Klondike Sled

Your own design is acceptable

Here are some ideas to get you started . . .

Paint your sled bright colors

Varnish the bottom of the runners, then wax them before use,

or go to a thrift store and get a cheep pair of downhill skis.

A snow guard curtain on the front and sides will help keep your gear dry.

Use screws instead of nails . . . drill pilot holes to avoid splitting the wood.

Be sure your sled meets the following specifications:

(Keep the sled narrow - 18 to 24 inches for best results)

1. The sled must be at least six (6) feet long and 18 inches wide.

2. Sleds must be strong enough to finish the course in one piece.

3. No commercially built sleds may be used (except skis for runners).

4. Display patrol flag on a pole attached to sled. Display troop number on sled.

This drawing will give you an idea of the dimensions you are looking for. Start with two downhill skis (black), cross country skis are too narrow. Drill and counter sink two holes for each wood block (blue) through the skis. You don't want the screw heads dragging below the skis. The wood blocks (2" by 4") (blue) should only be the width of the skis. Any wider and they will drag in deep snow. Screw 2" by 2" vertical supports (green) to the back side of the blocks (blue). Pre-drill all the holes or they will split! Use plywood for the deck (red). Remember to drill a hole in the front center of your deck (red) for the towing bridle. The angle support (yellow) is made out of 2" by 2". Finally add a 2" round dowel (purple) as a handle.

The towing bridle is a group of ropes with loops on one end (bowline) tied to a central pulling rope, which is tied to the sled.

Note: The front three vertical supports (green) and the angle support (yellow) can be replaced with rope, if the last vertical support is upgraded to a 2" by 4" with some added bracing on the bottom. If you have other materials available use them. I have seen sleds made out of electrical conduit and canvas, or fully enclosed with 1/4" plywood. The key is to minimize weight and drag in deep snow, while maintaining strength.