“You’re not going to sled with the kids, are you?” I asked.
“No, I’m too old to do that sort of thing. I’m just going to the top of the hill to watch the kids zoom down,” Logan said.
“Cool. I don’t want you to hurt yourself because the snow seems firm and icy.”
While my husband, Logan, meandered to the top of Snowman’s Hill, I stopped at the halfway point. I figured it would be an excellent place to watch the kids sled. As I settled into my spot, I saw Logan and his nephew—Isaac—get on a sled together. I thought to myself: So much for not sledding Logan. I hope this goes well.
I watched Logan and Isaac take off and pick up speed as they sledded down the hill together. I felt like the scene was happening in slow motion. As they passed me on the sled, they hit a bump and it propelled Logan and Isaac into the air! I watched this unfold with my mouth agape.
Logan stopped the sled with his feet, and eventually, it tipped over. As they brushed off snow from their clothes, Isaac smiled, and Logan grimaced. Unfortunately, Logan bruised his tailbone, and for the next few months, he was in pain.
Even though Logan hurt himself at Snowman’s Hill, we still laugh about that day in the snow. It was a cold, sunny, and beautiful day in Siskiyou. Plus, the story of Logan and Isaac getting some air was funny to share with friends, and it was an excellent example to prioritize safety while sledding.
Also, if sledding isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Snowman’s Hill is a beautiful place to enjoy a winter picnic, to take photos, and watch the local kids play. For example, not all the kids and adults in our group went sledding on that cold winter day. Instead, some of us created snowmen and snow angels together. Also, our friends from Texas were visiting Siskiyou, and it was the first time their kids had seen snow. The kids were delighted by the white stuff and their sledding adventure.
PRO-TIPS
—Bring a Sled: Snowman’s Hill is free and open to the public. With that being said, you won’t find sled rentals at the hill. Bring an inflatable or saucer to use on your sledding adventure.
—Sled Safety: Sledding is a great way to enjoy the winter, and it’s important to be prepared. Before heading to Snowman’s Hill, consider the following tips to keep kids (and adults) safe.
- Dress warmly and wear gloves and boots.
- Always wear a helmet to prevent head injuries.
- Avoid sledding in areas with trees, fences, or on rocky hills.
- Go down the hill feet first.
- Learn how to use your feet to brake and turn a sled.
- Have only the recommended number of passengers on a sled at one time.
—Clothing: Wear waterproof clothes on your sledding adventure because being cold and wet is no fun. Also, bring extra clothes, socks, and shoes to change into after your sledding excursion.
—Events: After you’ve played in the snow, head to McCloud. Every Saturday during December, McCloud hosts its Victorian Christmas with fun activities for kids and adults
Good Eats: You’ll probably be hungry after sledding, so consider dining at Axe & Rose Public House, Sage Restaurant, or the McCloud Meat Market & Tavern.
—Lodging: Pair your sledding adventures with a stay at the Stoney Brook Inn.
