Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide Glides Again
The Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide in Sullivan County, a cherished winter attraction in Eastern Pennsylvania, has been thrilling visitors since its inception in the early 1900s. After an 11-year hiatus due to unfavorable weather conditions, the slide has reopened this year, bringing excitement back to the community. Accessible in under 1.5 hours from Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, NEPA residents flock to Eagles Mere for chilly family fun.
Ice, Speed, and Tradition
The origins of the toboggan slide trace back to 1904 when local fire Captain E.S. Chase, inspired by his grandchildren’s request for a “real good” toboggan slide, designed a structure that would provide safe and enjoyable winter recreation. The initial construction involved the collective effort of local men and boys. They declared a holiday to build the slide once the lake’s ice reached a solid twelve inches. Using hand saws, they cut ice blocks and transported them with horse-drawn wagons to the foot of Lake Avenue to assemble the slide. The inaugural run occurred in January 1904, illuminated by electric lights strung overhead.
Crafting Winter Magic
Building the toboggan slide is a meticulous process that begins with marking out an ice field on the lake, measuring approximately 140 feet by 40 feet. Workers use markers and strings to delineate the area, creating lines 22 inches apart. The ice is then cut into blocks measuring 15.5 inches wide and 44 inches long, with a typical thickness of 12 inches. These blocks, each weighing around 256 pounds, are floated through a channel to an elevator system, which lifts them onto a chute for loading onto trucks. After transporting them to the hill, they are meticulously arranged to form the slide. The entire construction process requires approximately 380 man-hours, utilizing multiple pickup trucks to haul around 1,000 ice blocks, totaling 120 tons.
The Anticipated 2025 Return
Due to warmer winters, the toboggan slide has been inactive since 2014, as the lake’s ice failed to reach the necessary thickness for safe operation. However, as of January 2025, the ice has reached 10 inches. The assembly and operating teams expect it to reach the required 12 inches by the end of the month. The community is eagerly anticipating the slide’s reopening on January 31, marking the end of an 11-year pause in this beloved tradition.
Rent your toboggan and race down the hill at speeds up to 45 MPH! Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and other refreshments at the on site snack shack., purchase a souvenir, or warm up by the fire. The village shops and museum are only a short walk down the hill.
The Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide stands as a testament to community spirit and the enduring appeal of winter recreation. Its return in 2025 is a celebrated event, promising thrilling rides and cherished memories for all who participate.
Hours of Operation:
Fridays – 6:30PM-9:30PM
Saturdays – 10:00AM-8:00PM
Sundays – 10:00AM-6:00PM
Toboggan Rental:
Up to 5 Adults – $40 for 1 hour (cash only)
*Guaranteed 2 Runs per hour
*Toboggan rentals are first come, first serve and are available up to 1 hour before closing.
Information Hotline:
570-525-3244
Featured image (above) is courtesy of Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide Association.
When our lakes freeze over and snowflakes start falling, we’re bundling up and heading out for plenty of cold-weather fun. Find countless things to do this winter all across NEPA!