Europe’s Longest Toboggan Run is Waiting for You

This ski season, a totally new experience is waiting for the winter holidaymaker at the ski resort of Val Thorens in France – the amazing 6 kilometre toboggan run, Le Toboggan, is perfect for everybody. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an expert, you’ll be amazed by the ride.

Designed and Maintained for your Enjoyment and Safety

The run has been designed by experts to provide the perfect experience for everybody. Raised bends and varied slopes, maintained throughout the ski season by the run’s trained staff, add to the fun and excitement.

The 6km marked run, with a vertical drop of 700 meters, can take up to 45 minutes to complete. As you ride down the course at speeds that can reach up to 60km per hour, you’ll still have time to enjoy the spectacular scenery – but watch out for those tight bends and bumps!

Ride alone or with friends. Have a race to see who gets to the finish line first. We even know of one person who proposed to his girlfriend in the middle of their ride!

When you reach the bottom and return your equipment, a free glass of warm, mulled wine will be waiting for you.

Getting to the Starters’ Gate

To get to the run’s starting point, you use the Peclet Funitel (cable car). Before boarding the car for the 10 minute, 3000-meter ascent – which is an experience in its own right - stop at the Le Toboggan rental shop to buy your tickets, get your toboggan and rent any equipment you may need. When you reach the top, it’s time to begin the run back down. You can start your descent whenever you want, so you have time to admire the view and take some photographs – in fact, we recommend it!

Watch Out for the Bumps!

The run has been designed to maximise excitement and enjoyment, but also to be as safe as possible so that almost anybody can enjoy it. But remember, this is the ski season and hundreds of people will be using the run every day. The snow may be a bit bumpy and you may even end up colliding with one of the walls.

But this is nothing like the bobsledding that you may have seen on the TV. You remain in control as you use your body, your hands and your feet to steer and control your speed. You can even stop for a rest along the way!

Important Info for this Ski Season

• Tickets can be bought at the Chalet du Toboggan, near the Cascades chairlift.• One run costs €14.50, two runs €22.50 and the evening run costs €22.00.• Children between the ages of 5 and 10, less than 1.25 meters tall, ride free on their parents’ toboggan.• The run is open every day from 10am to 3.30pm.• It’s also open 3 nights a week, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 5.30pm to 6.30am, but you must book in advance.• Helmets and gloves are compulsory and, as you’ll be starting at 3000 meters high, we recommend dressing warmly and wearing snow goggles.• Bad weather can close the run but tickets bought for that day can be used later.When you’re on you ski holiday in the Val Thorens area, why not try out Le Toboggan – we know you’ll enjoy it and will be back for more!

Happy Skiing!

Belinda Smythson works for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service that has been helping avid skiers craft their perfect winter holiday for over a quarter of a century. If you're planning a getaway this ski season to the Three Valleys, Paradiski, Espace Killy or Chamonix Valley, Ski Amis is the go-to company for winter sports fans searching for the holiday of a lifetime.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.