6 tips for hosting a winter sledding party

The winter weather in Canada doesn't demand that you keep your party indoors. Instead, find a good hill and host your own sledding party. It's an exciting way to enjoy the snow with family and friends. Before having a sledding party, though, make the proper preparations and get all the essentials you need.

• You first have to know how many people are coming, as this will determine how much of each supply you need.
• A good size for a sledding party is 15 to 30 people; you can use the venue to help you decide an appropriate amount.
• Since sledding parties aren't formal, you can probably just invite folks via email, social media, or phone.
• Sending out invites shaped like mittens or hats, however, is a fun way to get people excited about the event.

• The proper equipment is essential for a sledding party.
• You'll need snow sleds, toboggans, and snow tubes, for sure.
• If you have people coming that love a thrill, get some fast-moving saucers.
• For more control, bring some steerable sleds and kick sleds as well.
• This is a lot for just the host to bring. As you invite folks, see what they have and ask them to bring it.
• Make sure the sleds suit the guests (check weight and age restrictions).

• Certain guests just aren't going to come prepared. So you must be prepared.
• Bring sunscreen to protect folks from ultraviolet rays reflecting off the snow.
• Take extra mittens and hats, especially if it's going to be really cold.
• Additionally, bring extra pairs of dry socks, as wet snow will seep through at least one person's shoes.
• If the party is going until the evening, get flashlights and lanterns.

• First, make sure that it's safe and okay to light a fire at the location you choose.
• Go out and get a lot of firewood the night before.
• Bring a lighter or matches.
• Having a bonfire gives kids and adults a place to warm up, converse, and eat and drink when they aren't sledding. Have roasting sticks and ingredients available for those that want to make s'mores.
• Chocolate squares, marshmallows and graham crackers are all you need for a delicious treat.

• Just sledding is fun, but games will make the party even more fun.
• Organize relay races, sled pulls, and standard downhill races.
• Make it more interesting and worthwhile by having rewards for the winners and punishments for the losers.

• Have food and drink that's winter-oriented.
• For drinks, set up a hot chocolate bar with ingredients like mini marshmallows, chocolate chips and peppermint sticks.
• Apple cider and punch are also great options.
• Having bourbon available for those adults that want to spike their coffee or tea is a good idea, too.
• For food, go with warm, comfort dishes like chicken pot pie, vegetable soup and chili.
• Having treats like snowman cake, cheese fondue, and cinnamon roll waffles is a must as well.
• Throwing a memorable winter sledding party is as easy as having a group of fun-loving guests get together in a nice sledding spot.
• Coming prepared with extra supplies, entertainment and food will make the party an even more pleasant experience for all.