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

Sledding enthusiasts had been awaiting a snowfall since the ban was eased.

ByABC News
January 24, 2016, 6:51 PM

— -- 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.

People are sliding on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, Jan. 24, 2016 in Washington.
OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP/Getty Images