With the holiday season approaching fast, families and friends in Burke, Virginia are gearing up for affordable winter fun. While ice skating and baking cookies are timeless traditions, sledding is a free activity that brings joy to all ages.
However, not all hills are created equal. Some are too steep, others overcrowded, and a few have too many safety hazards, making them less than ideal for sledding. So, where can locals find the perfect sledding hill? To answer this question, I spoke with neighbors and students at our high school in Burke. Here’s what they had to say.
Burke Lake is the Place to Be
Burke Lake is a top choice for many people, but it does tend to get very busy, especially after big snowstorms.
“A fun, good, and safe sledding hill has to be steep enough for you to enjoy it, but also not too steep to the point where you cannot stop properly,” senior Lynne Terrzeas said. Other sledding experts added that a sledding hill must be big enough to fit a large number of sledders. To beat the crowd, Terrzeas recommends getting there early.
“I like sledding where there aren’t too many people,” sophomore Marley Crandol said. “When there are too many people, it’s hard to find a good sledding spot and overall kills the joy [of] sledding.”
“A popular feature about Burke Lake that many sledding hills don’t have is the size of its main sledding hill,” senior Rhea Massan said. “It’s big enough that so many people can go sledding there at once, and there is a variety of hills you can sled on there and they tend to be safe, not too steep.”
Tips For a Better Sledding Experience
When it comes to sledding, being comfortable and warm is very important. You’ll definitely want to layer up with clothing, especially waterproof gear, to protect you from the cold.
“Good boots, and good waterproof gloves are 100% a must have,” Crandol said. “You don’t want to be sledding and be freezing.”
Finding the right sled is one of the most important elements to sledding: you want to be safe yet still have a fun time.
“If you’re planning to go sledding on the snow this winter, those round sleds are definitely the best affordable option,” Massan said. “There are other ones, but the round sleds are a classic and work just as well as any other sled.”
If you’re looking for the best time to go sledding, it’s typically during the daytime right after a heavy snowfall. Sledding at night isn’t necessarily bad, either. However, sledders must use caution and avoid freezing temperatures.
Ready to Sled?
Snow days are now just around the corner. When the cold hits, there’s nothing better than some good old-fashioned sledding. Burke Lake is a wonderful spot for families and friends looking to make the best out of their snow days. So layer up, and prepare to make unforgettable memories on the hills!