Where: All of Sweden
When: Winter
What: Spark kicksledding
What we love about Sweden is that each season has its own unique activities. In winter, despite the shorter daylight hours, we get a lot of snow and ice fun in return. The frozen Mälaren lake is very tempting, with many people enjoying activities on the ice. If you’re not skilled at ice skating, then spark kicksledding might be perfect for you.
WHAT YOU NEED FOR SPARK KICKDSLEDDING
Depending on the weather, it’s wise to dress warmly as there can be a chilly wind on the ice. Gloves and a hat are essential. However, keep in mind that you’ll warm up from the kicking motion. To have good grip on the ice, it’s helpful to wear metal studs on your shoes (called ‘Dubbar’ in Swedish). These studs are attached to a rubber thingy that you wrap around your shoes. You can find them at most outdoor stores and even supermarkets across Sweden. And don't forget to pack a well-deserved fika — a comforting coffee and a snack to enjoy along the way.
Now, onto the main attraction: the spark sled. You can either buy one or simply rent it. Here in Västerås, rentals are available at Aktivtuteliv Björnö Garden and by the lake at Framnäs, complete with shoe studs and crucial safety gear: ice picks. If, by any chance, you fall through the ice, you can use them to pull yourself out of the water onto the ice. Okay, now that we have everything, let’s go.
HOW SPARK KICKDSLEDDING WORKS
Position the handle just below hip height so that you’re in the correct posture. Place one foot on the metal and push off with your other foot, off you go. This is how you kick and glide over the ice. It’s really fun to do, especially as you gain more skill. It’s very accessible (anyone can do this!) and a smooth way to move across the ice.
The spark sled has a seat, so you can easily take someone or something with you. This makes the sled more stable and easier to handle. In Sweden, we see sparks being used as a means of transportation through the snow (it can be used on any hard, slippery surface like ice or hard packed snow). And for a Swedish touch, sit on it for a fika break — nothing beats warming up with a cup of coffee in the middle of a wintry landscape.
DON’T FORGET
If it has been consistently freezing for weeks and everyone is ice skating, it’s likely that the ice quality is good. However, it's always wise to verify before venturing onto the ice. Aktivtuteliv Björnö Garden provides daily ice reports via Instagram during the winter season, offering peace of mind for a safe and enjoyable outing.
Oj, this is great fun! Go and try out spark kicksledding during winter. The great advantage is that it’s very accessible and suitable for all. Don’t forget to check out the links I left below for more information.
HELPFUL LINKS
Rent a spark at Aktivtuteliv Björnö Garden:
Rent a spark at Framnäs (Ankargatan 1 / Strandtorget Västerås):
Follow Aktivtuteliv Björnö Garden on Instagram for the latest ice updates: instagram.com/aktivtuteliv_bjornogarden/
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