Underestimated dangers

When the fun on the toboggan run comes to an abrupt end

Symbolic image.

(Bild: ZOOM.TIROL)

A series of accidents on sledges in Salzburg: just on New Year's Day, two holidaymakers had an accident. The dangers are often underestimated by winter sports enthusiasts.  

The fun of tobogganing should actually be unbeatable: Once the ascent is done, there is usually a social get-together in the huts and then up on the toboggan.

You don't need any previous experience to whizz down to the valley on a toboggan, sledge or bobsleigh. However, there are often underestimated dangers lurking along the mostly seemingly harmless routes. Braking maneuvers can suddenly be in vain on a covered layer of ice. Risk number one: trees or poles at the edge of the track if the toboggan can no longer be steered.

Only on New Year's Day there were several accidents in Salzburg: A 70-year-old holidaymaker from the USA fell on the six-kilometer natural toboggan run on the Biberg in Saalfelden. He was unable to brake, crashed into a lighting pole and seriously injured his pelvis. And in Lungau, the tobogganing fun came to an abrupt end for a 22-year-old vacationer. The young woman went off the track in the Preber area and crashed into a wooded area. Mountain rescuers rescued the seriously injured woman.

Tips for the safest possible tobogganing
The following tips should be observed for maximum safety when tobogganing. Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended. If children are riding along, it is important to ensure the best seating position on the toboggan: They should sit at the back and the heavy person at the front.

If you want to pick up speed: If possible, don't brake with your heels in a panic, but always place the entire sole of your foot next to the runners of the toboggan. This also prevents leg injuries.