This exciting sled run is on the Gornergrat mountain high above Zermatt. It's a fun ride, but perhaps the best part is the Matterhorn views, which makes it feel quite special.

We did this sled run after visiting the Gornergrat viewpoint, one train stop higher up the mountain.

Sledding Route

You reach the sled run with the Gornergrat mountain train, which starts in Zermatt across the street from the main train station.

The sled run starts at the Rotenboden stop. It goes 1.5km, descending about 210m down to the Riffelberg stop. It takes about 10 mins.

It's one of the shortest sled runs we've done in Switzerland. You'll definitely want to do it a few times to feel satisfied and get your money's worth.

Opening times

The sled run is typically open from the end of December through beginning of April. Check current status.

The sledding day passes are good for unlimited rides from 11:00 - 16:00.

Tickets

Here are your ticket options. If you are confused, just go to the Gornergrat ticket office and explain what you want to do and they will advise you on the best ticket.

All passes (except the ski pass) are discounted with the Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Half Fare Card, and GA.

Sledging Day Pass

If you only want sled multiple times, you can get a Sledging Day Pass. This pass includes riding the Gornergrat train from Zermatt to Rotenboden where the sled run starts. It also includes unlimited rides between Riffelalp (end of sled run) back up to Rotenboden (from 11:00 am to 3:40 pm), so you can sled multiple times.

The pass includes your sled rental, which you can pick at up Rotenboden.

SnowFunPass - half or full day

If you want to visit the Gornergrat viewpoint and sled multiple times (and optionally snowshoe), get the SnowFunPass instead. This pass includes the mountain train up to the Gornergrat viewpoint (one past Rotenboden) and ride down to Rotenboden, the start of the sled run.

It also includes unlimited rides between Riffelalp (end of sled run) back up to Rotenboden (from 11:00 am to 3:40 pm), so you can sled multiple times.

This pass includes sled rental and snowshoe rental, which you can pick at up Rotenboden.

You can buy a Full Day or Half Day (valid from 12.15) version of this pass.

Gornergrat return ticket

If you want to visiting the Gornergrat viewpoint and sled only one time on your way down, get a return ticket to the Gornergrat. It allows you to get off at Rotenboden, sled down to Riffelberg, then get back on the train to continue your journey down to Zermatt. This ticket does not include sled rental, which must be paid for individually at Rotenboden.

Zermatt ski pass

If you have a Zermatt ski pass for the day, it includes the Gornergrat train that accesses the sled run. You don't need a different sledding pass. But you will need to rent a sled at Rotenboden.

Sled Rental

You can rent sleds at the Rotenboden train station on the mountain. They have different sled styles. We prefer the wooden sled with a fabric seat, which find more comfortable and easier to control.

If you have a Sledging Day Pass or SnowFunPass, it includes the sled rental. Show your pass at the Rotenboden rental booth.

If you are only sledding one time down, you can pay at the sled rental booth. We had to pay in cash when we went.

What to wear sledding

You must wear sturdy waterproof boots when sledding since you use your heels to steer and brake. It could be quite dangerous with the wrong footwear. Otherwise, you will want warm under layers, waterproof outer layers and gloves. See my Sledding 101 article for more info.

See video of this sled run.