How to Build a Two Scout Klondike Sled

Each year, thousands of Boy Scouts across the country gather in select locations to compete in the annual Klondike Derby. This winter skills camp out tests the boys on their winter survival knowledge, as well as allows them to take part in fun and challenging competitions in the snow. One of the perennial favorite competitions is the Klondike sled races.

Things You'll Need

  • Old downhill skis
  • 8 - 1" x 2" x 6" hardwood upright support
  • 4 - 1" x 1" x 18" hardwood floor support
  • 4 - 1/2" x 4" x 5' hardwood sled flooring
  • 2 - 1" x 2" x 40" hardwood rear rail support
  • 2 - 1" x 1" x 43" hardwood rear rail support cross-bracing
  • 1 - 1" x 1" x 18"" hardwood rear rail support top piece
  • 2 - 1" x 2" x 30" hardwood second rail support
  • 2 - 1" x 2" x 21" hardwood third rail support
  • 2 - 1" x 2" x 12" hardwood front rail support
  • 2 - 1/2" x 2" x 6' hardwood side hand rail
  • 1 - 2" x 2" x 18" hardwood rear hand rail
  • Drill
  • Countersink bit
  • Screws
  • Wood glue
  • Tape measure
  • Sharpie marker
  • Handplane
  • Rope
  • Sandpaper
  • Varnish or paint
  • Ski wax
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make the runners for your sled. Using an old pair of skis, either wood or fiberglass, remove all bindings so that just the ski itself is left. Measure and mark 12 inches from the tail end of each ski, this is where you will place one of the 1" x 2" x 6" upright support pieces. Measure 14 inches from this placement and mark again, and repeat for the next two pieces. Repeat for the other ski. Drill a hole through the ski with a countersink bit and screw each support piece in place from the bottom of the ski up through the upright support.

    • 2

      Build the sled floor. Glue and screw the four floor support pieces to the two skis, at each of the upright support pieces, connecting the two skis together. Use the hand plane to plane the end of the sled flooring pieces, to sit flush with the tips of the runners. Fasten into place, with screws and glue, across the floor support pieces. Ensure flooring pieces are centered across the floor support pieces, allowing a one-inch exposure of the support pieces, where the rail supports will be affixed.

    • 3

      Build the sled rails. Use the hand plane to plane the end of all eight rail support pieces to a 35-degree angle. Screw and glue the rear rail support to the back side of the last set of upright supports, on either side of the floor of the sled, with the angled end pointing up. Glue and screw diagonally the two rear rail support cross-bracing pieces, followed by the rear rail support top piece. Fasten the remaining rail support pieces to the upright supports, angled end up, using both glue and screws, being sure they are straight up and down. With screws and glue, attach the side hand rails to the rail support pieces. Position the side hand rails approximately ten inches beyond the rear rail support structure and angle down to the floor of the sled approximately nine inches from the nose. Fasten the rear hand rail with screws and glue to the two side hand rails.

    • 4

      Finish your sled. Drill two holes in the outside floorboards, at the front of the sled, and attach the tow rope. Sand any sharp edges from your sled. Seal sled floor, supports and rails with a coat of varnish and/or paint. Lastly, wax your runners with high-quality ski wax to minimize friction on the snow.