Nestled amidst the postcard-perfect scenery of the Tyrolean Alps, Igls is more than just an escape for nature lovers — it’s also a haven for adrenaline junkies. At Heilgwasserwiese 1, at the foot of the Patscherkofel mountain and the home of Innsbruck’s Olympic bobsleigh track, a new experience awaits us – bob rafting!
Think of it as bobsleigh for beginners with absolutely no prior experience required; you sit in a padded ‘raft’ and are pushed down the 1,270 metre downhill ice track – the same one the bobsleighs use. It was constructed for the 1976 Winter Olympics and is the only artificial ice bobsleigh run in Austria.
Our experience began at building K14, conveniently located near the bobsleigh car park, where there’s also a café. Here we checked in and were provided with lightweight balaclavas to wear under our helmets. A little nervous laughter filled the air as we saw the first bobsleigh come hurtling down the track at break-neck speed. We were also able to watch each descent on a large video screen.
The allotted time for our descent is 5.30pm but we were advised to leave 20 minutes for the walk to the top of the track. It was a brisk, invigorating climb, punctuated by the thrilling spectacle of bobsleighs hurtling down the track with astonishing speed.
As we neared the top, bobsleighs could be seen careening high on the banked corners, seemingly defying gravity and accompanied by a thunderous rumble.
And at the start of the icy labyrinth, a van was being unloaded with two bobsleighs as more experienced participants prepared for their final run of the day.
Here, the bob rafts stood ready, padded for comfort and safety, and resembling oversized toboggans. There were no harnesses, no elaborate seats — just a simple rope to clutch on to.
We were supplied with helmets and awaited our turn with a mix of trepidation and excitement coursing through us.
Moments later and with a bit of a push from behind, we were off! The initial moments felt almost comical as we zigzagged our way along the first stretch before the bob raft found its rhythm. But within seconds, the true nature of the ride revealed itself. Speed built rapidly, the icy track transforming into a blur of white as the cold wind rushed against our faces.
These bob rafts can reach speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour and, with you being so close to the ground, it feels exceptionally fast. It’s like an exhilarating rollercoaster without tracks.
At the finish, an uphill stretch (before a flatter finish) slows the steel-clad bobsleighs to a dignified halt. For us, in our less aerodynamic craft, things played out rather differently. Unable to crest the hill, we found ourselves hurtling backwards down the icy chute — an unexpected encore that sent our hearts racing once more. Unsure whether this was supposed to happen (it was!), we oscillated like a pendulum, rocking back and forth before finally coming to a standstill, with mixed emotions of laughter and adrenaline.
The experience was unforgettable. This isn’t just any old ride but a unique chance to feel the raw thrill and speed that bobsledders go through every time they race, even if you’re not travelling quite as fast.
If you get the opportunity to try it yourself, this is an icy escapade that will leave you grinning long after you’ve finished, and you will even be able to reminisce about your high-speed descent because they provide you access to a video of your experience afterwards. Here’s ours:
Disclosure: Our trip was sponsored by Innsbruck Tourism.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.
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