Handmade since 1904

The bobsleigh track is often lovingly referred to as the world’s largest ice sculpture. Would you call that a tribute to craftsmanship?
Absolutely. It’s undeniably the longest ice sculpture in the world, stretching a total of two kilometres, including the run-out. 1,722 metres of official racetrack, with an impressive 19 curves. And yes, it truly is a masterpiece of craftsmanship! Since its inception in 1904, the track has been meticulously rebuilt every year in just about three and a half weeks. Remarkably, no chemical additives are used – the entire track is built with nothing but elbow grease, snow, and water.

Construction has always been carried out by a well-coordinated team.
For generations, we’ve relied on a highly skilled and well-coordinated team from South Tyrol. The core team is made up of twelve men, supported by a few additional workers who rotate each year. In total, there are 15 team members – cook included! The team brings decades of expertise to the table. Take Alfred Nischler, for example. He’s been with the team for an astonishing 43 seasons and knows every detail of his section, the legendary Horse-Shoe curve, like the back of his hand.
The team arrives at the end of November to begin building the track and stays until the season wraps up in mid-March. Construction is carried out methodically, section by section, guided by a meticulously kept booklet containing precise measurements for the track. Using landmarks like trees and terrain features, they measure and recreate each point of the track piece by piece. The track is rebuilt to near perfection each year, deviating by only a few millimetres – a testament to their unparalleled craftsmanship.

Building the track is one challenge, maintaining it throughout the season is another. How does the work continue during the season?
Over the course of the 75 operating days, the bobsleigh track is divided into sections, with each team member responsible for their own sector. While teamwork takes centre stage during the construction phase, the dynamic shifts during the season. Each section becomes almost sacred territory, with every team member taking immense pride in their part of the track. Even on days off, they are reluctant to hand over their section to someone else!

Can professional bobsledders tell the difference between a track made of artificial ice and a track made of natural ice?
It all comes down to the final 10 centimetres. This is where the expertise and precision of the track crew play a crucial role. Thanks to our highly skilled and experienced team, the ice is crafted to feel as smooth as a perfectly laid carpet. Riding on it is like floating, and that’s exactly why professionals love coming here. The track demands a certain level of finesse and patience, but for those who master it, the experience is unrivalled.

As the manager of the Bob Run and a former skeleton racer, do you have a favourite section?
I find the three curves – Devil's Dyke, Nameless, and Tree – particularly thrilling (see track map below). Nameless, although small, is a pivotal curve. Mastering it sets the tone for navigating the following curves successfully. As a racer, this section offers a chance to genuinely enjoy the ride. Towards the bottom, in the fastest part of the track just before the Martineau curve, a 4-man bobsleigh can reach speeds of up to 150 km/h! That’s an adrenaline rush like no other.

How often do you get to ride during the season?
About 15 times. I aim to do at least one ride per week, and for two good reasons: firstly, it helps me stay familiar with the track so I can have informed conversations with the athletes. And secondly, I just love it – there’s nothing quite like the thrill of the ride!

Which section offers the best view of the race?
The Horse Shoe and the Start are definitely the highlights. The Horse Shoe is truly spectacular – professional drivers navigate it in just about 1.4 seconds! At the start, it’s all about precision and choreography: who jumps into the bobsleigh and when. For skeleton racers, the start is particularly fascinating. They leap onto their sleds as quickly as possible, but with a grace that’s almost like performing a handstand—it’s incredibly elegant. The best view is from the spectator terrace, which is not only the best vantage point but also the sunniest spot on the track!

And then there are the guest bobsleigh rides - perfect for those who want to experience the thrill first hand.
Each season, around 3,000 people take the plunge and go on a guest bobsleigh ride. Interestingly, it’s often those who are most hesitant at the start who end up enjoying it the most. Hurtling down the world’s only natural ice track at speeds of around 135 km/h is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. And to top it off, every participant receives a certificate to commemorate their adventure!

Gregor Stähli has been at the helm of the Olympia Bob Run for four years. A former professional skeleton racer, he has known – and cherished – the natural ice track since childhood. At just five years old, he was already pushing his father’s skeleton sled to the start line, marking the beginning of a lifelong connection to this iconic venue.