As a child, you might have been lucky to hit the slopes when the snow was replaced by or became covered with ice. The sensation as you rode down on your sled, magic carpet or piece of cardboard was incredible. It was thrilling and exciting and you never wanted it to stop. Whether you rode ice slides in Long Island, USA or in Toronto, Canada, the feeling was the same.
Today, portable ice slides are among the latest attractions. They are ideal for distinctive winter-themed parties. They are the perfect component of any winter carnival or ice festival. This type of entertainment and thrilling fun is truly unique, but it is not a modern invention. It has a history that ties it closely to the roller coaster and its commercial roots are in Russia.
Russian Ice Slides
Penguins and seals have been hitting the ice slides for years. Yet, Russians were the first humans who saw its economic potential. During the 17th century, Russians organized winter festivals. It was a way to pass the cold days and even enjoy them. The organizers saw the potential of slides as a means of capturing the average person’s attention and emptying his or pockets. In winter, ice slides seemed the natural way to go. This began the first created commercial ice slides – the Russian Mountains.
In fact, these early thrill rides found favor with the aristocrats of the country. Around the city that became St. Petersburg, the entrepreneurs constructed tall, wooden structures featuring a long, wooden slide. The renowned Empress, of Russia, Catherine the Great, enjoyed the spectacle and, it is said, she ordered built several of them on her royal lands.
What Did They Look Like?
These early ice slides were wooden structures. They could be as tall as 70 feet. The wooden sides provided form for the elevated ice slide. The ice was laid down on the treads, also wooden to provide a slick base for all who dared to try it.
In order to reach the slide, people climbed up the attached stairs to the top. Depending upon their circumstance and/or the owner of the ice slide, they had a choice of rides. The most common were wooden or ice sleds. People got in them and sat on a loose straw. For security, they grabbed on tight to a piece of rope.
The ride shot down the ice slide. However, since all good things must end, there had to be some way to make the sled stop. This was accomplished when the sled reached the end of the ride. Here, the creators of the ice slide had placed piles and patches of sand. It slowed then stopped the ice-sliding projectile.
Is it any wonder that the early icy Russian Mountains provided the basis for the later land locked rollercoaster? You can add the same type of excitement while paying homage to the roller coaster, for your next party. Consider the option of ice slides. Long Island hosts and their guests will surely love it.
