Selecting a Snow Sled
The best snow sleds for you will depend on how many people you want them to fit, how old the riders are and how fast you want to go. In addition to the traditional metal runner sleds or sledges, there are other types to consider. Below, we explore some popular types of snow sleds and what their benefits are.
Toboggan-Style Sleds
Toboggan sleds are a classic type of sled. These were traditionally made of flat pieces of wood that curled at the front. These days, they’re more often made of rectangular pieces of plastic. These sleds are budget friendly and come in versions that fit one or two riders, making them great for children and families with small children who still need an adult to ride with them. These sleds usually have an attached rope or cut-out handles for the riders to hold onto. You can easily steer this kind of sled by shifting your weight as you head downhill.
Inflatable Snow Tubes and Sleds
If you typically go sledding in deep, light snow, snow tubes could be a great option for you. Inflatable snow tubes are round, and some have a hole in the middle, while others have plastic stretched across the center as a seat. The tubes are more comfortable than hard sleds and they move very fast because they’re lightweight, but they can be challenging to steer. You can deflate the tubes when you’re not using them, which makes them easy to store.
Disc or Saucer Sleds
This modern style of snow sled is small, circular and only intended to fit one person. They have a slightly concave bottom and are typically made of plastic or metal. This sled is ideal if you’re looking for an economical option that’ll help you zip down snowy hills. Saucers are designed to glide smoothly on top of the snow, allowing them to go fast, but they’re harder to control and steer than toboggans.
Foam Sleds
As the name suggests, foam sleds are made of a thick piece of polyethylene foam that’s typically cut into a rectangular shape. They’re softer and more pliable than metal or plastic sleds, but they often have a thin piece of hard plastic lining the bottom to help them withstand rocks, ice and uneven terrain better than the foam alone would. This type of sled is less prone to cracking than an entirely plastic sled but moves more slowly. If the sled doesn’t have a reinforced plastic bottom, it can be rolled up and easily stored and transported.
Steering Sleds
Steering sleds are ideal for the serious sledder who wants more control over where they’re going. They usually have handles that connect to movable tracks on the base of the sled. Steering sleds typically require the rider to lie down facing the front of the sled. This creates less resistance and allows you to move faster downhill.
Stand-Up Sleds
Stand-up sleds, or ski scooters, combine a base similar to a snowboard deck with a handle. You can use these sleds for downhill sledding or can slide along flat-packed areas of snow, scooter-style. These are typically made of plastic or polyurethane, which is tough but still flexible enough to prevent cracking. Many of these have weight limits of more than 200 pounds, so they’re suitable for adults and children. Models with foldable handles are easier to store.
Features and Accessories
Different sleds have different features or accessories that can improve your sledding experience. Some of these include:
- Tow Ropes: A tow rope makes it easier to drag your sled back up the hill after you’ve ridden down it. Some sleds come with a tow rope included.
- Handles: Most sleds have handles for you to hold onto. Some are cut out of the sled, while others are made of plastic, metal or rope.
- Padded Seats: These protect your backside from bumps and rocks when riding.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety tips while sledding.