The Davos sledge

The history of the world renowned Davos sledge started in the 19th century. Carpenters from Davos worked on further developing the Norwegian sledge. The sledge was given its name at the first, historic toboggan race in 1883 in Davos. At that time, daredevil sledge pilots hurtled on Davos sledges down the snow-covered streets from Davos-Wolfgang into Klosters. The same year, the English poet and literature critic John Addington Symonds founded and presided over the Davos International Toboggan Club. At that time the club was still known as the "Davos Toboggan Club". One of the co-founders of the club was also the first winter spa guest of Davos: Hugo Richter.

Also suitable for less hurried riders

The Davos sledge is traditionally fashioned from ash wood and is 80 to 130 cm long. The position adopted on a Davos sledge is more upright than on a toboggan. In contrast to a toboggan, the Davos sledge is controlled with the feet - by positioning the foot adjacent to the inside edge in the snow. The sledge is also braked using the feet. Davos sledges are slower than toboggans and are therefore popular amongst less hurried riders.

Today’s toboggan run in Davos Klosters

The original Davos sledge is most fun when it is tested out at home of its roots - in Davos. History and fun are both brought to life on the 3 km toboggan run from the Schatzalp. The corners of the run are well illuminated until 23:00 hrs. The run heads from the Schatzalp through the "magical forest" and on down to Davos Platz. In the toboggan Eldorado of Davos Klosters, tobogganing is even more fun. All that remains is to be spoilt for choice. You can find an overview of all the runs on the tobogganing report page.