Leisure

The Hills

Your Definitive Sledding Guide

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. And when life gives you snow, you go sledding. Behold our definitive guide to the area's best sled hills—as well as the best spots to cap off a run with a little après-sled action.

BROOKLINE

Larz Anderson Park

Why: The park sits on a large part of the former Anderson estate, so it feels like you're sneaking in an afternoon sled run on someone else's backyard. It's also fun to sled on a property with Revolutionary War history.
Time From Boston: 20 minutes by car
Après-Sled: Costello's Tavern, located about a mile and a half east, serves a mean Irish coffee, heavy on the Irish.

MARLBOROUGH

Jericho Hill

Why: If you've ever been skiing and thought, "I wonder what it would be like to sled down this," your moment has arrived. The skiing stopped years ago, but now Jericho is prime sledding turf.
Time From Boston: 40 minutes by car
Après-Sled: Head to Firefly's BBQ, about two miles northeast of the hill, for a cognac-soaked Dante's Punch. Time it right and catch some live blues.

ROSLINDALE

Arnold Arboretum

Why: Take in the splendor of the Boston skyline from the top of Peter's Hill, just before shredding down it Christmas Vacation–style on a disc sled (requirements: WD-40 and a death wish).
Time From Boston: 20 minutes by car
Après-Sled: Hit the Alchemist Lounge, located about two miles north, for a Rum Swizzle and some barbecue ribs.

WALTHAM

Prospect Hill Park

Why: Long runs down the slopes of Little Prospect Hill will either remind you what it's like to be a kid again (as you're going down), or just how old you are (hiking back up).
Time From Boston: 25 minutes by car
Après-Sled: Duck into the Mad Raven, about two miles southeast, for a perfect pint of Guinness and the shepherd's pie.

LONDONDERRY, NH

Mack's Hill

Why: This is the Black Diamond of sledding. A legendarily steep hill on the backside of an apple orchard, with three levels to test your mettle, and a long expanse with massive jumps regularly created. If you want big air, this is the place.
Time From Boston: 45 minutes by car
Après-Sled: Lick your wounds at Whippersnappers, about two and a half miles east, with a couple of bourbons in a townie-bar setting that reminds you you're in New Hampshire.