Winter has finally arrived in the Gate City.
Though commuters had a rough time dealing with the precipitation on the area’s roads on Monday morning, the snow was a godsend for winter sport enthusiasts such as skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers.
But if you’re not equipped to ski down a steep mountainside or if you can’t afford a massive snowmobile, there’s always the simple, time-honored tradition of sledding down a hill.
With the rolling landscape in town and mountain ranges to the east, west and south, it’s no wonder why sledding is so popular in the Pocatello area. There’s just so many hilly areas to choose from, all of which provide different terrain, obstacles, skill levels and thrills.
To help get you started in your sledding adventures, here are four of the top sledding areas in Pocatello:
Bartz Field
In terms of popularity, Bartz Field is one of the most visited spots in Pocatello for sledding. Located near the Stephens Performing Arts Center on Idaho State University’s campus, the field’s rolling hills provide a perfect winter escape after the snow begins to fall.
“It’s fun,” said Andrew Taylor, interim director of public relations with ISU’s Office of Marketing and Communications. “There’s people of all ages everywhere at Bartz Field.”
Bartz Field is especially popular among ISU students looking to take a break from their homework, and at times the area can get incredibly crowded.
Safety measures always need to be taken wherever you sled, and that is especially true at Bartz Field. In 2013, there was a rash of sledding injuries at the field. A child broke her leg, and another person suffered a lacerated spleen and lost of a kidney in a sledding mishap.
ISU recommends making sure to look out for other people and to avoid obstacles such as trees and rocks. Some of the areas along Bartz Field have been closed to sledding and are marked by signs. Sledding these closed areas can be extremely dangerous.
Ammon Park
Ammon Park seems like it was built for sled enthusiasts.
The Pocatello park sits in a bit of a ravine, with hills of various sizes rising on all sides. Though most of the hills aren’t very tall, some are fairly steep, giving sledders a chance to get some great thrills as they race down the hillsides.
Like Bartz Field, Ammon Park can attract a crowd, so be cautious and courteous when sharing the hills with others.
East Fork Mink Creek Nordic Center
The East Fork Mink Creek Nordic Center is well-known in the area for its cross-country ski trails.
But it is also home to a sledding hill that’s approximately 60 yards long.
What sets this hill apart from the rest, according to Lance Clark, program manager with Pocatello Parks and Recreation Department, are the hill’s banked corners, a unique feature included with the natural terrain. Though the hill isn’t very steep, these corners provide an exciting challenge for sledders.
Though it costs $5 to park your car, the natural aesthetics of sledding in the tranquil mountains south of Pocatello are worth the cost. You even have a warming hut nearby.
Plus, you’ll be far away from the crowds that are usually found at Bartz Field and Ammon Park.
Just don’t take your sled on the groomed ski trails.
Bistline Park
The hill at Bistline Park in Chubbuck may not appear to be the most intimidating place for sledders.
However, the park located near the corner of East Chubbuck Road and Hiline Road does offer variety, and when the ground ices over, sledders sliding down the hillside are in for quite a wild ride.
At one time, the hill used to be really steep and short. But it was redesigned a few years ago to give the southern portion a more gradual descent, while giving the northern half a more intense drop.
After heavy snowstorms, both sides of the hill at Bistline Park are heavily utilized, so prepare for a crowd.
