Winter sledding is the best item on a family bucket list. This is one activity where almost everything is free. Buy a sled and it will last for years’. Since my children were young anytime we have snow the sleds are packed and ready to go. Where we live it has been several years’ that is has snowed enough that we could sled. This year we were able to go four times in one week. I believe that is a record for us.
Of course when we get there everyone has our same idea and it is packed. Getting a good spot on a hill is important. Sledding makes the time pass quickly so we are there for awhile. Sledding has to be one of the most fun, safest winter activities ever. Each winter we anxiously look forward to being able to hit the sledding slope.
Where to Go
The most important part of winter sledding is a hill. Any hill will do, but the hill should be steep. It should be hard to walk up and down because that is where sleds will get the most use. Small tiny hills are good for when the kids are little and you won’t be out there too long.
That wasn’t always our case because I bundled up my kids with many layers so they would last out in the cold for a while. Now that my sons’ are older they like to build a ramp at the bottom of a snow hill. Then, when the sled hits the ramp it sends them flying into the air. This year, mom hit the ramp, and I didn’t love it as much as they did. I made sure that didn’t happen again.
When is the Best Time to Sled
The best time to go winter sledding is after it has been on the ground for several hours and many other people have been sledding. When the snow gets packed down it becomes slick. The more people go down the hill it gets smoother and smoother until it is like a race track for a sled. We went several yards past each marker we set because the snow was so slick.
Now, going down is great, but coming back up a slippery slope is no joke. Luckily there are trees close to the hill where the snow isn’t packed down. That made it easier to climb. Otherwise it meant trekking down to the small hill to climb back up. Saving on steps means you will have more energy for sledding later.
What Sled is Best
Buying sleds is tricky. They are not all going to go down the hill straight or fast. But, it depends on how fast you want them to go. If you have small children buying a sled with a slick bottom doesn’t make sense. Sleds that have iron runners work really well, and are easier to ride. Our sleds are slick on the bottom, and we go down the hill fast. Our kids have the time of their lives each year.
Another kind of a winter sled is a snow tube. Those work well. I am don’t have one of those because they do not store well. Larger sleds that have room for two people to go down at once sometimes have a tendency to go left or right. Also, they do not go as fast for us. As I mentioned my kids like to go over a ramp.
How to Dress
Dressing for sledding is easy. Layer up. Put on two or three shirts, two pairs of pants, snow pants, jacket, scarf, water repellent gloves, and bring two stocking hats. The more layers the better. In addition to an extra hat, I bring gloves. Also, make sure to wear snow boots that have soles for climbing. When the hill is icy it is hard to walk back up.
If you are looking for a fun family activity that is affordable try sledding. For more tips and ideas on frugal family fun sign up for my newsletter.
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