The first snow of winter, for many, marks the start of the long-awaited sled riding season. Whether there’s a few inches or multiple feet of snow on the ground, children and adults everywhere are always eager to button up their snow pants and spend hours outside on their sleds. 

Senior Ashleigh Tuite explains her love for sled riding by saying, “When I was little I used to sled ride every weekend and now I still do it multiple times a year whenever I can.”

With all of this winter fun on its way, curiosity has struck. Why are some sleds better than others and how have sleds evolved?

For hundreds of years, people have been sled riding in some capacity. Despite the fact that people have grown to know sled riding as a snowy sport, the first documented sled ride occurred around 1900 B.C. in the sandy deserts of ancient Egypt. The sleds were made out of carved rock and were used for both convenience and labor. 

The first recreational sled riding events were held by Russian aristocrats around the 1650s. The Russian youth would build wooden tracks down hills and carve sleds out of large blocks of ice. Although extremely dangerous, it was a primary source of fun amidst the harsh winters. 

Sledding came to America in the 1860s when a man named Henry Morton invented the wooden toboggan. Since then, sleds have evolved into many different shapes and styles. There are six different categories of sleds: foam sleds, runner sleds, toboggans, disks, tube/inflatable sleds and backcountry sleds. 

A favorite style of sled is the inner tube sled. 

AP Physics teacher Mrs. Welsh states, “the inner tube is the best way to sled. It goes so much faster. The texture of the sled makes the coefficient of friction lower.” 

From carved rocks to lunch trays, sleds have certainly come a long way. Everyone has a favorite sled that they have found most effective in their wintertime endeavors and it all comes down to the lifelong memories made with friends and family while sled riding.

Sophomore Ava Bowman recounted her favorite sled riding memory of rolling down a big hill in a garbage can. Although unconventional, it was an event in her life that she will never forget. 

As the holiday season approaches, so does the possibility of a snow-covered wonderland outside the windows of Trinity High School. Don’t be afraid to get outside this winter to unleash your inner child. Grab a sled and hit the hills!