Sledding at Melchsee-Frutt
At 8km, the sled run at Melchsee-Frutt is one of the longest runs in Switzerland, and in my opinion, one of the most fun. This sled run was one of the first things we did after moving to Switzerland and we enjoyed it so much, we have gone back to it again and again (including this past weekend). And while I do love it for sentimental reasons, I don’t just love it for sentimental reasons. This run packs in the thrills with plenty of twists and turns, along with some fantastic steep speed runs, yet it still feels relatively safe. Also, when snow conditions are good, there are no areas where you need to stop and walk the sled, you can just ride down the entire way from the top of the gondola station at Melchsee‐Frutt Dorf right back to the bottom station at Stöckalp. And, then you can ride up and do it again!
Detail Summary
| What: | Sledding Melchsee‐Frutt -> Stöckalp |
| Where: | Melchsee-Frutt, Canton Obwalden, Switzerland |
| Skill: | Easy |
| Condition: | 8 km long groomed sled run. Signs marked “Schlittelwege”, with purple poles along the way |
| Open: | Winter Season |
| Getting there: | Train: Zürich HB -> Stöckalp – 2 hr 15 min Car: Zürich -> Stöckalp – 1 hr 20 min Large metered parking lot at Stöckalp. |
| Cost 2021: | Schlittelweg Day Card Adult: 41 CHF Children: 20 CHF Sled rental: 18 CHF |
| Melchsee-Frutt Interactive Map Sled rental (german): Melchsee-Frutt or Stöckli Miet- und Servicecenter |
Getting There and Renting Sleds
We prefer to drive to Melchsee-Frutt rather than taking public transportation because it saves significant time. There is plenty of parking available at the metered lots and even on busy days, we have not had trouble finding a spot. You can rent sleds directly from Frutt Resort or from Stöckli Miet- und Servicecenter (german). We rented from Stöckli Miet- und Servicecenter this time, but have rented from Frutt Resort before. Either one is fine. After, we had our sleds and tickets, we joined the line for the gondola.
I love the view we got on the ride up. Such a great overview of the area. After exiting the gondola, the start of the sled run is right there. The “Schlittelwege” signs and purple poles mark the way.
The Sled Run
The first part of the sled run takes you through Melchsee-Frutt Dorf. The run at the beginning is wide and it is a good place to practice how to steer and stop. The sleds are the two-runner, Davos-style sleds and you can get some pretty good speed with them. For steering, there isn’t much technique to it really, you just use your feet and lean. But, it is nice to practice a bit before the trail gets into a lot of turns, twists, and steep drop-offs.
After leaving Melchsee-Frutt Dorf behind, the rest of the way down is a wild ride and it gets to be too much fun to remember to stop and take pictures, but I did take a few.
A few years ago, we took the go-pro down this run. The complete run can be seen on the video below. The entire run takes about 30 minutes.
After a long day of sledding on the hills near my house as a kid, where each run is only a few seconds long, I remember having dreams about sledding forever. Sledding down this run feels like that dream come true.
If you come to Switzerland in the winter, I highly recommend giving sledding a try. We’ve taken several of our guests to this sled run, and everyone has loved it. It is particularly great for people who want to experience the magic of the Swiss mountains in winter, but who don’t know how to ski. Just be aware that you may (will) get some bumps and bruises along the way and you may (will) be very sore the next day. All part of the fun.
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