Morton Hill sledding, a Riverton tradition

January 29, 2012

Life in Riverton

 

By CARMELITTA TIFFANY 

mcp.com contributing columnist

 

Although it’s been a pretty pitiful winter here, when there’s a layer of any depth of snow, sledders can be found on Morton Hill, on Morton Road south of Hawley Road. Last Saturday was no exception.
Despite the chill and damp, biting wind, a steady stream of excitement-seekers climbed the hill and risked life and limb for a few seconds of sheer thrill that only can be experienced when sliding down an ice and snow covered slope at breakneck speed. There were even a few jumps built into the run, just the right size to send some of the more courageous sledders into the air.
The countryside in this part of Riverton is perfect for sledding, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. It was actually once a real “ski area” with a tow rope that hauled people to the top of the slope. Named the Ludington Ski Area, the attraction was begun in the 1950s by a group of Riverton residents led by the Wagners, Lathrops, and VanNortwicks. The tow is no longer in service, but the old-fashioned fun of getting out and enjoying the winter scenery and the thrill of the descent still abounds on Morton Hill.

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