This super long sled run is a lot of fun and has fantastic mountain views, maybe our favorite sled run we’ve done in Switzerland. Of course, it depends on the snow conditions, so pick a day with soft snow so you have more control steering. You can get a sledding ticket sled for all day, half-day or just sled down once after doing a winter hike like we did. There’s sled rental on site but they sell out quickly for this popular activity, so best to go early so you don’t miss out.
Note: Because of this ski resort’s the low elevation, this sled run is usually not open the whole season, so check the status before heading out.
| Location: | Central Switzerland |
| Address: | Stockalp-Melchsee cable car Stöckalp, 6067 Melchtal |
| By car: | Parking: next to cable car: (46°48’11.8″N 8°16’45.8″E) From Lucerne 35 mins, Zürich 1hr20 |
| By transit: | Bus stop: Stöckalp From Lucerne 1hr10, Zürich 2hr15 |
| Length: | 8 km sled run, about 40 mins, descending 800m of elevation |
| Difficulty: | moderate |
| Lift type: | gondola to reach top of sled run |
| Prices 2021: | Sledding day pass for gondola: CHF 41/adult, CHF 31/youth, CHF 20/child 6-15 Sled rental: CHF 18/day |
| More info: | www.melchsee-frutt.ch • webcam • current conditions |
Location
The Melchsee-Frutt mountain resort is located in central Switzerland, south of Lucerne. It’s easily accessed by car or bus.
Winter map
The sled run starts at the top of the gondola and goes down 8 km to the valley station, as shown on the map below.
This map shows generally where the sled run goes. It may differ when you go. Make sure to follow the sledding trail signs.
Getting there
By car: Drive to Sarnen, then turn east on Sarnenstrasse following signs to Stöckalp (46°48’11.8″N 8°16’45.8″E). There is a large metered parking lot next to the cable car station.
By public transport: Take a train to Sarnen Nord, then a bus to Stöckalp. The bus drops off at the cable car station.
Ticket prices
If you want to do the sled run multiple times, get a sledding day or half-day pass, which includes unlimited rides on the Stockalp-Melchsee Frutt gondola. In 2021, a sledding day pass costs CHF 41/adult, CHF 31/youth (16-19), CHF 20/child (6-15), under 6 free. See current prices.
If you are doing a winter hike and just doing the sled run one time after the hike, then buy only one way for the gondola since you are sledding back down. In 2021/22, a single ride up the gondola cost:
- CHF 21/adult
- CHF 16.80/youth (16-19) and seniors (64+)
- CHF 10.50/SBB Half-fare/GA and children (6-15)
- Free – kids under 6
Sled rental
You can rent sleds at the top gondola station for CHF 18/day or CHF 10/half-day after 1pm or night sledding after 17:30. The sleds are high quality racing sleds with webbed seats. They can fit an adult and small child. On busy days, sleds can be rented out. So best to go early to make sure you get a sled.
Opening times
Winter season at Melchsee Frutt is usually from mid December to early April. The Stockalp-Melchsee Frutt gondola run daily from 8:30 – 17:30. The sled run is open for night sledding on Friday and Saturday evenings until 19:30. Check lift and sled run status.
Photos of sled run
Here’s the Melchsee Frutt parking.
Small gondola pods that fit about 8 people, or less with sleds.
Looking back on the valley station, where you’ll end the sled run later.
The sled run as seen from above.
We started our day with the Blausee snowshoe hike, pretty easy at 4km and 156m up/down. See trail details.
After the hike, we dropped off our snowshoes at the gondola station to be sent down to the valley. Then we rented our sleds. These sleds are fantastic! Really easy to control and smooth to ride.
A couple steep bits but not too bad, even for this timid mama. The boys thought it was awesome.
Lots of curves.
Make sure to follow the purple sledding signs so you don’t accidently end up on a steep ski piste.
Lots of the trail is on a narrow trail shared with skiers and no barrier on the side. So careful not fly off the edge.
Sometimes you briefly share the sled run with skiers. Be courteous.
Epic views on this sled run!
I didn’t take more pictures after this because I was having so much fun. The end of the trail goes into the forest a bit and joins up with the ski piste for awhile. Have fun out there!
