Sledding: The alternative methods

As we look out of our windows and forlornly watch as the first “Snowpocalypse” of the season melts away, we now patiently await for the second coming (which is ironic in itself). 

In this time of waiting, you may find it useful to scavenge around campus in search of flat, slippery, water resistant materials. 

In order to be sufficiently prepared for the second round of sledding weather, there are a few items you should keep an eye out for if you do not have the time or money to obtain a real sled. 

While there are endless possibilities, I have listed out some of the most popular innovations below.

Laundry baskets

The classic laundry basket is admittedly hit-or-miss. Some laundry baskets are more than happy to send you zipping down a hill of ice. Others have the attitude of a strict substitute teacher; they are aware of their identity as a laundry basket and refuse to be used for anything other than holding laundry. If you try to sled in one of these sticklers, you may end up only a few feet in front of where you started with a face full of snow.

Mattresses

I will begin this suggestion by reminding you that using a mattress distributed by the school as a sled is against the rules. However, if you happen to have an air mattress hiding in your room or if you drag a mattress outside that looks suspiciously like a school-issued mattress, you could find yourself with a hot commodity. These plastic, slippery, lightweight objects are optimal for multi-person sledding. You may not have much control over the direction of your descent, but you will travel farther than you would in a stingy laundry basket.

Pizza boxes

Again, pizza boxes are definitely a hit-or-miss option. If the snow you are working with is wet and fluffy, leave the pizza boxes in the recycle bin. If the snow is actually rock-hard ice, you could be in luck. Cardboard works best when it stays dry. For prime results, consider wrapping your pizza box in plastic bags or dousing it in dish soap for an extra element of slipperiness.

Street signs

Yes, this is the second item on the list that may be in violation of some set of rules. We don't encourage vandalism or destruction of property, but if you’re standing on Skipper Bowles Drive and a random street sign or real estate sign just happens to slide your way, you might as well jump on top of it. The heavy, metallic nature of these items is extremely compatible with snow and ice. Maybe just keep the signs face down while sledding and put them back where they came from when you finish up.

Trash can lids

Trash can lids are perfect for descending a hill in an upright sitting position. You may have to experiment with a few different shapes and sizes, but you will eventually be rewarded for your hard work. Again, just make sure to return these to where they belong when you’re done.  

Foldable tables

I would not normally include a foldable table on this list. However, I saw it done this weekend. To whoever it was that transported an entire table to Skipper Bowles Drive, I respect you. I am not entirely convinced of this method’s actual reliability, but you looked cool and dedicated.

I hope to see you all out on the slopes as we take on Snowmaggeddon: Episode II.