Sledging Preda–Bergün: by Albula Railway from Bever

A pass road that belongs to the sledges in winter

In summer, cars and motorbikes drive over the Albula Pass. In winter, the road between Preda and Bergün stays closed, is groomed – and becomes one of the best-known sledging runs in Switzerland. Around 6 kilometres and about 400 metres of descent take you through snowy forest, past the hamlet of Naz and under the viaducts of the Albula line. You start at 1789 m at the top and arrive in Bergün at around 1390 m at the bottom.

What makes it special: the Rhaetian Railway runs between the finish and the start. You board the train in Bergün, travel through spiral tunnels and over viaducts back up to Preda – and sledge down again. The Albula line has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008; rarely is a ski lift this beautiful.

From Bever to Preda: just one tunnel

From Bever, the Albula line runs through the Albula Tunnel straight to Preda. The new tunnel is 5864 m long and has been in service since 2024; the old one from 1903 now serves as a rescue tunnel. Chesa Michel is a few minutes’ walk from Bever station – so you can set off in your ski trousers and be at the start shortly afterwards.

• Outward journey: during the day, the InterRegio to Chur usually does not stop in Bever. Take the regional train or the bus to Samedan and change there; it is around 20 minutes to Preda, with hourly departures.
• Return journey: from Preda, trains towards St. Moritz run directly to Bever in about 10 minutes. From Bergün it takes around 28 minutes.
• Last train: trains run back to Bever in the evening. Check beforehand in the SBB timetable or with the Rhaetian Railway when the last one leaves – especially if you plan to sledge until late.

By car it is awkward: the Albula Pass is closed in winter, and you can only reach Bergün via the Julier and Tiefencastel (about 1 h 25 min). The train is clearly the better choice here.

Day or night? Times and prices

The run is open during the day and floodlit until late on most evenings of the week – night sledging is part of the experience here. Depending on snow, the season runs roughly from mid-December to mid-March; if snow is scarce, the start can be postponed.

There are day tickets and single runs, each including the Bergün–Preda train, with reductions for children and with a Half Fare, GA or Junior travelcard. The day ticket is valid for unlimited journeys on the train between Bergün and Preda and on the chairlift to Darlux. Current times and prices: Bergün Filisur Tourism. In recent years there have also been RailAway discount offers in January.

Hiring a sledge – and choosing the right one

Sledges are available at Bergün station and in Preda in a wooden chalet around 150 m from the station at the start. You can choose between leisure toboggans, two-seaters and sports toboggans. You can also hire a helmet, goggles and brake soles. Important for the evening: late in the evening, the hire point in Preda is no longer staffed. If you want to ride until closing in the evening, hire in Bergün.

Sledges with metal runners are permitted. Snow racers, bobs and plastic sledges are not allowed, and you ride sitting down. The hire shops recommend steerable toboggans rather than the classic “Davoser” sledge – on the long run with its bends, it makes a noticeable difference. Your kit should include shoes with good grip (not ski boots), warm gloves, goggles and a helmet. A helmet is not compulsory but is strongly recommended: on an icy run you pick up speed quickly.

Our tips for a good day’s sledging

• Start early: in the morning, soon after opening, the run is at its best groomed and at its quietest.
• Book at weekends: during the holidays, hire sledges are in short supply. Booking online is worthwhile (the hire shop most recently gave a discount on online bookings).
• There is nowhere to stop on the way. Bring snacks and a thermos flask – or plan your break in Bergün.
• Night sledging in January: the run is then often harder and faster than during the day. If you come with children, it is better to ride in the afternoon and take an early train back to Bever.
• Dogs: the operators’ information is contradictory. Ask beforehand.

Bergün: museum, church and après-sledging

Bergün is worth a look of its own. The Albula Railway Museum right by the station tells the story of the line, with vehicles, models and a Büfèt (café). Opening times and any closures: Albula Railway Museum. The village itself has beautiful Graubünden houses and a church with a painted tower. At the Darlux valley station, an après-sledging bar awaits.

If you want more: a second, steeper sledging run leads from Darlux to Bergün (around 4 km, 500 metres of descent, intermediate to difficult, daytime only). It is included in the day ticket; the hire shops advise against taking a sports toboggan there.

Sledging in the Upper Engadin: the alternatives

Preda–Bergün is the longest run in the region, but not the only one. The lengths come from the region’s snow sports report:

The Crasta Mora run is our tip for a first winter evening: it starts above Bever in the larch forest, and you need neither train nor car. On Muottas Muragl, on the other hand, the bends and speed are made for experienced sledgers.

Around the outing

If you would like to combine the day in Bergün with a ride over the Landwasser Viaduct, travel a few stops further to Filisur. You can read more about the line in the article On the Bernina Express through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for ski days you will find everything about tickets in the article Engadin ski pass. After sledging, gloves and shoes dry in the ski room at Chesa Michel – and the kitchen is ready for a fondue.

More inspiration in the Journal – or view the holiday apartments and check availability.