Sledging on hiking trails creates dangerous situations
01/15/2025Using a sled on official hiking trails in nature reserves and other excursion destinations is allowed, for example, for pulling a child or a load. Sledding or sliding downhill endangers the safety of the sledder and can create dangerous situations for other hikers.
Sledding or sliding downhill has become more common during the winter on hiking trails maintained by Metsähallitus. Sledding is everymans’s right, but for safety reasons, one should find a slope where there are no other hikers. Snow on the terrain is minimal for this time of year, and branches and rocks sticking out from the icy ground on the trails can also pose a hazard.
Sledding downhill on hiking trails with sliders, sleds or any other equipment creates dangerous situations for both the sledder and other trail users. If the trail is narrow and surrounded by trees, it can be difficult to stay on track as the speed increases downhill, making it very hard to control the sled. Lower down the slope, there are often other people, and you may unintentionally collide with them causing serious injury. In mountainous areas, the speed on compacted trails can become very high, making it difficult to control the sled.
Additionally, sledding on the trail makes the path slippery and makes it more difficult to move along the trail.
“We hope that everyone enjoying nature uses common sense and does not sled on hiking trails. We are aware of and have received feedback about observations on dangerous situations caused by downhill sledding on trails. Everyone is responsible for their own actions and any harm they cause to others", emphasizes Erkki Ollila, a special expert in recreational use at Metsähallitus, Parks and Wildlife Finland.
Sledding on ski tracks or downhill ski slopes is also not allowed with sleds or sliders.
The Outdoor Etiquette guides responsible hiking
In the event of an accident, it can be difficult and time-consuming for rescue personnel to reach the location in the terrain, especially in areas that are hard to access. Therefore, it is particularly important to follow the rules. A responsible hiker is familiar with the Outdoor Etiquette and considers other people in nature.
In national parks, the right of public access does not apply as such, because each national park or most other nature reserves have their own regulations.