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 observe, a brand new expertise awaits us – bob rafting!
Consider it as bobsleigh for rookies with completely no prior expertise required; you sit in a padded ‘raft’ and are pushed down the 1,270 metre downhill ice observe – 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 positioned close to the bobsleigh automotive park, the place there’s additionally a café. Right here we checked in and have been supplied with light-weight balaclavas to put on below our helmets. A bit of nervous laughter crammed the air as we noticed the primary bobsleigh come hurtling down the observe at break-neck pace. We have been additionally in a position to watch every descent on a big video display.
The allotted time for our descent is 5.30pm however we have been suggested to go away 20 minutes for the stroll to the highest of the observe. It was a brisk, invigorating climb, punctuated by the thrilling spectacle of bobsleighs hurtling down the observe with astonishing pace.
As we neared the highest, bobsleighs might be seen careening excessive on the banked corners, seemingly defying gravity and accompanied by a thunderous rumble.
And in the beginning of the icy labyrinth, a van was being unloaded with two bobsleighs as extra skilled contributors ready for his or her last run of the day.
Right 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 provided with helmets and awaited our flip with a mixture of trepidation and pleasure coursing by means of 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 means alongside the primary stretch earlier than the bob raft discovered its rhythm. However inside seconds, the true nature of the journey revealed itself. Pace constructed quickly, the icy observe 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.
On 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 somewhat in another 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. Not sure whether or not this was alleged to occur (it was!), we oscillated like a pendulum, rocking forwards and backwards earlier than lastly coming to a standstill, with blended feelings of laughter and adrenaline.
The expertise was unforgettable. This isn’t simply any previous journey however a singular probability to really feel the uncooked thrill and pace that bobsledders undergo each time they race, even when you’re not travelling fairly as quick.
When you get the chance to strive it your self, that is an icy escapade that may depart 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. Right here’s ours:
Disclosure: Our journey was sponsored by Innsbruck Tourism.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxurious Journey Weblog and has labored within the journey business for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Improvements in Journey ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. Along with 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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