Where Winter Suddenly Sounds Like a Roller Coaster
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Sometimes all it takes is a slope, a few oversized tubes, and a good dose of speed to make kids’ eyes light up. Snow tubing in Kössen was exactly that kind of winter moment for us. No ski pass, no lessons, no long lift lines. Just zip up your jacket, put on your helmet, and dive straight into the fun.
We headed to the Staffnerhof lift, a small, laid-back spot that’s perfect if you want to get outside right away on arrival day. There are two groomed lanes, big inflatable tubes, and a lift that carries you comfortably back to the top. That lift is the real game changer because it makes the fun instantly repeatable, without parents accidentally signing up for an unexpected cardio session.
After a short briefing and a few clear safety rules, you’re good to go—and it gets fast pretty quickly. That feeling as you race down the hill, half screaming, half laughing, really does feel like a roller coaster ride, just with mountain air and snow all around you. You can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h here. It sounds wilder than it actually feels, but it definitely delivers a solid adrenaline rush.
Good to Know for Snow Tubing with Kids
If you’re going with children, we’d recommend the lane on the right. It’s a little gentler and therefore ideal for families. Another great feature is that you’re allowed to ride in pairs, and the tubes can be connected. For younger or more cautious kids, that takes away a lot of the initial hesitation.
The process itself is simple: at the bottom, you hook your tube onto the lift and are pulled up to the top. As the run begins, the tube automatically detaches. Most of the time, it turns into the correct direction on its own—then you’re off. At the bottom, you simply glide to a stop, hop out, and you’re ready for the next round.
As parents, we especially appreciated that there’s no pressure to perform. No one has to master a technique, no one is faster or better. Everyone shares the same experience—just in their own way.
And right next door, there’s a cozy inn—perfect if your snowy adventure naturally turns into a warm cup of tea afterwards.
Who Will Love Snow Tubing the Most?
Snow tubing is a great fit if you’re looking for:
- an easy, hassle-free winter experience without a ski pass
- a way to get active right away on arrival day
- outdoor movement without technique, lessons, or performance pressure
- an activity for kids who love being outside but don’t necessarily need full ski days
- a proper little adrenaline boost
It’s probably less ideal if you’re already running low on energy.
You’ll find more ideas like sledding or cross-country skiing with kids in our Kaiserwinkl guide with all our tips and highlights.



