Sledding Runs in the Dolomites: The Best

Sledding in the Dolomites is not just for children. Or rather, not only. It's an adrenaline experience that captivates all ages: runs stretching kilometres, banked curves, descents through snowy forests and — for the more daring — night runs with dinner at a mountain hut. If you think sledding is boring, you haven't tried these runs yet.

At Adrenaline Adventures, we live in San Vigilio di Marebbe and know every run in the area. Here's our selection of the best sledding runs in the Dolomites.

Maranza: Italy's Longest Run

The Maranza (Meransen) sledding run holds the Italian record: 10 km of descent from Malga Mittager down to the valley. A unique experience lasting about 30-45 minutes of pure adrenaline through spruce forests and breathtaking panoramas.

Details

Length: 10 km (longest in Italy)
Elevation drop: approximately 1,200 metres
Difficulty: medium — some curves require attention
How to get there: cable car from Maranza to the top station
Sled rental: available at the top station (approximately €8-10)
Distance from San Vigilio: about 45 minutes by car

For the Maranza run, take the cable car early in the morning to avoid queues. Bring waterproof gloves and sunglasses — the snow reflects light intensely. If it's your first time on a long run, practice braking in the first 100 metres.

Plan de Corones: Sledding with a View

The Plan de Corones resort offers several sledding runs, all with spectacular Dolomite panoramas.

Reischach Run

Length: about 3 km
Difficulty: easy-medium
Feature: illuminated for night sledding (on selected dates)
Rental: available at the gondola station
Distance from San Vigilio: 20 minutes

Valdaora Run

Length: about 5 km
Difficulty: medium
Feature: passes through atmospheric forests
Ideal for: families with children aged 6+

Plose: Above Brixen

The Plose, the mountain above Brixen, offers one of South Tyrol's most beloved sledding runs.

RudiRun

Length: 9 km
Elevation drop: 1,100 metres
Difficulty: medium-hard — the second longest run in South Tyrol
Feature: starts from the summit with 360° Dolomite views
Distance from San Vigilio: about 40 minutes

Combine Sledding and Zipline

Rio Pusteria: Night Sledding with Dinner

Rio Pusteria (Mühlbach) offers the area's most atmospheric night sledding experience. The adventure begins with a cable car ride in the dark, followed by dinner at a mountain hut and a descent under the stars.

The Night Experience

Programme: cable car up, dinner at hut, moonlit sled descent
When: selected dates during winter, typically Wednesday and Saturday
Duration: about 3-4 hours total
Indicative price: €30-40 per person (cable car + sled rental), dinner extra
Booking: mandatory, limited places

Night sledding is a magical experience but requires preparation. Dress in warm layers, bring a spare head torch and ensure the sled has a good braking system. Most night runs are illuminated but not entirely. A full moon makes the experience even more special — check the lunar calendar.

Equipment Rental and Tips

What You Need

Sled: rentable at all stations (€8-15 per day)
Clothing: waterproof trousers, warm jacket, waterproof gloves, hat, boots with non-slip soles
Protection: helmet recommended (especially for children), sunglasses or goggles

How to Brake

Feet on the ground: press your heels into the snow either side of the sled
Hands on the rope: pull the rope towards you to slow down
Weight back: lean backward to increase braking
On curves: lean into the turn direction and brake with the outer foot

Minimum Age

Solo: generally from 6-8 years (depends on the run)
With an adult: from 3 years on easy runs
Golden rule: always maintain safe distance from the sled ahead

The Perfect Programme: Sledding + Zipline

| Time | Activity | |---|---| | 09:00 | Zipline with Adrenaline Adventures | | 10:30 | Transfer to sledding run | | 11:00 | Cable car up | | 11:30 | Sled descent | | 12:30 | Lunch at a mountain hut | | 14:00 | Second run (optional) | | 16:30 | Hot chocolate and relaxation |

Plan Your Winter Day