My first couple times riding a sled were a disaster. My first time my wife rented a couple sleds on my birthday as a surprise gift. Didn't take too long until I got stuck after getting separated from my group. I exhausted myself trying to get the sled unstuck. (It's simple if you know what you're doing - But I didn't)

I ended up running it into a buried boulder when I finally got it to break loose because I wasn't about to let off the throttle and get stuck again. It destroyed the sled. ($2000 damage) I was so tired and frustrated after that I just rode it down to a paved road (bent skis, broken hood and all) and rode it on the pavement (sparks were flying) back to the parking lot. .

There's some simple physics involved that are not apparent until you actually get on a sled and experience it. It's a 500 lb machine that wants to go downhill. Unlike a dirt bike or ATV, just turning the handlebars doesn't always get the results you expect. You have to use your weight and position yourself on the sled to get it to go where you want it.

I've taken many novice riders out over the years since that first eventful ride and it usually ends up being a day of getting people unstuck and destroying my machines. I'm sure this is an expensive outing for BYU athletic department and not just for the rentals. I can only imagine 25 18-22 yr olds who feel invincible on a high powered machine in the forest. Surprised nobody has got seriously hurt doing this.

It is super fun and would be a memorable experience for someone who's never done it. Probably why they do it.