Vienna’s sledding hills now rely solely on natural snowfall for winter fun
Vienna’s sledding hills are now fully dependent on natural snowfall, after years of relying on artificial methods. The city’s municipal parks department, MA42, stopped using snowmaking equipment at least five years ago. Recent heavy snow across Austria has brought both disruptions and fresh opportunities for winter fun.
The decision to abandon artificial snow came from Thomas Steinhart, director of MA42. He cited environmental concerns and rising costs as key reasons for the change. Vienna’s winters have grown milder, making it harder to maintain machine-made snow, which needs days of subzero temperatures to stay intact.
Sledding fans now wait for real snow to enjoy the city’s designated slopes. The MA42 confirms that all official sledding hills open as soon as natural snow covers them. A full list of locations is available on the City of Vienna’s website at www.wien.gv.at/freizeit/rodeln.
This winter’s heavy snowfall has caused travel delays and school closures. But it has also created ideal conditions for sledding, giving residents a chance to make the most of the season.
The shift away from artificial snow marks a permanent change in how Vienna manages its sledding sites. With no plans to reintroduce snow machines, the city’s slopes will remain open only when nature provides. For now, the recent snowfall means plenty of chances to enjoy the hills while they last.
