The hill looked like someone had taken a cheese grater to it. Sled rails, small water rafts, garbage can lids and the occasional snowboard had left deep scars after the biggest October snowstorm in metro area history.
Children in snowsuits cackled for the few seconds they flew down the 50-foot hill at Sixth Avenue and Zang Street, and then huffed as they ran back up the hill pulling their equipment behind them.
Although the snow has all but melted by now, the unusual storm that closed schools gave children the perfect taste for winter sporting, right in their own backyard.
The west metro area has several sledding hot spots, although the many hills are unofficial.
In Arvada, hills behind the Lutz Sports Complex at Kipling and West 56th Place are popular. The slope is not too intense for novice sliders and the sports complex creates a protected landing.
The Hill along Zang Street and the Sixth Avenue Frontage Road is literally the backyard of the nearby condo complex. The hill is long enough to find a variety of rides, from shorter, gentler slopes to long, straight shots that more resemble ski jumps.
The Zang hill is large enough for some beginning skiing and snow boarding as well.
There is a cement path and plenty of parking along Zang Street.
Golden has several unofficial spots, according to Parks Director Rod Tarullo, but none that offer the thrill of the Zang Hill.
Sledders gather at White Ash Mine Park, the hill at the community center, and Heritage Dells Park. Some have been known to sled down the Ford Hill in the wee hours of the morning, but police discourage sledding on roads.
Tarullo noted the city discourages sledding at Fossil Trace Golf Course because of damage to the greens.
When choosing a sledding hill, it’s important to find one with a safe and long landing, clear of roadways.
Children should always be supervised and should sled down feet first, steering their snow-worthy craft, rather than head first.
Sledders should watch for trees and other obstacles, and are encouraged to wear helmets if they’re new to the sport.
Most importantly, keep little fingers and toes bundled up and keep a thermos of cider or hot chocolate on hand.
Find your perfect hill
Two Web sites offer statewide sledding hill searches. Visit www.sledriding.com/Colorado.html and www.Colorado.com to look for spots throughout Jeffco and the state. Sledriding.com allows readers to add new hills to the list. Take advantage of the sites to learn more about sledding opportunities nearby.