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Backyard Sled Mountain
You may not have any hills in your yard, but you can still have a
“Backyard Sled Mountain!” If you live in a place where it snows frequently
and temperatures remain near freezing in the winter, you can build a sled run that
everyone will enjoy. This is the cure for those hibernating couch potatoes who shy away
from the cold to play video games or watch television during the winter months. A
“Backyard Sled Mountain” provides an exciting means of exercise and fun for
the whole family.
SAFETY FIRST
As with any activity you plan for your family, safety is the first
priority. Build your sled mountain with safety in mind. Remember to build it wide enough
so that if they slide off the side they will not fall abruptly and harm themselves. Build
your mountain in an area of the yard that provides plenty of sledding room without the
risk of running into any solid object. Set rules for sledding that will help your family
to stay safe while sledding. Make children aware that the sled run should be clear before
anyone else is allowed to sled. Observe the activities that occur on and around the sled
run and make rules accordingly to keep your family safe.
HOW DO YOU BUILD A MOUNTAIN?
What is the best way to build a mountain? A little bit at a time. A
Backyard Sled Mountain doesn’t always start as a mountain. The idea is to build it
little by little as each winter storm passes through. When everybody pitches in with
shoveling and moving snow, it is amazing how quickly a “mountain” can arise
in an otherwise flat yard.
The best time to move snow is on the same day a storm ends. This is
when the snow is light and compactable. Get the family outside after the snow has fallen
with the snow shovels, a wagon or large container for carrying snow, and a little
motivation. Remind everyone that the reward will come when the work is done. If you have
additional tools to push the snow around, by all means, put them to use. Whatever it
takes just move that snow to the location in your yard where it can best be used for
sledding fun.
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SNOW
A systematic approach is key to the success of the mountain building
endeavor. If you are shoveling snow you may be surprised to find that the best method of
recovering the most fresh snow is to begin near the mountain and to shovel away from it.
Push the snow as far as it takes to fill the shovel and then deliver your load to the
mountain. This method prevents you from walking over the snow you intend to shovel and
mashing it down. If you begin near the mountain and work away, you always have a fresh
source of snow that is easy to shovel. If you are using a snow plow or other mechanical
means of pushing snow, the best method will likely be to push the snow toward the
mountain.
SIZE AND PROPORTION
The size of your sled mountain depends on the needs and abilities of
your family. For younger children, a small hill can often be enough. Even a hill two or
three feet high can provide a fun sledding experience for small children. For those who
are more experienced with sledding size is limited only by the boundaries of your yard.
Always keep in mind the abilities and experience of children when building your sled
mountain.
Build the launch ramp with a long and gradual slope. A steep slope
can make for an uncomfortable or even dangerous transition from the ramp to the ground. A
long and gradual slope will assure a smooth and enjoyable ride for your family. Also
provide a wide base with as gradual a slope as possible all the way around the sled
mountain for anyone who may slide off the side. Remember that width is as important as
height for a safe and long-lasting sled mountain. As a rule of thumb, try to make sure
that the launch ramp is at least 3 times longer than the height of the mountain.
DOG HAZARDS
If you have a dog in your yard, keep in mind that you may get more
than you wish for if you shovel too deeply. Dog hazards can be difficult to see
(especially after a fresh snow) so try to shovel lightly and avoid known areas of dog
business. Additionally try to keep your dog secured in a safe place while sledding to
avoid running into and injuring it or anyone else.
PREPARE A PATH
As you are building your mountain it is best to leave fresh snow at
the bottom of the launch ramp as far as those sledding on its path will travel. It is a
good idea to leave a wide area of fresh snow for your path because not every sled ride is
a perfectly straight one. Allow some room for sleds that wander from their straight and
expected destinations.
It is helpful to provide a flat area at the top of the mountain to
allow your family a place to prepare themselves and their sleds for the trip down the
slope. A flat top is safer and for everyone. It is much easier to get safely on the sled
on a flat area before the slope.
COMPACTING THE SNOW
Once you have moved all of the fresh snow and formed the basic shape
of your sled mountain, it is important to compact the snow. It is best to save this step
for last because if you compact the snow before you are done shoveling, you may find that
the snow will not stick to the mountain as you add it. It is best to add all of the snow,
then compact it by patting it down or “combing” the mountain with the smooth
back of your shovel. It is also important as you compact the snow, to contour the launch
ramp toward the inside. This creates a wide “V” shape in the middle of the
ramp that helps to keep sleds from sliding off the side. It also helps to direct sleds
where you want them to go in the yard.
FINE TUNING THE RAMP
When it is possible, get someone on a sled to help you break in the launch ramp. Allow
them to sled and watch for bumpy spots on the ramp. Throw a little lose snow on the bumpy
areas of the ramp and allow have your helper slide over it to compact it down. Use this
method to create a smooth and well-compacted launch ramp.
SLEDDING AT LAST
Finally your “Sled Mountain” is ready for use. Everyone
will be excited to sled down the newly sculpted source of backyard fun. With the mountain
complete you can finally get those couch potatoes out of the house for some active fun
and exercise.
Article and photos by Wes Fessler |
