When our Chinook isn’t breathing her gentle 130 km/h winds in Southern Alberta, Old Man Winter takes over and loads upon us ice and snow. But who doesn’t like a good dump once in awhile? Now, let’s toboggan!
Step 1: Gear up on the cheap
First things first, if you’re like me and can’t afford snow pants, use these common household items: garbage bags and duct tape!
If you want, use Glad “Big Orange” garbage bags for additional flair. Optional: keep your feet dry by tying shopping bags over your shoes.
Step 2: Select your ride
Live frugal, live dangerously. Now that you’ve equipped your garbage bags, we turn our eyes to our toboggan, or lack thereof. For about five bucks, you can get a “Crazy Carpet” from our local Peavey Mart or Canadian Tire stores. They’re fast and portable. That kid with the wood sleigh? You’ll be up and down the hill 5 times before he drags his slow, safe monster back up.
Step 2A (advanced):
Veterans of the hill know the legendary GT Snow Racer. If you’ve got adult money, Stiga makes some of the best on the market.
Step 3: Location, location, location!
In my mind, there’s no better location than The Sugar Bowl. If you’re bold enough, you can also risk going through the underpass and challenging the coulees. I’ve done this a few times, and have the facial scars to prove it.
Step 4: Wicked jumps
No tobogganing expedition is complete without getting some major air. Pile up that snow at the bottom of the hill and finish your ride with the sweetest jump ever. Bonus points if you actually land on your crazy carpet!
Now that you’ve carefully studied my guide, venture out and have fun!
Note: “Sugar Bowl” image appropriated from https://twitter.com/lethbridgecity/status/267769005337632768
I’m a webslinger located in Lethbridge, AB. I love all things nerdy, like cartoons and videogames, and am also a bit of a foodie. When I travel, I always keep my eyes out for hot springs and great places to adventure with my wife, Melissa.
Instead of garbage bags, I like to put a pair of pajama pants on, then put on some jeans, then maybe some sweat pants as well if its cold enough. Layer UP!! Tuck the pj’s into socks, and layer those up as well!
Also, I got lucky and found a GT at thrift village for like 8 bucks during the summer. That was a long wait to finally get it out there.