Slide Sledge

Slide Sledge

The Little Terra Guide to Sledging

Grown ups might grumble about it and just a few centimetres can throw the country into chaos, but there's no getting away from it - kids of all ages just love the white stuff.

So if you're snowed in, can't get in to work, stuck at home with the children because their school has closed, then make the most of it - and get out playing. There's nothing more fun than throwing a few snowballs (gently) and your children will love seeing their parents acting as silly as they are. If you have lots of snow in your garden, a snowman is one of the best things you can do with your kids - and it's absolutely free. And if you're lucky enough to live near a hill or slope then sledging is a must!

Before you go make sure everyone is suitably dressed as you are going to get very, very wet and cold so it pays to make sure you are wearing warm, waterproof clothes.

Work from the inside out; what you put next to their skin is as important in cold weather as what they wear on the outside, especially if they are going to get hot pulling their sledges uphill. So start with a high quality thermal base layer made from man made fibres, not cotton. Man made thermals actively wick moisture away from the body as well as keeping you warm, whereas cotton absorbs moisture so they could end up with a damp layer next to the skin which will cool down and make them feel shivery.

Don't ever underestimate the importance of warm extremities. Mitts are warmer than gloves and easier to put on for younger children and don't forget thick socks - if it's really cold you might want to use a liner sock as well. And remember a hat to keep off the biting wind. Finally, snow boots are a sensible choice as they are warmer than wellies and have sturdy soles to help children walk easier and more safely on snow and ice. Warm children are happier children, which mean happy parents too!

Once you're all togged up you're ready to hit those slopes.

It doesn't matter what kind of sledge you use - they all whiz down hills and are lots of fun. You can even get inflatable sledges which are comfortable but not really built to withstand the sticks and stones you get on your average country hill. Really simple sledges like the plastic bucket shaped sliding pans and big round UFOs are very cheap and often provide the most fun - and screams - as they spin you round and round and you have to fall off to stop. Slightly more sophisticated are the snow bob sledges, which have a brake, although it can pitch you out sideways if used too sharply, so little ones are best going down with older children or with mum or dad.

Steerable sledges are a good investment for when the children get older as they feel more in control and are great for high speed races. Alternatively, if you've always fancied having a go at building your own sledge there's a host of ideas online.

Whatever you do make the most of this year's bumper dump of the white stuff and get out and play!

About the Author

Visit Little Terra for a host of ideas for activities outdoors with the kids, as well as a wide range of children's outdoor clothing, hats, coats, kids skiing gear, boys fleeces, kids backpacks and a wide range of brands including Jack Wolfskin, Joules and Weirdfish.

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