The History of Sledding, by Zoey P.

Sledding has been a tradition among kids during the winter season for ages, but how far back does sledding actually go? 

History of Sledding

Although historians can’t find a specific year when sleds were first invented, the first recreational use of a sled dates back to the early 1650s in Russia. These sleds were very different then our modern day sleds, however. They were made out of animal hides, bones and wood, as well as being very dangerous. They started gaining popularity globally in the late 1800s and it was then when they started being mass produced. These were slightly safer, being made with a wooden bass and metal runners but were still much more dangerous than our modern day sleds. After the mass production of the sleds begin, it was very difficult to find a point in time where sledding became the sledding we know and love today, but it is believed that the olden day sledding slowly morphed into our modern day version of it through generations of passing sledding techniques and traditions. 

The Word “Sled” and Its Origins

The word sled dates as far back as the eighth century, when the Old Norse word “Sleda” was created meaning a type of sleigh. As Old Norse began to die out, this word was adapted into Middle English’s word “Sledde” or “Slette,” retaining the same meaning of a vehicle used for sliding over snow or ice. As the English language evolved and changed, the noun “Sled” became more and more used. During the fourteenth century when it was created, it was primarily used for describing a vehicle used for transporting goods or people over snow or ice. Over time, the meaning broadened to include the recreational version we know today. 

Dangers of Sledding

On average, about 400 people die in sledding accidents all around the world per year, a little more than half of those being kids or people under the age of 19. When sledding was first gaining popularity for recreational uses, there weren’t a lot of safety practices/laws in place, so accidents were a lot more frequent. Although there isn’t an exact number about deaths due to sledding accidents during the 1800s, a lot of experts believe that on average anywhere from 600 to 1,000 people died every year. Deaths due to sledding accidents are mainly caused by three things, head injuries, neck injuries and collisions. 

Sources:

Harren, Gabriel. The Evolution of Sledding: How It Became a Beloved Winter Pastime, Northern Tobogganing Co,  (Website Linked Here). Written on 13 Mar. 2023, accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

"Sledding." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 16 Dec. 2021. school.eb.com/levels/high/article/sledding/277090. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.