Homemade mountain getting high praise from sledders

At more than two storeys high, the homemade sliding hill in the New Maryland Athletic Park towers over everything else.

With steps carved into its side for easy access to the impressive summit, it's a quick turn-around for children looking for a downhill thrill.

"It's longer and you don't have to go too fast on it," said 10-year-old Brian Hudson, who made the most of Friday's 15 C weather along with his mother and two brothers.

"So it lasts longer and you have more fun."

The hill was built by the Village of New Maryland to draw kids into the park.

Despite the stairs, long slope, and "Use at your own risk" signs, some children have already built another, more technical route down the backside of the large hill.

"Well you can go down the fast way," said eight-year-old Jack Hudson. "And when I do I always hit this big bump and go up in the air."

The snow hill survived the warm temperatures Friday, although the weather shuttered the neighbouring hockey rink.