Even if you’ve moved on to more thrilling snow pursuits like snowboarding, there’s a good chance that sledding has a nostalgic place in every outdoor enthusiast’s heart. There’s a unique thrill to sitting on a circular dish that you have almost no control over and plummeting down the biggest hill you’re brave enough to take on.
If you grew up sledding and want to share the excitement with your own children (or just want to bring out your own inner child) then it’s worth investing in a couple of sleds. But rather than counting on the local outdoor shop to be open, it’s a good idea to head to the slopes with the sleds beforehand.
There are a few different kinds of sleds worth considering. Traditional toboggans are made out of wood and have curled ends, but many modern variants are made out of lighter and less expensive materials. Saucers are round, and better suited to individual riders.
Whether you’re trying to actively encourage an interest in the outdoors, or you’re just trying to get your kids to stop destroying the lids of trash, then these are the plastic sleds to get.
1. Slippery Racer Downhill Xtreme Toboggan Snow Sled
Toboggans are a great option if you’re looking for a sled that can accommodate one or two people. This option has two sets of grips for two riders to hold onto, and the rope in front makes it easy to pull back up the hill. It’s made out of a flexible plastic that resists breakage and coated with a cold-resistant material.
Pros: Accommodates one or two people, convenient pull rope for getting it back up a hill. Made out of durable and cold-resistant material.
Cons: A tight fit for most adults.
2. Flexible Flyer Baby Pull Sled
If you need an option for very young children, consider this sled from Flexible Flyer. It has a curved backrest so the toddler can sit upright, and a buckle to keep them in place. The extended rope allows the accompanying adult or sibling to pull the toddler along. It’s made in the US of a crack-resistant polyethylene material.
Pros: Made in the US. Features a buckle to hold a child in place. Curved backrest for a comfortable sitting position for a child.
Cons: Only designed for smaller children. The bottom of the sled can sink down in the snow, making it harder to pull.
3. Lucky Bums Snow Kids Toboggan Sled
This pick from Lucky Bums features a traditional toboggan design. There are two sets of grips so two riders can comfortably hold on, and the long pull rope makes it easy to pull the sled back up a hill. It comes in two different lengths: 33″ and 48,” and a range of colors are available.
Pros: Suits one or two riders, comes in two different sizes. Includes a pull rope and side-grips.
Cons: Plastic material is somewhat thin.