5 misconceptions about sledding
Myth 1: "Tobogganing is only for children".
What, after the age of 7, there's no way to wash the slopes on your bottom? No, sledding is a mountain sport for all ages.
With the right equipment, such as rail sleds or traditional sleds, thrills are guaranteed for children and adults alike.
Rail luge, also known as "rail luge" or "mountain roller coaster", is an attraction that combines the sensations of traditional luge with those of a roller coaster (I'll pass🤢).
Incidentally, luge features in international competitions, including the Winter Olympics, where it has been a discipline in its own right since 1964. Competitors battle it out on specially designed ice tracks, seeking to reach high speeds while perfectly controlling their trajectory.
Myth 2: "Tobogganing requires no skill".
Is that so? But a little more than just sitting on the couch. Tobogganing requires mastery of speed and trajectory, especially on the winding toboggan runs of ski resorts. For children and adults alike, sledging therefore requiresbalance and a certain ability to react, especially if you practice rail sledding or sledding on specific slopes.
As for the sport of luge, it demands a high level of skill and mastery. Tobogganists need excellent body control, good coordination and the ability to make quick decisions at high speeds.
Myth 3: "Tobogganing is less sporty than skiing".
Tobogganing is often seen as less demanding than downhill or cross-country skiing. However, it can be an excellent way of getting in some cardio training, especially when going up the slopes. For children, it's also a fun way to learn about physical effort in the mountains.
You only have to follow the training of the sledgers to be convinced: they work on their physical strength, endurance and flexibility to control the sled and resist the intense G-forces during turns.
Myth 4: "Tobogganing is dangerous".
It's true that luge is more dangerous than raclette. No, it's true, like all winter sports, it can present risks. However, with the right equipment, such as a ski helmet, and responsible practice, luge is a safe snow sport for children and adults alike. Toboggan runs are often designed to ensure safety for all.
To make sure you don't have an accident, there are a few things you need to know:
- Wear a helmet and goggles
- Choose suitable trails in good condition, free from dangerous obstacles such as stones, branches or large blocks of ice.
- Avoid sledding if the slope is too crowded.
- Control your speed,
- Keep your feet pointed forward, ready to brake or steer, and never cross them.
Myth 5: "Tobogganing is limited to the ski slopes".
And ... no, missed again!
Tobogganing can be practised on a variety of terrain.
Some mountain leisure parks offer toboggan runs, including rail-mounted sledges that can be used in both summer and winter.
Natural toboggan runs can also be found on hills or in parks. These trails are not always supervised, so... be careful!
Hiking toboggans, for example, offer a different way of exploring the mountains, away from the lifts and crowds. For toddlers, it's a gentle introduction to mountain sports ⛰.
Finally, in snowy regions, city parks and some natural hills can serve as improvised toboggan runs, especially for children. But here again, be careful 👌.
The crazy number 🤪
Did you know that a tobogganer can reach speeds of over 150 km/h? When we tell you that tobogganing is sporty...
The prescription for sledging 📝
💙 Stimulates cardio 💪 Strengthens muscles 🌬Provides a breath of pure oxygen in the middle of nature.
