If you’re in the south where snow is a rarity, or you’ve been caught unprepared for an early season snow, you may find yourself in a conundrum when the white stuff starts pouring down. Lots of snow, no sled. Maybe you’re one of the lucky few with a store-bought sled. You’ll be the envy of the sledding hill crowd this snow day. But if not, don’t despair.
There’s a long tradition in the south of makeshift homemade sleds. In fact, I’d argue that snow sleds repurposed or created from household materials are the traditional sleds for snow days in the south. I can easily teach you how to make a sled from items found around your house, but I can’t vouch for the effectiveness or safety of these techniques. Use your judgment.
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Keep in mind that anything you repurpose for a makeshift sled will probably get ruined and no longer be able to serve its original purpose. But it’s worth it, right? Also, make sure you’re sledding on a hill that’s not crowded, and without obstacles like trees and rocks. Homemade sleds can’t be steered.
Here are 17 items you can repurpose into a DIY snow sled:
- Fast constructed sled: This Instructables page shows how to make a fast sled from a cardboard box, a trashbag and (of course) duct tape.
- Cookie sheet: Sneak a sturdy cookie sheet from the kitchen for a sledding adventure. Just don’t expect cocoa and cookies when you come back inside all wet and cold.
- Lid from plastic storage container: Got one of those Rubbermaid large storage containers or sweater boxes. Lift the lid for fun riding down snowy hills.
- Boogie board: It’s meant for the sea, but you can use it on the snow, too!
- Baby tub: If your tush is small enough, you can use a baby bathtub as a homemade snow sled. Better if it’s the tub that’s gathering dust in the basement, not the one your baby sister will need for bathtime that evening.
- Cushion from outdoor furniture: No one’s eating dinner outdoors tonight, so borrow cushions from your patio set to hit the slopes.
- Tarp: DIY sleds made from tarps work especially well if the snow is icy and hard.
- Inner tube: Do you have an inner tube left over from pool season? Blow it back up for an awesome snowy ride.
- Dog bed: Ask your dog first, and then wrap it in a trash bag with duct tape.
- Shower curtain: Again, mom would prefer if you find an old one folded up in a closet, rather than taking the shower curtain that’s currently hanging in the bathroom for your sledding escapades.
- Trash can lids: Do not damage the roll-out trash cans provided by your county or trash company. The round metal or plastic lids that come completely off the can are your best bets.
- Cafeteria tray: The cafeteria tray is the old standby, although you might not have one in your house. (If you do, we won’t ask how you got it.)
- Trash bags: Learn how to make a sled out of a trash bag and maybe a piece of cardboard. (Note to self: Bring spares.)
- Inflatable baby pool: Another summer toy you can repurpose into a homemade sled is the inflatable baby pool.
- Sleeping bag: Your camping trip just got way more fun.
- Air mattress: Below you’ll see a video of some people who made a sled from an air mattress and pantyhose.
- Yoga mat: It brings new meaning to downward-facing dog when you slide headfirst down a snowy hill on a yoga mat.
This post originally appeared on Charlotte on the Cheap.
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