Since before many of us could walk, we saw the world from the seat of our sleds as mom and dad pulled us around in the winter. This age-old sport is alive and thriving in the Lake Tahoe area with snow lovers of all ages and walks of life. Whether it’s a complement to a day on the slopes or in lieu of a day at the resorts, sledding and/or snow tubing offers the chance for folks to enjoy a fun, affordable, snow sport, with little skill required.

However, there are still some things you should know when considering hopping on a sled or tube to play in the Sierras. For these things we went to our expert, 2-year-old Ashwin Belcher-Thomasson who spends his weekends snow tubing at Kirkwood Mountain Resort and the midweek tackling the slippery slopes near his house in South Lake Tahoe.
Check out what he had to say!

What is your experience with sledding/tubing?
"My mom is the Human Resource Trainer at Kirkwood and she grew up sledding with her family on the hillsides near their home in Colorado. She’s teaching me everything she knows. She and I go tubing on the weekends at Kirkwood and I have my own sled for the playgrounds near our house in South Lake Tahoe."

What can you tell me about Kirkwood’s sledding/tubing facilities?
"The Kirkwood family tubing park is located near Red Cliffs Day Lodge and offers fun for all ages on weekends and holidays. There’s even a handle tow, to bring you back up to the top – which is A LOT easier than walking! It’s fun – you get to enjoy the ride both up and down the hill. Tubes are included in the price. I’m pretty much a regular at Kirkwood’s Tubing Park on the weekends."

What advice can you give parents to prepare for a day of sledding?
"Sometimes it’s sunny and sometimes it’s snowy, so bring lots of clothes. My mom always says, 'Layers are the best way to go so you can take off things if it warms up and stay dry in wet conditions.' She also always smears tons of sunscreen on me so I don’t get burned. And she takes lots of pictures too, so I guess you should bring a camera. And don’t forget the snacks!"

Sierra-at-Tahoe spokesperson Kirstin Cattell adds that waterproof jackets and pants are a good idea and that tubers should wear goggles instead of sunglasses for safety.

Is there anything else folks should know about safety?
"Never start down the hill if there’s another kid in the lane! And older people should realize that they can smush us little kids if they’re not careful. Also, make sure your kids are big enough to go – no babies out there!"

While Ashwin hands-down recommends Kirkwood as his favorite place to slip and slide, the Lake Tahoe area is home to many sledding and/or tubing facilities. Find out more about http://www.tahoe.com/article/20071218/POWDERHOUND/972852728/1009/GETOUTDOORS01">sledding in Lake Tahoe here.

What do you think of Ashwin's advice? Leave your comments below.