Your Snow Day Survival Guide: Where to Sled, Find Snow Removal & More

Dear Readers, Surprise!

This isn't our usual Monday newsletter, but a special snow day edition coming to you as the flakes fall outside our windows. With a significant winter storm blanketing our area, we wanted to reach out with some timely tips, local insights, and fun ideas to help you make the most of this snowy interlude.

Thank you for sharing this newsletter with someone else who might appreciated it. Send them this link.

In today’s special edition issue:

• Last-Minute Snow Shoveling Service

• Sledding Hotspots

• DIY Sled & Indoor Fun Ideas

• Safety Reminders

• Did You Know? Maryland Winter Storm History

Want to advertise with us and reach our highly engaged community? Reply to this email for more information.

☃️ Our 9 Best Local Sledding Hills

Snow lovers rejoice! Our area is transforming into a winter wonderland once again! Here’s your guide to the best sledding hills in the area:

Benjamin Banneker Park, 300 Oella Ave., Oella
A steep, long hill suitable for kids 5+ and adults. Crowded but slows before roads or trees. Enter at the park sign and head to the top lot.

CCBC Catonsville Campus, 800 S Rolling Rd, Catonsville
Popular for kids 8+ with a steep, long hill. Enter across from Catonsville High, turn right at the top to find the sledding area.

Hillcrest Elementary School, 1500 Frederick Rd, Catonsville
Great for younger kids with gentle, obstacle-free slopes. Park in the school lot or behind the field via the neighborhood.

Spring Grove Hospital Campus, Wade Ave off Frederick Rd, Catonsville
A quieter hill gaining popularity. Turn onto Wade Ave, stay left past the “road closed” sign, and find the hill ahead.

Centennial High School, Ellicott City
Offers a small, gentle hill ideal for younger kids or relaxed sledding.

Bonnie Branch Middle School, Ilchester
Features a well-loved sledding hill behind the school.

Fairway Hills Golf Course, Ellicott City
Sled on the hill near the golf course clubhouse.

Mt. Albert Rd off Carroll Mill Rd, Near Centennial Park, Ellicott City
A quiet spot with an open hill perfect for sledding.

Folly Quarter Middle School, Clarksville
Spacious hill behind the school, great for a fun sledding day.

Send Us Your Snow Day Photos!

Reply to this email with your snow-day photos for a chance to be featured in our next issue!

❄️ No Sled? No Problem!

Household Items to Turn into Snow-Day Fun

Always play it safe. Don’t use anything heavy or difficult to maneuver. Always start on hills with small inclines to test how well the homemade sled works. Avoid trees and vehicles. Remember that sledding is never 100% safe.

• Cardboard Boxes (reinforce w/ duct tape & line with trash bag for extra speed)

• Pool Floats (patch holes first)

• Cookie Sheets or Baking Trays (add duct tape handles and grease)

• Trash Can Lids (add duct tape handles)

• Yoga Mats

• Shower Curtain Liners

OR Have Fun Indoors

• Create a cozy reading nook with blankets and pillows

• Have a family game night or puzzle marathon

• Make snow ice cream or hot chocolate with marshmallows

• Try indoor crafts like making paper snowflakes or building a fort

Snow Safety Reminders

• Before shoveling: Stretch and warm up muscles

• While shoveling: Push snow instead of lifting; take frequent breaks

• Heart attack warning: Stop if you feel chest pain or shortness of breath; call 911

• Stay hydrated (preferably with warm drinks)

• Prevent frostbite: Keep moving to maintain circulation, use hand warmers, limit time outdoors, keep skin covered, stay dry

• Seek medical help for numbness, pale skin, or persistent pain after warming

• Need emergency shelter? Call Grassroots Crisis Intervention: 410-531-6677

Your safety is paramount during this winter storm.

Did You Know About The Knickerbocker Storm of 1922?

Named after the tragic collapse of the Knickerbocker Theatre in Washington, D.C., this storm dumped over 20 inches of snow in our area. The heavy, wet snow caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. The storm is remembered not only for its record-breaking snowfall but also for the lessons it taught about structural integrity during severe weather.

That’s it for this week’s view. Please reply to this email if you’d like to share an upcoming event, highlight a local business, or share inspiring story.

Until next time,

P.S. This newsletter is free, but the resources and time to produce it are not. Please consider supporting us.