Mountain Boy Sledworks, an innovative sledmaking company in the small Colorado mountain town of Silverton, has introduced an artistic interpretation of the time-tested Norwegian kicksled. The unique sleds, first used in the late 1800s, are pure joy to kick down an icy street or hard-packed nordic trail. Unlike other sleds, you pilot from behind while standing: one foot stays on a metal runner as the other foot kicks the sled into action. When one leg gets tired, you switch. And the sleds are much more stable and easy to use than a pair of skis, for instance. Plus, you can take a friend along: your lucky side-kick sits in a semi-reclined wooden deckchair, takes in the sights and enjoys the ride. For the pilot, it's a great workout. For the rider, it's less bumpy than other sleds.

Mountain Boy kicksleds combine elegant design with fine craftsmanship. Most striking is the handle, a carefully chosen, hand-carved piece of native willow. The structure of the sled is American ash, known for its strength and flexibility. The slats that make the very comfortable slatted seat are figured maple, attached with stainless-steel screws, and a copper bar makes a simple, sturdy footrest. The kicksled’s runners are highly flexible tempered steel, with polished and waxed edges and large footplates for the pilot. Rings are welded to the front of each runner, making it simple to attach a bridle and tugline for dogsledding.

Because each kicksled is a one-of-a-kind work, each is signed and numbered on the bottom by the sledmaker. The Sledworks makes three sizes of kicksled: the classic Silverton Kicksled, which seats one adult or child; the unique Double Kicksled, which seats two children and has bright red hand rails; and the Children's Kicksled, which is sized for children aged 6 to 10.