Olympic Bob Track

The history of the Olympic Bob track in the Engadin region starts at the end of the 19th century. The mainly British winter guests searched for a place to practice the newly invented sport. The bobsled was first put into operation in 1904. The oldest bob track in the world is still the only track made from natural ice.

Artificial snow is produced by means of three snow guns – about 5,000 cubic meters of frozen water. Trucks distribute the snow on the track, and then diligent digging starts. They dig like moles for the first few weeks, said the senior member of the construction crew. What we need is good craftsmanship. Sound judgement for proportion. Few computers and modern technology are used. Alignment is done using fixed points such as markings on trees or on a concrete shaft.

Back in the narrow Bob, which starts slowly but after a few meters the pace rises rapidly. Heading straight you speed towards a wall of ice going about 130 km per hour. Sunny Corner. Keep on going. Keep your head up. You can feel the great centrifugal force in the banked curve «Horse Shoe». 75 seconds later, the madness is over. How about your legs? Still trembling slightly. The huge smile on your face cannot be removed, and as a reminder, there's a certificate and a lapel pin.