Oceanview Park
If you're looking for an edgier sledding experience, Oceanview is the place to go. The main hill is long and pretty steep, and there's an even steeper hill off to the side. There usually aren't more than a couple groups of people around, and they're typically all teenagers. The hill is easily accessible and right on the Oceanview bluff.
The only lighting is at the top of the hill, which could present a drawback for families with children. I've learned that various rocks and shrubs are always poking out of the snow, and the darkness makes it hard to see them (let alone avoid them).
Still, if you're willing to take a few risks, then sledding at Oceanview is completely worth it. "Lots of people have gotten hurt there, which makes it that much more exciting," says Dane Christensen, a senior at South.
Take Klatt to Johns Road and turn south. Go to the end and jog left on High View Drive, then turn right onto Oceanview Drive and Coral Lane to access the park land.
Kincaid Park
The Kincaid sledding area, at the west end of Raspberry Road, is great for just about anyone. It's groomed and well lit, which makes it ideal for younger sledders. And while the main hill is clear and gentle, there's also steeper terrain around for the thrill seekers in your group.
Still, the main hill offers plenty of thrills. As Kelly Hume, a sophomore at South, puts it, "Kincaid is great because the hill is really long, so you gain a lot of speed going down it."
Sure enough, at one point we all piled onto one inner tube and gained speed all the way down.
Kincaid offers numerous plowed parking lots, a chalet, surrounding ski trails and guarantees an enjoyable sledding experience for all ages and abilities.
Hatcher Pass
For the most extreme sledding experience available, a trip to Hatcher Pass is a must. The hill, (or mountain) features sharp turns, jumps and more than one steep hill on the way down. In fact, you'll probably have to stop to steer your sled at a few points lest you run into a tree or fall into a creek.
On the other hand, it can take 20 minutes to run the whole hill. It's easy to get stuck on the flats, so you really have to be fearless on the steeps or you'll run out of steam. It's also important to be aware of the other people around you. The skiers and snowboarders tend to go quite a bit faster than the sledders and once or twice they nearly hit us from behind.
In theory, you need a driver to ferry you up and down, but there were sledders who just hitched rides. We even saw a few people who hopped into truckbeds. But everyone was friendly, and nobody minded picking up a few more people.
Take the Glenn Highway to Palmer-Fishhook Road and drive way up into the mountains past the Motherlode Lodge (Mile 14) and then up the hill.
Service High School
If you like busier sledding spots, then the Service hill, next to the high school on Abbott Road, might be for you. It's a popular place, so despite the wide hill, you'll be pretty friendly with your neighbors. There's a main sledding hill, where the slope varies, as well as a kind of "sledding terrain park" for more experienced sledders. (This includes bumps, bushes and 3-foot jumps.)
Also, the Service sledding is pretty close to other outdoor activities. It backs right up to a huge network of cross-country ski trails and there's a clear, well-lit ice rink nearby. So if there's any conflict over favorite winter activities, Service can satisfy all your needs at once.
When we paid a visit to the Service hill, we found it bustling with families, groups of kids and teens and a few family dogs. There was plenty of space to get down the hill, but we did have to look out for stray toddlers. People were friendly; we shared sleds with a group and laughed at adventurous little kids.
Arctic Valley
For an intense, extended expedition, you might want to try Arctic Valley Road, which doubles as a sledding hill. It takes about 15 minutes on the Glenn Highway (take the Arctic Valley exit) to get there.
Service High School juniors Julia Murakami and Chance Wilcox spent a recent Sunday in Arctic Valley. According to Wilcox, the hill is more than a mile long, and there are sharp corners and huge bumps. In fact, it's a bit dangerous, with cars, pedestrians and blind corners.
The only (other) drawback to a hill this long is that you need a driver to get to the top. You might get a parent to drive, but if not, just take turns. If you head out to Arctic Valley, drive carefully and watch out for other sledders.
Chloe Miller is a junior at Service, and Mara Froemling is a senior at South.
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