I may be a junior in high school, but I haven't "outgrown" sledding yet; I wonder if I ever will. It's always great fun to build jumps and go for the furthest distance possible.

I only wish that the biggest sledding hill nearby wasn't south facing. Because of the warm temps that usually follow Washington snowfall, I rarely get more than a day's sledding out of a storm before all the snow melts.

I'm a senior in high school, and I know I still enjoy a good sled run as well. However, this past snow storm that ended in rain, just wasn't too much fun to be out sledding in. :( When will we get some decent sledding snow?

I sledded throughout my high school years and even sledded several times at UVA. The guys in my dorm would use cafeteria trays to sled down some very steep hills. The trays didn't work well, but it was fun.

As soon as I began reading your post Kevin I remember sledding on cafeteria trays while at college myself. I grew up in Northern Indiana and went to university near Chicago, land of lake effect snow! The only kind of snow that closed our schools was the "blowing and drifing" variety. Otherwise, it was business as usual. The only college classes ever canceled were due to the Blizzard of '82. Way before everyone else's time, I guess ....

Nice post Kevin! Notice not everyone has the head covered and no gloves on 2 of the 3, man it was FRIGID yesterday, nice "look back in time" post!

Weathergrrl, the only time classes at UVA were canceled was during the Blizzard of '83. That was the year I did most of my cafeteria tray sledding. The late '70's and early 80's were good years for snow.
Mike, thanks, I was wondering if I'd get any comments about the lack of gloves and hats. No doubt if the moms were out there with us everyone would have been twice as bundled up. The fire did help keep us warm, however.

I also remember UVA cancelling classes in January 1987 (actually almost 11 years ago to the day). We got 2 big snows within a week, the second one was on Super Bowl Sunday (Giants beat the Broncos). UVA cancelled classes the next day.

When I was a kid, I loved snow, naturally, but I figured I'd 'grow out of it' eventually. I have not. I am 55.

I remember us kids sledding down hilly streets in my neighborhood in Falls Church in the late '70's/early 80's ... we would even set up barricades in an attempt to keep plows away! Oh, the memories!

Hey I'll never stop loving sliding in the snow! Maybe its being born in Maine, maybe my "norske" blood...Last year during the icy snow days we had I went "ice skiing" with my 18 year old son out on a trail behind our house. Afterward, I reconsidered the wisdom in participating and thereby encouraging this in my teenager. Kind of a dangerous technique of running and skating downhill on an ice coated path lined with trees...but it was great fun and I will always remember it. And no one got hurt. Both he and my daughter are off at college now and I would be so happy to share such times with them right now...

Being in my late 40's I can honestly say I love snow even more now than when I was a kid growing up here in D.C. - and I've always loved snow!

Missy,
Many years ago I went downhill ice skating on the fairways of the Penderbrook Golf Course in Fairfax, after a big icestorm. It's a lot of fun, but a bit more dangerous than sledding. If a skate breaks through the ice at high speeds, you're going to flip. It happened to me a couple of times. We skated the cart trails too, which were safer, but we couldn't resist the big, open fairways.

Kevin...just what warm beverage do ya'll have in those red cups ? :) Something must be keeping you guys warm.

A golf course would be the greatest for ice skiing!! That would reduce the collision risk greatly. Of course you're right about cracking through the crust...not so fun on the 'head over heels'. Okay so I vote we have a big snowstorm and THEN the ice on top for a maximal sliding day. Everyone stays home and plays. I like the plan from the Winter Advisory blog...February 19 would be a perfect time.

Jenn,
The guy standing in the middle is from Germany and he makes an amazing hot drink called gluvine. It's the perfect adult beverage for sledding. :)

Found a recipe -- We will have to try it soon when we take the kids sledding.

Gluhwein
Serves 6
3 cinnamon sticks
10 whole cloves
1/2 large orange
2 cups water
1 cup sugar
2 (750-milliliter) bottles inexpensive dry red wine (such as merlot)
Rum (optional)
1. Enclose cinnamon sticks and cloves in large mesh tea ball or cheesecloth (breaking cinnamon sticks to fit as necessary); place in large pot. 2. Place orange half on work surface. Using knife, cut thick strips (including peel, pith and a bit of fruit) away from orange.
3. Add water and sugar to spices in pot and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add orange rind to pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Add wine to spice mixture and place pot over medium heat. Heat mixture, stirring occasionally, until hot (do not boil). Pour into mugs, adding a shot of rum to individual servings as desired, and serve hot.
Nutritional analysis per serving: 335 calories, trace fat, 45 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram protein, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 167 milligrams sodium, 4 grams dietary fiber, 2 percent of calories from fat

I remember the blizzard of 96..what great memories. I really hope we get a big snow this winter. Long range GFS brings a lot of large storms but were not in bullseye yet. Too warm, southern sliders or cold too late. Good news is, GFS always changes long term..lets hope its in our favor..:)

I spent two years of my youth in Northern New York State. Fun was had in snow. But it wasn't as imperative as it is here in DC. You knew the snow would be around for months, so there was no rush. Unlike in DC where it is gone so quickly, you have to rush out to enjoy it.

Although, I have to admit when us kids got enlisted to help shovel snow onto piles that were higher than our heads, it took some of the fun out of it.