The Rennböckl, a somewhat different winter sports device

A rather curious, but fundamentally very simple device is the so-called Rennböckl. The Rennböckl (also Rennbock or Bock) is an unpowered device consisting of a seat plate with two laterally mounted handles, which is mounted on a kind of runner or a cut-off ski. It is steered simply by shifting weight or also with the legs. In detail, there are different designs and versions from the Kufenböckl to the modern high-tech ski racing billy, but the principle always remains the same.

Although the Rennböckl has been around for many decades, it has not become a mass-produced item. However, a small but enthusiastic fan base cultivates and uses this ski sled with a lot of love and conviction. This is for good reason, because the fun factor with this winter sports equipment is simply unbeatable.

The Rennböckl was invented in Olang, the South Tyrolean tobogganing center at Kronplatz. - At least that's what the people from Olang claim, because other places also claim authorship for themselves. In fact, the Rennböckl probably originated in several regions at the beginning of the 20th century. The oldest patent for such a device - around 15 patents have now been registered worldwide - comes from the USA in 1914; it is a Kufenböckl. The oldest patent for a ski racing billy was also registered in the USA in 1963. In Europe, the first patent dates back to 1939 and was filed in Switzerland.

In Olang, the Rennböckl can only be traced back to 1945. It probably originated because proper sleds were still very expensive at the time, and therefore people made themselves a cheap replacement to get around faster in winter. In the tobogganing stronghold of Olang - venue of a tobogganing world championship and three European championships - the development of such a sports device is of course obvious.

The first Rennböckl were Kufenböckl, with the seat plate mounted on a wooden board cut to a runner shape and reinforced with a metal rail. Later, alpine skis were used as the running surface, with a wooden block between the seat and the ski. Anyone can put together such a ski racing billy with simple means and low costs. However, there are now also industrially produced models (Flizzer, Skifox, etc.). The top models today consist of a carving ski with a metal frame and a padded leather saddle.

The feeling and fun of using such a ski racing billy are unique! Of course, races are also organized. You should definitely try out this quaint winter sport, you won't regret it!