Slip and Slide ... Your Sledding Guide!

Winter snow means sledding fun! It also means getting your 60 minutes of daily physical activity in an exciting, easy way. Keep in mind that for every slippery ride down the hill, there is a walk back up that is burning calories and keeping us fit. You don’t need a gym membership to keep fit this winter–just a sled and a snowy slope!

Choose your Sled

Pick the one that’s best for you and sled the day away!

• Toboggan (traditional or plastic): low cost, no steering, sit or kneel, for older children.
• Snow racer: comes with steering/braking system, for children over 9.
• Traditional sled: metal runners and steering rein, for children over 6, fast moving.
• sled luge: wide seat sled, steering rope, very quick, for children over 10.
• boogie board: high-density foam, for children over 10, shock absorbing.
• snow saucers: high density plastic, very quick spinning motion, no steering.
• inner tubes: circular shape gives quick spinning motion, no steering.
• ski mat: low cost, for any age group, no steering or cushioning, very fast.

Before you start Sledding...

Choose a Safe Hill:

• Avoid icy surfaces – it is difficult to steer and stop on ice.
• Make sure the hill is free of obstacles such as trees, signs, fences, rocks, holes or jumps.
• Stay away from roads, cars and parking lots, fences, rivers, railway tracks, or other hazards.
• Sled during daylight or on well-lit hills.

Use the Right Gear:

• Wear a properly fitted helmet to protect against head injuries (hockey or ski helmets).
• Dress warmly – hats, mittens, gloves and dry boots.

Supervise:

• Supervise children less than 12 years of age.
• Go on the sled with children under 5 years of age.
• Check children for wet clothes, fatigue and frostbite.
• Always sled sitting down - not head first.

The thrill of riding down an icy hill can quickly lead to injury, reaching speeds up to 50 km/h. At such speeds, a fall or collision can cause serious injury. Fortunately, most sledding injuries can be prevented.

Most sledding injuries are caused by:

• Losing control of sled
• Sliding into another sled or obstacle
• Slipping or falling while sledding
• Failing to wear a helmet

By practicing safe sledding, you will be well on your way to good health and great fun this winter!