Move over Shaun White! Six-year-old Everest Kemppainen of Chassell finds an adventurous use of his sled during a sunny afternoon at Swedetown during the holiday break. (Paula Porter/For the Gazette)

CALUMET — Snow means sledding. And, it absolutely means fun, fun, fun. What better way to spend a winter day. Hibernation is for bears.

With a few feet of fresh snow here on the ground in the Copper Country, there is nothing better than finding the perfect hill. Plan a group outing of friends and have a memorable winter day. Sledding is an ideal way to spend an afternoon or any time. Also, it’s the most fun exercise around.

Sledding does take some actual sledding knowledge and technique. At least, if you want to go a ways longer or steer a certain direction. And it requires a nice hill with a minimum base of snow, a good sturdy sled, and effort to learn. Of course, it’s possible to enjoy sledding as a novice too. It will only take a few rides to gain some experience.

It takes minimal effort to jump in your sled and fly down a hill. However, it takes more effort, stamina and patience to walk back up the hill. Take some pictures. Especially if it’s a first timer. That is a memory maker for sure, nothing better.

With all the sledding gear ready and the snow thick enough and the temperature cold, then there is nothing stopping kids of all ages from finding a perfect hill. Big or smaller, the Copper Country definitely has an abundance of incredible sledding hills.

Of course, the perfect hill could vary by skill and age and personal preference. Start by finding the proper winter clothing attire, multiple layers are great and then look for the best sled appropriate for age. Remember to wear your best winter hiking boots too.

There are smaller sized sleds more appropriate for toddlers and longer size sleds for older children and adults. Hard plastic traditional sleds are the most sound investment. As they are durable and safer to use as you can control your sled the best. Adding a rope too on one end is important for pulling back up the sled for little ones or if they decide to hop in for a lift.

The inflatable sleds are fun if you go somewhere not too crowded. The reason for that is the inflatable sleds are virtually impossible to steer. Remember the classic Chevy Chase sledding scene in the “Christmas Vacation” movie. So, make sure to consider this when picking up a sled. Antique cutter sleds are more appropriate for pulling children on a hard surface such as a driveway or another hard surface.

The main point of sledding is fun, so opt for somewhere that is safe to sled. Such as a traditional sledding hill or a country hill. For beginners it’s best to start at a small hill. Then they have the opportunity to realize what sledding is all about. And, get in lots of practice rides. Before, then eventually moving on to a bigger or steeper hill.

Sledding is an experience for young and old alike. It may take a longer time to walk up hills, but even a sledding novice can enjoy their first sledding adventures. It is quite simple if you go on a decent bigger hill. Just hop in the sled and get a small push from behind from someone or kick off yourself with one swift kick. Then make sure to remember to hold on tight.

Some hills can cause you to pick up a faster speed with the right snow conditions. So make an effort to pick out a great location to sled. Or being an experienced sledder try to pass on your expertise to the younger generation of soon to be sled goers. Words of wisdom are like gold nuggets to sledders hoping to really go the distance.

Local sledding hills in our area are the smaller hill in Hancock right off main street called Quincy Green. And, then steeper hills at Swedetown trails located right in Swedetown near Calumet. Ripley ski hill in Ripley also has a snow tubing sledding luge that is quite popular. Try to avoid hills with trees nearby. There’s many more hills out in the country also. Like any sport or new hobby, it takes time to develop a knack for it. Keep trying to improve and learn the in’s and out’s of the best method. Mainly learning to steer properly and stay upright. Practice makes perfect is one mantra that applies to sledding. Ultimately, it is a purely recreational sport unless hoping to join a professional sledding team. It’s alot more fun when you get to make the walk uphill more worthwhile.

There is nothing quite like a really long ride down a sloping incline or medium size hill especially if a few turns and curves are involved. The wind and snowflakes hitting your face as you fly down the trail trying to keep the ride going further and further is truly indescribable. Then ending a sledding day at dusk after sledding all day, that’s a winter memory to last a lifetime. The Copper Country is the epitome for perfect sledding.