Get ready for winter sledding fun ... if the snow ever comes

Ohio’s abundance of water parks makes it easy to melt away your cares
5/25/12
Taste of Cincinnati expected to draw 500,000 people
5/24/12
How discount program is helping arts, patrons
5/22/12
Local ingredients key for bartender
5/16/12
Health clubs giving lifestyle campaign a rigorous workout
5/16/12
> More headlines

By Debbie Juniewicz, Contributing Writer Updated 8:35 PM Thursday, January 12, 2012

Mother Nature keeps the Miami Valley with a dusting of snow and ice, just enough to whet the appetites of — but not even come close to satisfying — sledding enthusiasts.

After a quick run or two, the lightly snow-covered slopes were reduced to slippery grass. A major snowfall, however, is probably inevitable.

According to the National Climatic Data Center, average Dayton snowfall for January measures in at 8.3 inches and February is the second snowiest month at approximately 5.8 inches annually.

So, sledding enthusiasts, take heart and do some prep work before the flakes start flying.

Sled shopping

As winter sports go, sledding can be relatively inexpensive. And with post-holiday sales aplenty, bargains are out there.

You can pick up a number of sleds for less than $20 at Toys R Us, including a bargain priced 26-inch snow disc ($7.99) and the Pelican Rotator Inflatable Sled ($14.99) available online.

Mid-range sleds come in between $30-$90 with the aerodynamic two person Coop Sonic Sled ($69.99) and the traditional wooden Flexible Flyer with the familiar red metal runners ($89.99) at the upper end of the price range.

If you are in search of unique downhill transportation, and have a few extra dollars to spend, take a look at the Mountain Boy Sledworks Royal Flyer Limited Edition Hardwood Sled on Dick’s Sporting Goods website. The handcrafted maple sled with powder-coated metal runners holds up to 300 pounds and retails for $459.99.

Weather ready

As with all outdoor winter activities, the key to staying warm and comfortable is dressing in layers and wearing material that wicks moisture away from the body.

“As you are heating up, you can de-layer but, then if you stop moving, you can chill very quickly, so layer back up,” said Greg Brumitt, Five Rivers MetroParks director of Outdoor Connections.

Steer clear of cotton, which retains moisture, in favor of polyester and wool blends.

Look for material designed to wick away moisture.

Don’t forget proper footwear and choose wool socks over cotton.

Hats and gloves seem like common sense additions to the sledding supply list, but how about sunscreen and water?

“You definitely want to apply sunscreen on your face because you won’t only be getting direct sun but reflective sun from the snow,” said Dr. Stephen Enseleit, Kettering Medical Center Emergency Department assistant director.

“And if you are really active, you can get dehydrated very easily because when it’s cold, you’re not as cued in to the signs as you are when it’s warm. You might not realize how much you are sweating.”

Safety first

According to Enseleit, the three most common types of sledding injuries are contusions and bruising, fractures and broken bones, and head injuries.

“And with any significant time spent outdoors, we also see a fair amount of hypothermia,” Enseleit said.

Adult supervision and common sense can go a long way toward having a safe time sledding.

“You need to listen to your body. When you start feeling cold, that’s a sign that you might need a break,” Enseleit said. “And parents should be aware that kids tend to lose heat a little quicker but might be too busy having fun to notice.”

When selecting a sledding hill, take note of any large, hard immoveable objects in the way. Think rocks, stumps, trees and light posts. And make sure there is a sufficient run-off at the bottom of the hill to slow down safely — not too close to a street, pond or fence.

But accidents do happen. Sleds can spin around, flip over and collide. Some of those accidents might require a trip to the emergency room or doctor’s office. Of particular concern are head injuries. Enseleit recommends seeking medical attention if there is any loss of consciousness, the person doesn’t remember what happened or if there is any vomiting after a head injury.

“In many communities, helmets are required for kids on bicycles so putting a helmet on a kid who is sledding is a good idea,” Enseleit said. “You want to have fun, but be safe.”

Location...location

Once those flakes do start flying, you will need a plan of attack. Where are the best Miami Valley sledding locations?

The Five Rivers MetroParks have popular sledding hills at Carriage Hill, Englewood, Germantown and Taylorsville MetroParks. Community parks and golf courses are also favorite sledding locations throughout the Dayton area.

Readers also suggested West Milton’s park, along the Stillwater River, at the intersection of Ohio 571 and 48 in Miami County; Hillside Chapel in Beavercreek, the highest point in Greene County; and Triangle Park in Dayton as some of their family’s favorite sledding spots.

But whether you pack up the car and head to the park or sled in your own backyard, preparation and proper safety practices can help ensure a safe snowy day.

Share this article