Sledding Safety

Kids sledding

Coconino County communities, including Flagstaff, Williams, and Happy Jack, are popular snow play destinations. To help reduce sledding injuries, it is important to follow safety guidelines while enjoying the winter wonderland!

Many people travel to Northern Arizona for the snow play including sledding. Following a few safety guidelines can help to reduce snow play injuries.


The following resources are intended to provide tips about practice and preparation for safer snow play.

Tips for Sledding Safely:

Prepare: Before You Leave

  • Inform friends/family about your location.
  • Check the local weather.
  • Pack a car kit.
  • Check that your vehicle is in good working condition. 
  • Bring the right gear to stay warm and dry.

Practice: Safe Techniques

  • Choose a location away from roadways, trees, and rocks.
  • Bundle up and stay dry.
  • Sled feet first!
  • Encourage children to wear helmets.
  • Adult supervision is strongly encouraged!
  • Create sledding boundaries with others.
  • Ensure you clear the sledding lane quickly.
  • Watch for signs of frostbite, hypothermia, or injury.

Always look for sledding locations that are:

  • Away from roads or freeways
  • Clear of trees, rocks, and debris
  • Less crowded

Sledding Locations 

Dress warmly. Bring the proper clothing!

  • Waterproof coat or puffer
  • Waterproof shoes
  • Hats
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Waterproof snow pants
  • add links to snow play resources

Please be respectful and responsible to the environment you visit. Don’t litter! Discard broken sleds in dumpsters and throw away any trash you generate. If there’s no trash can nearby, please take it back with you.

Driving in winter conditions information:

Follow these driving guidelines for traveling in winter weather.

Prepare your car before you leave!

  • Make sure that your tires have traction. Consider using chains for severe winter weather conditions.
  • Check tire pressure.
  • Pack a car kit that includes jumper cables, flares or reflective triangles, ice scrapers, blankets, and more.
  • Visit ready.gov to help you complete your car kit list.

In snowy weather, be prepared to brake.10-15 seconds earlier than you normally would. If your car isn’t all wheel drive or four-wheel drive, consider snow chains.

Come prepared!

It’s helpful to have these items on hand:

  • Water
  • Food
  • Extra clothes
  • Snow shovels or shovels
  • Snow chains that fit to your tire size

Please visit these websites for more updates:

Other resources:

Reducing Sledding Injuries Flyer English, Spanish