Sledders Race Down Capitol Hill for First Time Since Ban Was Lifted

— -- Sleds of all shapes and sizes were seen racing down Capitol Hill on Sunday, as Washingtonians enjoyed both the new winter wonderland and an easing of a former sledding ban.

Late last year, members of Congress included language in the omnibus bill requesting an easing on the sledding ban’s enforcement by Capitol Police.

This weekend’s storm -- which dumped more than 20 inches of snow around the District -– has been long anticipated by sledding enthusiasts. Some even ventured out in the middle of the blizzard on Saturday to give the hill a try.

Isabel Sobel and her friends waited until Sunday to take advantage of the fresh powder, although their sled isn't a traditional racer: a giant, inflatable swan.

"There definitely have been a couple of kids diving out of the way," joked Sobel before jumping down for another ride.