +43 664 37 09 977 to make arrangements. These are the conditions:

  • there have to be at least 3 people
  • cost per adult incl. the sled: 17€, for children under 12 years: 8.50€

Bear in mind that the hut is closed on Tuesdays, which means that the transport up the hill doesn’t operate.

Do you have to bring food?

As mentioned, there is a hut with delicious homemade food at the top, so you don’t need to go overboard with food, though a bit of it never hurts. Do have hot tea along, it helps.

At the hut try the local delicacies such as the yummy apple pie.

Can you rent a sled at the Kleinarler Hutte?

Yes, you can. We brought our own, but you can also hire them at the Kleinarler Hütte. It cost 4 euros per sled.

Need a place to stay?

Don’t rush home. This region of Austria has a lot to offer, enjoy a longer stay and book accommodation at the cosy Naturhotel Edelweiss Wagrain.

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