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The first ride down a hill on a sled is the most important, but
most difficult, as it determines the path of the sled for further
runs down the hill. It is essential to steer the sled along the
most exciting course, perhaps adding twists and turns (maybe
straight into a tree) to make the run down the hill more exciting,
or faster. Other techniques to improve the ride include turning
around, lying on the stomach, or closing both eyes. Running up to a
sled and jumping onto it can create additional momentum and improve
ride speed. This technique can be referred to as "Flopping."
There are 4 types of sleds commonly used today: disks,
toboggans, tubes, and runner sleds. Each type has advantages and
disadvantages if one is trying to get the most out of a given
slope.
 With each
course down the hill, the sled's path through the snow can
become more icy. Sleds with a greater surface area (disks,
toboggans and tubes) are able to make the first runs a great
deal easier than the variety of sleds with metal runners.
Runner sleds are typically faster once the snow has compacted
or turned icy. In the 1880s, Samuel Leeds Allen invented the
first steerable runner sled, the Flexible Flyer. Since that
date, the ability to steer the sled away from obstacles has
proven this type of sled to be more appropriate for the safety
conscious. In addition, runner sleds force the weight of the
rider onto two thin runners where the pressure causes a
microscopic film of snow or ice to melt as the sled passes
over it. This invisible layer of fluid reduces friction,
causing the sled's speed to greatly exceed that of its flat
bottomed relatives. Some people who sled sometimes use ramps
or jumps to increase the danger or fun factor of sledding. In
some cases, the ramp or jump may send the participant over
objects such as fences, boxes, plants,
benches
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