By Jessie Swider
What’s one of the first images that comes to mind when you picture Leavenworth in winter? For many folks, it’s kids of all ages sledding at Leavenworth’s iconic Front St. Park hill. This is especially a must-do for many visitors who will be experiencing snow for the first time. Kids love it and the adults have a pretty good time too.
For something so central to the winter experience, it’s important to keep safety in mind as well. Every winter our local medical center handles dozens of sledding injuries, but the good news is, it’s easy to be safe while sledding in Leavenworth. Here are the main 3 things to consider.
1. Bring the Right Gear
Just like any winter activity it’s important to dress for the weather. A warm hat, jacket, and gloves will keep you comfortable for a full afternoon of sledding fun. Snow pants will help keep you dry and winter boots are a must have for walking back up to the top of the hill.Â
Clothing that allows a full range of motion will allow you to maneuver more easily through snow and ice, not to mention get back up if you take a tumble, but avoid things like scarves that could become caught on the sled or any debris. You may not see most sledders wearing extra safety gear but just like skiing or snowboarding, sledding has a risk for falls at high speeds so some folks might opt for using a helmet and mouth guard as well.
As for the sled? There are many styles and brands to choose from, but stick to a sled designed for the purpose. Make-shift sleds made out of boxes or other materials don’t hold up as well and create more opportunities for falls.
2. Find the Right Spot
All hills are not created equal. You don’t have the same control on a sled that you would with skis or a snowboard so some hills can get you going at unsafe speeds, even for real thrill seekers. For most family-friendly sledding, you want to look for a wide, gently sloped hill with an open area at the base. Avoid spots with lots of trees, shrubs or other hazards or hills next to roads. Finding a hill in the woods sounds like fun, but we recommend sticking to a groomed hill at an established sledding spot. You never know what’s under a fresh blanket of snow.
A great spot for sledding is the hill at Leavenworth’s Front Street Park but even that requires careful supervision of children, especially at the top of the hill which borders Highway 2. Another top option is the sledding hill at the Leavenworth Golf Course. It’s a little more off the beaten path with more sledding space for everyone. If you want to take it up a notch Leavenworth Ski Hill has a tubing section on their hill.
3. Avoid Accidents
The thing about sledding is once you take off it can be pretty difficult to steer or stop. You’re along for the ride! There are a couple things to keep in mind to avoid accidents. The first is to get up and get to the side of the sledding area quickly once you get to the bottom to be out of the way of other sledders. Then, once you’re ready to head back up, walk up the side of the hill away from other people coming down the slope. Lastly, what do you do if a collision is likely and you can’t stop? Your best bet is to tuck in your arms and roll off the sled. It’s usually a lot better to flop onto the snow then crash into a tree or another person.Â
Are you ready for some sledding fun?
Now you’re ready to hit the sledding hill as part of your Leavenworth winter itinerary! Don’t forget Love Leavenworth Vacation Rentals, is your trusted source to book the perfect vacation home for some post-sledding cocoa and relaxation. Give us a call or send us a message today!
