Downhill thrills

MAT-SU — Sleds have come a long way since the wooden child’s toy ‘Rosebud’ was tossed onto a fire at the end of the classic fil “Citizen Kane.”

Old, unwieldy sleds have been replaced with modern designs that offer increased speed.

Then again, people still use plastic discs and other objects to tackle the challenge of sliding over the snow.

Better sleds mean faster sleds, and that’s a safety problem for novices.

Finding a safe place to sled is another issue, and while some neighborhoods maintain unofficial areas, some Anchorage city parks are sure bets for an approved course.

Physical education teacher and Denali Nordic Ski Club official Karen Mannix said parents must take all the responsibility when they take the kids to a sledding spot.

“Sledding to me is a risk because kids don’t have control of sleds,” Mannix said.

Mannix said she knows kids are pretty rough and tumble, and was always relieved when taking her own kids sledding when they came through alright. She had her own bad experience with a toboggan while growing up in the Lower 48, yet still took the ride downhill on the back of a sled here.

“It’s not a controlled event,” she said of going to a sled area.

Some things to remember, she said, are that hard snow equals fast snow and one must look out for other sledders.

Protective head gear, gloves and eye protection are essential, as well as appropriate clothing to guard against the elements and stray branches that may swat at a fast-moving passer-by.

Sledding is a pastime that requires etiquette if injuries are to be avoided.

Children must be supervised and able to go down a slope on their own. It’s a good idea to bring along some first aid supplies.

Hatcher Pass provides one of the most beautiful, and certainly most hazardous areasfor outdoor sports. Skiing, sledding and other uses are popular there, but use special precautions before striking out for an adventure. Report your trip to a reliable person, including when you plan to return home. Take extra supplies and monitor weather conditions. Avalanches do happen there, so check avalanche conditions. Cell phones often don’t work in the area.

Go to www.hatcherspass.org for more information and directions.

Another Valley sledding hot spot is Crevasse Moraine, an area located Loma Prieta Drive off the Palmer-Wasilla Highway.

Crevasse Moraine boasts many reasons why the area is ideal for local families. It’s located right in the heart of the Palmer-Wasilla area, there is a spacious parking lot and sledders have a long and steep run for all their sledding fun.

Those heading for the big city also have options, but sledders should be aware that metal runners are banned in Anchorage parks.

There is an unofficial sledding area along Arctic Valley Road in Anchorage. That’s the valley Ship Creek runs through. Parents — or others old enough to drive — drop sledders off at the top of the hill and drive to the bottom of the course to pick them up. This is not an official sled area, and the access point is about a mile past a hydroelectric power plant on the privately-maintained Arctic Valley Road.

Go to www.sledriding.com/Alaska.html for full instructions on reaching this area,which is to be used at one’s own risk and should only be used by experienced sledders.

The Anchorage Ski Club area in Arctic Valley is not a tubing or sledding area.

“When the ski area’s open you’re not supposed to sled where people are skiing,” said Jen Gordon, who fields questions for the club.

There is also opportunity a bit farther out of town. Alyeska Resort features the new Glacier Tubing Park that has three lanes of rolling terrain and a surface lift. Tubes are issued to ticket buyers at the base of the hill.

Call 783-2222 for more information.