Sledging in the Swiss Alps bears little resemblance to what most people traditionally consider 'sledding'. This activity in Switzerland has evolved significantly from our simple backyard experience for kids to a real institution enjoyed by people of every age.
You see, generally sledging runs in Switzerland include some sort of transport (gondola, tram, train, etc.) to the top of a very large mountain and then can be up to several kilometers long in length. Let me clarify here: I mean that one single run can be several kilometers long.
Atop the run, you prepare to ride either the traditional wooden sled, or a modern plastic version. The 'rules' are simple: hold onto your lead rope no matter what (or else your sled might be headed downhill without you), reach behind you with your other hand and hold onto the rear of the seat deck, give a little shove, quickly place your feet atop the curved portion of the runners, and down you go.
Steering the sledge is done with your feet. I learned quickly (but unfortunately not quickly enough) that you can steer very well by lifting your feet off the runners and gently touching your heels 
to the snow. If you're too aggressive and dig your heels in too deeply, as I first did, your sledge will turn too quickly and you'll be splayed across the run, covered in snow – and hopefully still holding onto your lead rope.
I found sledging to be particularly fun at night, and much more so during a full moon. It's spectacular to slide along the moonlit run, slipping across the contrasting packed white snow and black moonshadows of towering trees, the chill wind blowing across your face.
After a day of strenuous skiing, hiking, or some other activity, sledging was a great way to round out an outstanding day - and even more so if, with typical Swiss efficiency, your run just happens to end at a warm little chalet restaurant that has bottles of red wine and warm fondue on the table waiting for you.
Logistics: Sledging opportunities abound throughout Switzerland, especially at select mountain ski resorts. For night sledging in Interlaken with a fondue finish, contact the experienced guides at Outdoor Interlaken.
This article was written by Chris Chesak, who was ATTA’s Executive Director of North America/Oceania from 2006 to 2015; the article was originally written for TheActiveTimes.com.