Description

Drive to the southern end of Matrai am Brenner village and turn off left to go up Mühlbachl street.

The turning is signposted for "Maria Waldrast" and comes just before a righthand bend. Follow Mühlbachl street for 1.5 km until you reach a parking area on the left, just before a barrier that blocks the road.

Park up and carry on hiking past the barrier and up the road (which from here on is snow covered).

The road winds up through forests for 1.5 hours, at which point you emerge into wide meadows below the Maria Waldrast monastery.

Carry on for 10 more minutes to reach the monastery itself, beneath the imposing and intimidating east face of Serles (2718m). Have a typically delicious and rich Austrian meal before heading back out into the cold.

Jump on your sledge and ride down the specially prepared sledging piste, which is easy to follow and fast without being overly technical or steep. The track rejoins the road you ascended 100 metres above the carpark.