Safety tips for sledding season

Fresh snow, cold air, and a good hill can make for a perfect winter day. But while sledding is a seasonal classic, it comes with risks you may or may not expect – including some that can harm your teeth, mouth, and eyes.

By following the tips below, you can enjoy the ride and avoid an unplanned trip to the dentist or doctor.

Sled smarter, not harder

No matter when and where you sled, you’ll want to follow a few simple guidelines:¹

• Ride feet‑first: This position lowers your risk of head, face, and dental injuries.

• Wait for a clear path: Take turns with other sledders and give the rider ahead plenty of space before starting your run.

• Use a safe sled: A steerable sled with brakes will help you avoid hazards. Avoid sleds like snow tubes or disks, which raise the risk of head injury.

• Make sure children are supervised: This is an obvious one, but worth repeating – make sure there is an adult there to keep young kids safe.

Watch out for collision hazards

Many injuries happen when sleds crash into fixed objects like trees, rocks, fences, or light poles. These accidents can chip or break teeth, injure jaws, or cause facial fractures.

To help avoid these injuries:²

• Walk the hill first to check for hidden dangers under the snow.

• Don’t pick a slope that ends near a street, parking lot, pond, or fence.

• Make sure there is a slope with a wide, clear run‑out at the bottom, so you can come to a stop gently.

Choose snow, not ice

Slick, frozen hills may seem faster, but they make your sled harder to control and are more likely to cause accidents.³ Snowy surfaces offer better traction for steering and stopping to reduce the risk of injury.

Dress for safety and comfort

Make sure you’re equipped for the weather and the speed:

• Wear comfortable, insulated layers, and avoid loose clothing or dangling accessories that could snag or get caught under the sled.⁴

• A well‑fitted winter sports or bike helmet helps protect your head and face.

• Goggles or sunglasses shield your eyes from wind, glare, and snow spray.

• Bring lip balm with at least SPF 30 to protect your lips from sun and dry, cold air.

Ready … set … sled!

With safe gear, a good sled, and the right hill, you can enjoy winter fun that’s friendly to your smile, your sight, and your overall well‑being.