Sledding might be best associated with a childhood, family experience, but anyone can have fun on the slopes. There are plenty of sleds that are spacious and sturdy enough for adults. So what type of sled should you get? You should factor in the size, weight capacity and material. You should also consider durability if you’re in the market for a sled that will last a few years instead of just a season. And when you head to the hills, don’t forget your best snow gloves and winter parkas. Here’s a list of materials and shapes that sleds come in. For more detail, check out this list.
The Best Material for Snow Sleds
Sleds come in a range of materials, each of which has its own benefits.
- Plastic: plastic is lightweight and more affordable, but it can potentially crack more easily.
- Wood: Wood is sturdy and ideal for classic toboggans, but it’s more expensive and heavier, making wood sleds harder to haul.
- Rubber: Inflatable rubber and plastic tubes can be deflated for easy storage and are comfortable to sit in, but they can potentially get punctured.
- Foam: Foam is sturdy and comfortable, but typically less speedy than zippy plastic sleds.
The Best Shapes To Consider for Snow Sleds
The shape of the tube affects the number of potential riders and the riding experience.
- Saucer: Saucer or disc sleds are fast, fun and easier to store, but they only seat one person.
- Toboggan: Toboggan sleds are long and can seat multiple riders. Their larger size means they can be harder to store.
- Runners: These are less common now, but runners have the classic sled look (think: Rosebud from Citizen Kane). They’re made from wood and typically have metal runners below.
- Tubes: Inflatable tubes can be more comfortable, but they can potentially get punctured.
Whether you’re a college kid looking for fun ways to spend winter breaks, a cool uncle looking for the best Christmas gifts, or a proud mama bear looking for fun outdoor activities, there are plenty of great downhill snow sleds for sale. No matter what type of sled you’re looking for, we have some fun options listed here, so sit back and relax while you cruise our latest sled offerings.
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1. Flexible Flyer Downhill Sleds
BEST OVERALL
Flexible Flyer’s classic saucer sleds are lightweight and easy to control, and we think they’re the best sleds for most people. These sleds come in a variety of fun colors so you can race your friends down the slopes. With a perfectly round saucer, you’ll be slipping through the fresh powder in no time. This is also a great purchase for families, as there won’t be any sibling fights over who gets to use the sled next. You may already be familiar with Flexible Flyers, and you may have even used their sleds in the snow days of your youth. The sleds are available individually or in a three-pack.
ALMOST SOLD OUT!
2. Spyder Shredder Snow Sled
RUNNER UP
If you’re just looking for a cheap plastic sled, this isn’t it. There are tons of affordable plastic sleds for sale on sites like Amazon, but if you’re looking for something a bit sturdier — and a bit faster — then you’ll want to go with a premium foam sled. The Spyder Shredder is an ideal sled for older kids, teens and adults, and it’s big enough for an adult and child to ride at the same time. The Shredder has an EPS foam core and thermo-molded construction, and the result is a sled that’s lightweight and durable. Finally, two under-sled rails give you extra control and speed.
3. L.L.Bean Sonic Slider Sled
CONTENDER
This durable plastic sled is lightweight, which makes it easy to carry back up the hill when you’re ready for another go. Unlike most cheap plastic sleds, L.L.Bean has designed this sled for durability, and you can use it season after season. The Sonic Slider comes in a few different colors and designs, and you can save money by purchasing two or more at a time.
4. Slippery Sliders Sleds
BEST MULTI-PACK
Made from injection-molded plastic, these saucer-style sleds are designed for ages four and up. The 26-inch diameter means that these sleds are better suited for children than adults, and they’re not a great option if you’re looking for a two-person sled. However, single riders will have a blast sliding down snowy hills and using the sturdy grip handles to steer as they go. Unlike most cheap plastic sleds, Slippery Racers are made from a heavy-duty plastic that won’t break after a single season of fun.
5. Flexible Flyer 48-Inch Snow Sled
THE O.G. SLED
This is probably the most popular of the Flexible Flyers as it is robust and sturdy for a day on the hill. It’s made with a steel base, smooth metal runners and wooden slats, which makes it unbeatable in the turning and speed categories. You’ll be flying past your friends and going off jumps in this remarkably smooth sled. The classic Flexible Flyer also comes in two sizes long enough for kids and adults, so buddy up!
