How to Make a Sled Go Faster

There's nothing like the thrill of sledding down a hill. The thrill can be enhanced even further if you make a sled go faster. Techniques used to speed up a sled can range from simple to elaborate. To be a real speed demon, you can try them all.

Things You'll Need

  • Bricks or other weights
  • Water
  • Lubricant
  • Slick, adhesive plastic sheet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Add more weight. This could mean piling more people on the sled or adding some bricks or other heavy objects so the sled picks up more speed.

    • 2

      Make a path through the snow and sled down it several times. Fluffy, untouched snow slows down sleds.

    • 3

      Freeze your path so it turns to ice. Once the snow is packed on your path, you can mist it with a water bottle or lightly sprinkle water on it. Wait until it freezes, and you'll have a fine, slick path of ice on which to sled.

    • 4

      Tape a sheet of thick, slick plastic, similar to a drop cloth, to the bottom of the sled for added slickness. You can try painter plastic, which is a self-adhesive material.

    • 5

      Apply a multipurpose lubricant, cooking spray or ski wax to the bottom of the sled.