Aaaahhh, there’s nothing like the charm of a nice wooden sledge for holidays in the mountains. It brings back precious memories for adults, its authentic design delights the whole family and entertains young and old alike, with plenty of thrills all round. But how do you actually steer your wooden sledge? Here, all the top tips are revealed, along with a video, to help you fully control your wooden sledge. Slopes, here we come!
The wooden sledge is still the one you dream about most, the one that comes to mind when you think of snow-capped mountains, the one you see in Christmas films (of course you know what kind of film I'm talking about...). In short, it’s THE ultimate traditional sledge.
Today, the wooden sledge has retained its authentic design while adding a few new features. For example, it’s more practical, since some models are foldable and it offers better glide thanks to its stainless-steel runners, to the delight of thrill-seekers.
There you are at the top of the toboggan run, proudly seated on your wooden sledge. Of course, you’re fully kitted out with: Check out our 4 essentials!
Going straight ahead seems simple. But how do you turn left or right? How to brake on a wooden sled ?
The first steering method is to use your feet. This method is suitable for everyone when riding at low or medium speed. The principle is very simple:
- To turn left, your left foot should touch the snow on the side of your sledge. This will also tilt your body slightly, your hands hooked around the front of your sled, and there you have it – you’re turning! As you’ll see, it’s a very natural action.
- To turn right, unsurprisingly, the right foot should touch the snow this time.
To help you better visualise this technique, we explain everything in a video at the end of the article.
If speed is your thing, then steering with the hands and body weight is the technique you’ll most likely adopt.
- To turn left, grab the snow at the back of the sledge with your left hand. You can supplement this action by tilting your body to the left.
- To turn right, grab the snow with your right hand using the same technique.
Using your hands to steer requires a bit more balance, but after just a few descents, you’ll have really got the hang of it! Have a look at the video below which shows you how to steer in pictures.
“Look out - braaaaaake!”
To avoid yelling this famous phrase at your kids or even yourself, it’s important to learn to brake. Knowing how to stop and brake is one of the basic safety rules to ensure that sledging remains fun for everyone.
- To brake, you have to plant your feet in the snow towards the front of the sledge, heels first. At the same time, lift the front of your sled with your hands. Again, the video below shows you how to brake.
You now know how to control your wooden sledge. Enjoy sledging in the snow! Got any more questions? Feel free to post it as a comment, and we’ll be happy to answer!
For adults or kids, on your own or in pairs, our design team works hard to offer you a wide choice of sledging equipment: wooden sledge, flat sledge, snow shovel, snow-skate, scooter, snowblade, sledge with steering wheel, paret, toboggan...
Step by step, here are our tips for controlling your sledge (wooden, flat or snow shovel). In our video tutorial series, our sledger gives you all the keys to learn how to sledge safely.