When snow falls, lots of people spend their workdays dreaming about weekend trips up to our ski slopes. Since I work in Deadwood, I am often used as a source of information about the quantity of new snow (though I think Dustin’s suggestion is probably more reliable). I’m always happy when I can inform my friends that yes! There is lots of new snow.

But me? I’m not a skier. I tried when I was young, but never with much success. I’d get the tips of my skis crossed and wind up doing a nose dive or overcorrect on a patch of ice and wind up in the trees. Snowboarding never seemed like a good option either, since if I can’t keep my balance having two points of contact with the ground, how am I supposed to pull it off having only one?

But you know what I am good at? Sledding.

I had a hill in my back yard when I was growing up that was the envy of all the neighborhood. No only was it the perfect slope, but the yard was full of obstacles to keep us entertained. You had to avoid the mid-hill flower beds, swerve around the cottonwood tree, and duck under the fence. If you were really good, you could make it all the way to the street, two yards over.

Anyone else miss those good ol’ days? If you’re looking for a chance to have some snow fun that doesn’t really require much in the way of skill, Deer Mountain offers downhill snow-tubing in addition to the regular ski slope options. For a fraction of the price of a ski ticket, anyone at least 41” tall can go zooming down specially groomed slopes in a big, inflated tube. Unlike my back hill, crash potential is minimal, and unlike skiing, you probably won’t take a nasty spill if you’re out of practice. You may still need a cup of hot cocoa when you’re done, though.