How to Ride a Snow Shovel

You can also ride a snow shovel.

Angel Fire Ski Resort in New Mexico celebrates the art of riding a snow shovel with snow shovel races each winter. According to Angel Fire officials, snow shovel racing originated when lift operators used their snow shovels as make-shift sleds to speed down the mountain at the end of their shifts. The wide pan of the shovel provides a seat. Waxing the bottom of the shovel can create speed. The resort requires shovel racers to wear ski helmets for protection in case of falls.

Instructions

1. Sit on the shovel with the handle between your legs.

2. Lean back, keeping your upper body parallel to the ground, and as close to the ground as possible.

3. Lift your legs and straighten them, keeping them parallel to the ground. At this point the shovel should start to slide down on its own, but if it doesn't, or you're racing and want a burst of speed, shove off with both hands on the ground.

4. Steer by leaning your body slightly, or by touching a hand to the ground. A Wall Street Journal article on the Angle Fire shovel races reports this may or may not be an effective method of steering.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not grab the handle of the shovel while riding it. The Wall Street Journal reported this will cause you to veer more wildly off course.

References

• Wall Street Journal: Snow Shovel Racing Went Downhill, But It's Getting a Second Chance
• ESPN: Riding a Shovel, and a Dream