In the luge and bobsleigh events, competitors hurl themselves down an icy sled track. The 1,360-meter (4,460-foot) course on Mt. Iizuna, on the outskirts of Nagano City, is drawing international attention because it is the first in the world to include two uphill stretches. It was designed to follow the natural mountain contours as closely as possible so as not to harm the environment.

The fence around the course has holes to allow passage of small animals such as tanuki (Japanese badgers) and rabbits. Many sled courses use track refrigerants containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that destroy the ozone layer, but Nagano will rely on a safer system using ammonia to maintain an icy coating on the track. The concept of attempting to respect the lay of the land and preserve the habitat of valuable plants and animals is being used in various ways in the design of the Olympic event venues.