Beltline Sledding: Where to Go for Winter Thrills (Legally!)

Winter in Calgary means embracing the chill, and for many, that means finding the perfect hill to launch themselves down on a sled. If you're near the Beltline and wondering where to catch some frosty air without a lengthy drive, you're in luck! There are several fantastic spots within spitting distance, ensuring your weekend fun is more about speed and less about traffic.

For those looking for officially sanctioned fun relatively close to the action, Stanley Park at 330 42 Ave SW offers hills for all skill levels, a tried-and-true city favourite. Just a little further west, Scarboro (1737 14 Avenue SW) is another city-approved designated hill that keeps you in the SW quadrant. East of the Beltline, the hill behind Ramsay School in the Ramsay community is a well-known local gem, recognized as a popular spot. And for something truly unique, St. Patrick's Island Hill in the East Village has a purpose-built slope. A word of caution there: while purpose-built, the City states sledding is at your own risk as it's not under their jurisdiction.

The City's Stance vs. Reality on the Slopes

Now, about those 'official' spots. Did you know Calgary has a bylaw against tobogganing on non-designated hills? The City of Calgary Parks and Pathways Bylaw 20M2003 (and 11M2019) technically prohibits downhill sledding anywhere in a City-maintained park unless it's a specifically approved area. The fine for breaking this rule? A cool $100. Sounds pretty strict, right? Here's the kicker: despite the bylaw being in place since 2003, City officials confirmed as recently as 2016 that not a single fine had been issued. Their approach, it seems, is more about education and risk mitigation than playing 'toboggan cop.' However, it's crucial to remember that if you choose a non-approved spot, you're on the hook for any liability or risks involved. That's a cold dose of reality with your hot chocolate.

If you're willing to venture a bit further for top-tier sledding, Confederation Park (2807 10 St NW), about 5 kilometers north of downtown, boasts varied terrain for all ages. And often considered one of the city's best, St. Andrew's Heights Hill (2504 13 Avenue NW) offers long, steep slopes with a safe run-out. For the little ones, Glendale Park (2225 45 St SW) has a fantastic bowl-shaped dry pond design that slows sledders naturally, perfect for toddlers. And for those seeking a steeper challenge with a safe runoff, Turtle Hill on the west side of 45th Street SW (between 26th Ave and 17th Ave) is another Southwest gem.

Why Critics are Concerned

This bylaw has certainly raised eyebrows over the years, even inspiring a satirical segment on Rick Mercer's show about 'undercover toboggan cops' back in 2015. Critics argue it's an overreach of public safety, with many Calgarians feeling that individuals should bear their own risks when engaging in simple winter fun. As one tobogganer put it, "I think it's pretty dumb. We're the ones putting ourselves at risk, right?" So, while the City might not be actively ticketing your innocent winter frolic, knowing the designated spots protects you from both a potential fine (however unlikely) and, more importantly, ensures you're sliding down a hill deemed safe for the activity. Whether you stick to the official list or venture slightly off-piste, bundle up, be smart, and enjoy Calgary's snowy season!