| Firstly, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and we hope that Santa brings you some fun toys to play with – by that we mean woodworking tools of course. We will be taking a break over the festive period, and will resume our usual roster of fun woodworking projects, handy tips and time-tested techniques the first week of January 2025. So a Happy New Year also! |
The Winter Sledge
Sledges are simple and brilliant. Although perhaps a challenge to imagine, the wooden sledge was fundamental for humankind’s exploration and settlement of temperate regions of the globe. Originating thousands of years ago, early sledges were necessary to life in snowy regions like Northern Europe, North America, and Siberia. Crafted from durable woods such as birch or ash, they were used for transporting heavy and bulky goods such as firewood, food and clothes across snow and ice. Indigenous peoples and early settlers where reliant on sledges for their livelihoods, especially in harsh winters, where deep snow made traveling on foot all the more challenging.
By the 19th century, careening down snowy hills on sledges had become a popular way to enjoy the winter weather. Designs grew sleek and more efficient, with flat wooden seats, curved runners, and sometimes ropes for steering or pulling. The “Davoser Schlitten,” named after the Swiss town of Davos, became a notable model that is popular and familiar today. Developed in the late 1800s, this sturdy, fast sled gained fame in both recreational and competitive sledding.
Wooden sledges also became cultural symbols. In Scandinavia and Alpine regions, traditional sledges were often handmade and adorned with intricate carvings or painted decorations, reflecting the craftsmanship of local artisans. Passed down through generations, these sledges can hold sentimental value as family heirlooms.
Today, wooden sledges are commonly used around the world for both recreation and practical use. While modern sleds incorporate advanced materials, the classic wooden design continues to evoke the joy of snowy adventures.