Philly’s snow drought may have ended earlier this week, when the region got about three inches. But it’s been more than 1,100 days since the city saw at least six inches of snow in one day.
That drought means some 3-year-olds have never seen such a deep snowfall, and even older kids may not remember the last time we saw at least half a foot — leaving us a bit out of practice when it comes to snow prep, safe driving tips, and maybe how to enjoy it properly.
Here’s a primer on the best ways to enjoy the snow, with both traditional rides and items you might have around the house.
The Flexible Flyer
Created by Philadelphia native Samuel Leeds Allen, the Flexible Flyer is a classic design first patented in 1888. With steel runners and steerable handlebars, this sled has been the gold standard for more than a century.
Marketed as “the sled that steers,” the Flyer is still being sold online for those with nostalgia for winter traditions.
Saucer sleds
Take a page out of Clark Griswold’s book and boost your sledding speed with the “crunch enhancer,” a non-nutritive cereal varnish. When applied to the bottom of the classic metal snow saucer, the varnish provided a speed boost in the quest to set a new amateur recreation saucer sled land speed record.
In stores today, those saucers have been largely replaced by plastic saucers, which don’t have quite the same ability to pass the cold temperature directly to a sledder’s posterior as their metal counterparts. A “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” branded aluminum saucer is still available for purchase on Amazon for $45.
Another style of sled played an integral role in the classic “Citizen Kane,” although those scenes were more melancholy than other portrayals of sledding. Nonetheless, that model was named among the 50 most evocative objects in film, according to the University of Chicago’s publication, “Rosebud Sleds and Horses’ Heads.”
The shovel
There’s been plenty of on-screen examples of the variety of items that can be used as sleds. That includes George Bailey and friends sliding down a hill and across an ice-covered pond while sitting on shovels. That scene from “It’s a Wonderful Life” of course is a great reminder of the dangers of thin ice (and the importance of not sledding alone).
Depending on how much it’s been used for its true purpose, the shovel may have some sharp edges that could cut clothing or skin, so best use caution.
Other options
The internet is full of suggestions for other at home solutions if you’ve been caught by this storm without a real sled. Pretty much anything that’s flat and slick can double as a sled.
- Large pieces of cardboard — watch out as the paper makeup seems like it would get soggy fairly quickly if you’re out too long.
- Cafeteria trays — a popular college-town option, these are just the right size for one person and are usually strong enough for at least a few sledding rides
- Storage bin lid — make sure it’s not a lid you’d want to use in the future as it could be warped after an afternoon on the hills
- A storage bin itself — depending on the size of the bin, a kid could live out their Winter Olympic dreams inside it like a makeshift bobsled.
- Laundry basket — similar to a storage bin, although depending on its size, the basket may be closer to luge than bobsled.
- Campaign signs — maybe you’ve got a leftover Cherelle Parker or David Oh lawn sign? The slick material could be ideal for sliding, maybe duct tape a few together for more coverage.
- An inflatable mattress or pool raft — what better way to clunk heads together with your friends than blowing up a mattress and flying downhill.
- Baking or cookie sheet — only for the very brave and those with the smallest rear ends, a baking sheet could be a good stand in for the saucer sled.
What do you use for sledding? Whatever you opt for in your snowy adventures, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings, keep your hands inside the sled, and do it in a safe place — aka not where you’d slide into oncoming vehicle or foot traffic, a building, or a copse of trees.
AAA recommends kids wear a helmet while sledding and always sit up or kneel rather than going head first to avoid head or spinal injuries. They also recommend sledding “in safe locations away from roadways and areas with lots of trees, fences, or other obstacles.”
