Toboggans were used for centuries by the woodland peoples of the north where deep snows could only be navigated by floating on top of the snowpack. Today, they continue to be used by winter camping enthusiasts and as recreational sleds for downhill adventures. In this course you will build a birch toboggan that tracks easily behind snowshoes or skis or can be loaded with a number of people for a downhill sledding adventure. The width of the toboggans ranges from 10” to 16” and the length varies from 6 to 12 feet. The slender design is constructed from local woods which students steam bend, shape, assemble and fit for use. The course includes making tuglines for pulling the toboggan behind a snowshoer, skier or dogs. The class also covers the use of the toboggan, use of tuglines and harnesses, hill travel techniques, and loading of the toboggan.

The instructor will consult with each student three weeks prior to start of the course to assess materials for the intended toboggan to be built. Material costs may vary given market prices and will be determined at that time. Each student will be expected to reimburse an additional $150-$200 for materials directly to the instructor at the onset of the course.

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