Laas Natural Track Luge World Cup
Elite natural track luge on the Gafair track in Laas, Vinschgau Valley
About Laas Natural Track Luge
Natural track luge in Laas
The Gafair natural track in Laas, located in the Vinschgau Valley in the Province of Bolzano (Trentino-Alto Adige), is one of the European temples of natural track luge (Naturbahnrodeln). Situated on the edge of the Stelvio National Park, the icy track winds for about 800 meters through the Gafair Valley, hosting the sport's premier events each winter: FIL World Cup stages and, when the international rotation allows, major championships.
A discipline at home in South Tyrol
Unlike Olympic artificial track luge, Naturbahnrodeln takes place on natural icy tracks without banked walls: tight curves, jumps, and a surface that changes with the weather test the athletes' technique and nerves. It is a deep-rooted tradition in South Tyrol and in Laas, where the ASC Lasa Raiffeisen (the "Laaser Rodler") has been cultivating a nursery of champions for decades; some of Italy's best lugers grew up on this very track.
World Cup and European Championships
The Gafair track is a recurring stop on the World Cup circuit, often scheduled in early January as a final test before the World Championships. In January 2026, Laas hosted the 31st Alpine European Natural Track Luge Championships, featuring athletes from twelve nations and a South Tyrolean dominance on the podium. Races include men's singles, women's singles, and doubles, with award ceremonies held at the end of each day.
How to experience the event
Spectator access along the track is traditionally free: you can watch the descents directly trackside, set in a high-mountain context among the apple orchards and pastures of the Vinschgau Valley. The event is a perfect opportunity to discover Laas, famous for its prized white marble, and the entire Schlanders-Laas district.
Laas Natural Track Luge — edition 2026
From January 23 to 25, 2026, the Gafair natural track in Laas (Vinschgau Valley, Province of Bolzano) was the stage for the 31st Alpine European Natural Track Luge Championships (Naturbahnrodeln), organized by ASC Lasa Raiffeisen with athletes from twelve nations.
Despite heavy snowfall during the races, the edition was a South Tyrolean triumph: Italy topped the medal table with three golds, one silver, and two bronzes, ahead of Austria and Germany. Sixteen-year-old Nina Castiglioni won the women's singles, while Daniel Gruber took the men's singles ahead of his compatriots Alex Oberhofer (from Laas) and Fabian Brunner. In the doubles, brothers Matthias and Peter Lambacher claimed victory.
Programme Laas Natural Track Luge 2026
Program — January 23-25, 2026
Alpine European Natural Track Luge Championships, 31st edition, on the Gafair track.
- Official training and track inspections during the first days
- Doubles race
- Women's singles (first run and final)
- Men's singles (first run and final)
- Award ceremonies at the end of each race
Main results
Women's singles: 1. Nina Castiglioni (ITA); 2. Riccarda Ruetz (AUT); 3. Lisa Walch (GER).
Men's singles: 1. Daniel Gruber (ITA); 2. Alex Oberhofer (ITA); 3. Fabian Brunner (ITA).
Doubles: 1. Matthias and Peter Lambacher (ITA); 2. Maximilian Pichler / Nico Edlinger (AUT); 3. Tobias Paur / Andreas Hofer (ITA).
Highlights Laas Natural Track Luge 2026
Prices Laas Natural Track Luge 2026
Practical information — Laas Natural Track Luge
Location
Gafair natural track, Laas, Vinschgau Valley, Province of Bolzano. The track is located along the Gafair Valley, on the edge of the Stelvio National Park.
Getting there
Laas is accessible by car via the SS38 Vinschgau road and by train on the Merano-Malles line (Laas station). It is about a 90-minute journey from Bolzano.
Admission and organization
Sports event organized by ASC Lasa Raiffeisen (Laaser Rodler). Spectator access trackside is generally free. Dates and programs for each season are published on the club's website.
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Where does it take place — Laas Natural Track Luge
Naturrodelbahn Gafair
Pista Gafair, 39023 Lasa/Laas