Warren, Vermont - January 22, 2009
For most people, this is sledding to the extreme-- trudging 1,000 feet up a mountain just to slide back down again.
But that's nothing compared to the vertical plunges and downhill thrills of riding a Mad River Rocket.
"Definitely been off a few cliffs that have scared me a bit," says sledder Scott Joslin. "Put my teeth through my lip one time, but no big deal."
They're called Mad River Rockets.
The extreme winter sport is relatively new and is linked to the infamous Mad River Rocket sleds which are produced in Warren.
Riders kneel on the rockets and use edges on the bottom to turn.
"You don't need any open trails," explains sledder Nate Steinbauer. "It's more fun to pick tight lines through the trees and stuff."
And now there's a one of a kind place to check the sport out.
Located on Prickley Mountain in Warren-- this is the world's first official rocket sled park.
"It's sort of like a vineyard. It's going to take time, but over time we're going to pick up any downed wood and branches, really make it nice for sledding," says Whitney Phillips, the president of Mad River Rocket Sleds.
The 250 acre sled hill is the handiwork of Dave Sellers, the company's founder.
The land is part of Vermont's Use Value Appraisal Program, which means landowners pay less in property taxes so long as they leave it undeveloped.
The land also has to be periodically inspected by a state forester. And when the forester determined these trees needed to be thinned, well...
"I overheard the conversation and said that's going to be my sled park," Phillips says, "and he said go with it."
But other than a few removed trees, this sled park looks no different from any other section of forest.
Rocks and trees in place-- a part of this thrill seeker's playground.
"It's inexpensive, a good workout, and you can get out with your friends," Joslin says.
"It's a lot like canoeing or kayaking because it inspires people to go out and find their own terrain," Phillips says.
The terrain can be somewhat intimidating to a first time rocketeer, but after a couple runs down the logging roads-- even I managed to get the hang of it... sort of.
"For this we basically say 127 bucks and you have a lifetime ticket to all of Vermont and the fuel you burn is what you eat," Phillips says.
A winter high that's bound to get your adrenaline pumping and one that can now be enjoyed in the world's first official sled park.
The park is still being developed but it is free and open to the public. Plans are in the works for a parking lot and better signage and the company even plans to install a rope tow some this summer to make the mountain more accessible.
Click here for directions to the park or for more information.
Keagan Harsha - WCAX News
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