The Cresta Run is a natural ice sled or toboggan track that takes its name from the hamlet of Cresta, near St Moritz in Switzerland.
The Cresta Run is just over three quarters of a mile (1,212.5m) long and is actually built every year from fresh snow. It winds its way from above the Leaning Tower in St Moritz, down a steep gully through ten testing corners, past the tiny hamlet of Cresta, and finishes at the village of Celerina.
It was first built in 1884 by Major Bulpetts who founded the St. Moritz Tobogganing Club (SMTC) a few years later - and it is the St. Moritz Tobogganing Club which builds and administers the Cresta Run to this day.
The Cresta Run usually opens two or three days before Christmas every year and continues for nine weeks until the end of February. There are over 30 highly competitive races and riding takes place every morning of the week, weather permitting.
The SMTC is a private members club, but as a non-Member you can ride the Cresta Run too on certain mornings by applying for a season's temporary Membership on the Supplementary List. For your first season and five rides the cost is currently 500 Swiss Francs or about £250 (March 2008). Full details on how to apply are on the SMTC website.
The Cresta has two starting points: Top and Junction. The current record from Top is 50.09 seconds, held by James Sunley.
Anyone who have never ridden the Cresta Run before is classed as a Beginner and receives special attention and a copy of the booklet "Hints to Beginners".
A beginner should, if possible, spend a morning watching riding and inspecting the Run. Then you will need to arrive at the Clubhouse Dressing Room by 7.00am to receive your equipment and application card and attend an introductory talk by the Secretary before riding begins and attend the School for Beginners in the area of Junction Hut, prior to riding.
A Beginner will normally have a minimum of two rides on his first day and the rest of his rides on practice days thereafter.
All beginners start from Junction and are encouraged to go down in a time of between 65 and 75 seconds.
In theory anyway, riders brake using the rakes on their boots and if they are out of control on their way down the Run they are certain to go out at Shuttlecock, the most famous corner of the Run. Fallers at Shuttlecock automatically become members of the Shuttlecock Club and are entitled to wear a Shuttlecock tie.
You will need to arrange insurance for your time of the Cresta Run - you won't be able to ride without it. For those who come unprepared, you can buy insurance cover at the Clubhouse. You will need to wear warm, tough clothing, and bring gloves and goggles. The SMTC provide the rest of the riding equipment and tuition.
To get to St Moritz, most people fly to Zurich and then travel to St Moritz either by train or by hire car. For accommodation, visit the St Moritz hotel website.
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