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!
Consider 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. Right here we checked in and have been supplied with light-weight balaclavas to put on underneath our helmets. Just a little nervous laughter crammed the air as we noticed the primary bobsleigh come hurtling down the monitor at break-neck velocity. We have been additionally in a position to watch every descent on a big video display screen.
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 monitor. It was a brisk, invigorating climb, punctuated by the thrilling spectacle of bobsleighs hurtling down the monitor with astonishing velocity.
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 individuals ready for his or her closing 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 equipped with helmets and awaited our flip with a mixture of trepidation and pleasure coursing by 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 manner alongside the primary stretch earlier than the bob raft discovered its rhythm. However inside seconds, the true nature of the experience revealed itself. Velocity constructed quickly, the icy monitor reworking right into a blur of white because the chilly wind rushed in opposition to 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 otherwise. Unable to crest the hill, we discovered ourselves hurtling backwards down the icy chute — an surprising encore that despatched our hearts racing as soon as extra. Not sure 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 experience however a singular likelihood to really feel the uncooked thrill and velocity that bobsledders undergo each time they race, even if you happen to’re not travelling fairly as quick.
For those who 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 be capable 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 trade for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Improvements in Journey ‘Greatest Journey Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of many world’s greatest journey blogs” and “greatest for luxurious” by The Telegraph.
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