Nestled amidst the postcard-perfect surroundings of the Tyrolean Alps, Igls is extra than simply an escape for nature lovers — it’s additionally a haven for adrenaline junkies. At Heilgwasserwiese 1, on the foot of the Patscherkofel mountain and the house of Innsbruck’s Olympic bobsleigh monitor, a brand new expertise awaits us – bob rafting!
Think of it as bobsleigh for freshmen with completely no prior expertise required; you sit in a padded ‘raft’ and are pushed down the 1,270 metre downhill ice monitor – the identical one the bobsleighs use. It was constructed for the 1976 Winter Olympics and is the one synthetic ice bobsleigh run in Austria.
Our expertise started at constructing K14, conveniently situated close to the bobsleigh automobile park, the place there’s additionally a café. Here we checked in and have been supplied with light-weight balaclavas to put on beneath our helmets. A little bit nervous laughter stuffed the air as we noticed the primary bobsleigh come hurtling down the monitor at break-neck pace. We have been additionally capable of watch every descent on a big video display screen.
The allotted time for our descent is 5.30pm however we have been suggested to depart 20 minutes for the stroll to the highest of the monitor. It was a brisk, invigorating climb, punctuated by the thrilling spectacle of bobsleighs hurtling down the monitor with astonishing pace.
As we neared the highest, bobsleighs may very well be seen careening excessive on the banked corners, seemingly defying gravity and accompanied by a thunderous rumble.
And firstly of the icy labyrinth, a van was being unloaded with two bobsleighs as extra skilled members ready for his or her last run of the day.
Here, the bob rafts stood prepared, padded for consolation and security, and resembling outsized toboggans. There have been no harnesses, no elaborate seats — only a easy rope to clutch on to.
We have been equipped with helmets and awaited our flip with a mixture of trepidation and pleasure coursing via us.
Moments later and with a little bit of a push from behind, we have been off! The preliminary moments felt nearly comical as we zigzagged our method alongside the primary stretch earlier than the bob raft discovered its rhythm. But inside seconds, the true nature of the trip revealed itself. Speed constructed quickly, the icy monitor remodeling right into a blur of white because the chilly wind rushed towards our faces.
These bob rafts can attain speeds of as much as 100 kilometres per hour and, with you being so near the bottom, it feels exceptionally quick. It’s like an exhilarating rollercoaster with out tracks.
At the end, an uphill stretch (earlier than a flatter end) slows the steel-clad bobsleighs to a dignified halt. For us, in our much less aerodynamic craft, issues performed out reasonably in a different way. Unable to crest the hill, we discovered ourselves hurtling backwards down the icy chute — an sudden encore that despatched our hearts racing as soon as extra. Unsure whether or not this was speculated to occur (it was!), we oscillated like a pendulum, rocking backwards and forwards earlier than lastly coming to a standstill, with blended feelings of laughter and adrenaline.
The expertise was unforgettable. This isn’t simply any outdated trip however a singular likelihood to really feel the uncooked thrill and pace that bobsledders undergo each time they race, even should you’re not travelling fairly as quick.
If you get the chance to strive it your self, that is an icy escapade that can go away you grinning lengthy after you’ve completed, and you’ll even have the ability to reminisce about your high-speed descent as a result of they supply you entry to a video of your expertise afterwards. Here’s ours:
Disclosure: Our journey was sponsored by Innsbruck Tourism.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has labored within the journey business for greater than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. In addition to different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.
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