Two Vermont companies, Mad River Rocket Company, est. 1984, and Hammerhead Sleds, est. 2002, are making sleds that will appeal to grown-ups as well as kids. Sledding is a winter activity that everyone can participate in – from the baby enjoying their first time playing in snow, to the thrill-seeking teenager, to the grandparents who’ve never quit, sledding is fun for all.

Sleds were originally invented as a tool to help move heavy things (such as cannons) across frozen or snowy surfaces, but it did not take long for someone to discover that they could be used for recreation and good, plain fun as well. And it’s a good thing because young kids and grown-ups alike have been spending their winters zipping down Vermont’s hills for the sheer fun of it ever since.

With more than four and a half million acres of forest and its hilly, mountainous geography, there are countless sledding locations all around Vermont. You can find a sledding hill in most every forest or park.

But you don’t need to limit yourself to just sledding the woods. Check out everything from the front lawn of the local library or post office to the grounds of schools, inns, and golf courses. Many towns and villages have designated local hills as a place to sled in the winter, such as Hubbard Park in Montpelier.

And some mountain roads that are closed to traffic in the winter provide an excellent, long, ride down. Some of these more adventurous hills may require more than a quick hike to reach the top.

So strap on a pair of snowshoes, throw the sled on your back, and make a full day of it – no lift ticket required. Ask around, drive around. Either way, it won’t take you long to find a great place to sled.

Make no mistake – sledding is not just for the kids. There are some big-time sled-making companies operating in Vermont whose sleds will impress even the most sled-wary adult. Mad River Rocket Company, which has been making sleds since 1984 and Hammerhead Sleds who’ve been at it since 2002, are two Vermont-based companies which have taken sledding to the performance level.

With the growing advancement of sleds in the recent past, expect to see more and more people sledding at Vermont ski resorts soon. Vermont inns and B&B’s have also started to stock up on sleds for their guests’ use during their winter stay so be sure to ask!

When sledding in Vermont, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Always seek permission from landowner prior to sledding.
• Always sled under control.
• Always HAVE FUN.

Pictures courtesy of Mad River Rocket and Hammerhead Sleds