Winter enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, here's some news to get your snow boots hopping. Carver County Parks has officially announced that the Sledding Hill at Lake Waconia Regional Park is now open for business. Dust off your sleds because it's time to take on the 80-foot hill and its two distinct runs—options that include a straight, smooth path for the speed demons and a more undulating track for those looking for a bit of bump in their ride. According to a recent post on Carver County Parks' Facebook page, the hill is open daily from 9 AM until sunset, weather permitting, but keep in mind, that you'll need to bring your sled—and your muscles—to trek up the hill as there are no rentals or transportation available.
Before you start picturing yourself as the next Olympic sledding champion whizzing down the hill, take a moment to familiarise yourself with the rules. Sledding at the park is akin to the Wild West—it's unsupervised, so all sledders are barreling down at their own risk. Children must be under the watchful eyes of an adult, and the park's Facebook announcement makes it clear that standing, overloading on sleds, or using prohibited equipment such as snowboards, skis, toboggans, or metal-runner sleds will not be tolerated on the hill. For safety's sake, no jumps or moguls have been allowed, and sledders must wait for the predecessors to clear the base before taking their turn. And let's not forget, walking up is part of the fun, so make sure you use the designated trail designed just for that purpose.
A bit of common sense goes a long way—especially in the case of an emergency. Though the hope is that every trip down the hill ends with nothing more than a burst of adrenaline and a face full of snow, accidents can happen. The park's sledding hill postings advise contacting 911 in case of emergencies, so keep your phones handy and fully charged. Bundle up and remember: safety first, fun second, and the cold is just a state of mind.
Let's not forget the call of the crisp winter air and the allure of that post-sledding hot cocoa waiting for you. With the season in full swing, it's prime time to seize the snowy days. The Sledding Hill at Lake Waconia Regional Park isn't just an open invitation—it's a winter siren call for families and sledders looking to make the most of these frosty months. So, embrace the chill, grab your gear, and carve out some winter joy on the slopes. And as always, keep those snow-day traditions alive and kicking, as a good Northerner should.