6. Spyder Omni Snow Sled
SNOW-AND-SURF
The Spyder Omni is a new product for Winter 2021-2022, and it’s a premium product that’s unique in a few different ways. It’s actually a boogie board-sled hybrid, which means you can use this sled to race down snowy hills in the winter, then catch some waves during the summer months. The Omni also has an interior core and slick skin bottom, which makes it both lightweight and durable. Although it’s more expensive than most winter sleds, the dual-purpose lets you get the most from your purchase. For all these reasons, the Spyder Omni is one of the best sleds for 2022.
7. L.L.Bean Polar Slider DLX Sleds
BUILT TO LAST
L.L.Bean provides all sorts of useful winter gear, and sleds are no exception. In fact, L.L.Bean makes some of the best sleds for winter fun, full stop. The Polar Slider is made from injection-molded plastic and has a soft cushion for comfort. It’s designed to fly down the hill, but it also comes with a tow rope for flat areas.
8. Slippery Racer Toboggan
BEST PLASTIC TOBOGGAN
A speedy sled for sure, you won’t regret buying this smooth toboggan for the winter season. With a smooth bottom and curves to tackle the slopes, you’ll be winning races in this sled all day long. It has a front-centered rope to make it easier to pull up hills and is available in a variety of colors.
9. Flexible Flyer Lightning Snow Sled
BEST FOR OLDER KIDS
A fast sled is all anyone needs during the winter, and this Flexible Flyer Lightning sled is the perfect choice for a day out on the slopes. With built-in hand grips, you’ll be flying down the slopes in this resin sled. It’s great for kids and adults.
10. Lucky Bums Recycled Toboggan Sled 48-Inches
BEST ECO-FRIENDLY PICK
This single-person sled is made from recycled plastics and comes in three different colors. With a carrying rope and built-in handles, there are plenty of fun ways to enjoy this sled. While it has a weight limit of 275 pounds, it’s still plenty of fun for little kids, too.
11. GoFloats Unicorn Snow Tube
TOO MUCH FUN
During the summer, we love our unicorn pool floats. But you can also enjoy unicorn fun in the winter thanks to GoFloats line of fun snow tubes, which also come in flamingo and polar bear models. These inflatable tubes offer a sturdy exterior and come with a patch kit just in case the plastic exterior is damaged. This snow tube is wide enough for both kids and adults, and you’ll be the star of the hill when you bring this on your next sledding adventure.
12. Flexible Flyer 6′ Wooden Toboggan
BEST WOOD TOBOGGAN
If you want something old school and classic, Flexible Flyer’s wooden toboggan will stand out in a sea of plastic sleds. The sled weighs 11 pounds and can support up to 250 pounds. The yellow rope gives you something to hold onto while you’re sledding while making it easier to pull back up the hill.
13. Tube in a Box The Original Swim and Snow Tube
MOST VERSATILE
Available in 3 sizes, this commercial-grade rubber inner tube has a built-in safety valve stem, and can also be used for swimming. Sure, the black rubber exterior isn’t the most inspiring, but this tube is sturdy, simple and tons of fun. What else do you need?
14. L.L.Bean Toboggan and Cushion Set
BEST UPGRADE TOBOGGAN
Sledding isn’t always the most comfortable experience for your derrière, but this toboggan from LL Bean makes it a more luxurious experience. Included with the toboggan is a cushion set that keeps you comfortable as you go over hills and bumps. It comes in classic and extra long. At 14 pounds, it is heavier than other sleds on this list, but it’s still manageable to tug up a hill using the rope.
15. Gizmo Riders Stratos Snow Bobsled for Kids
BEST STEERABLE PICK
Turn your sledding experience into a race car fantasy with this steerable bobsled by Gizmo Riders, which is available in four different colors. It snaps together easily without tools, and for younger kids, you can use the automatic retractable tow rope included, on smaller slopes or flat ground, making for an easy return back up the hill. It allows for more precision than inflatable alternatives and is sturdier, providing a smooth ride every time.
16. SportStuff Yeti Foam Sled
BEST FOAM PICK
Foam is a softer alternative to plastic snow sleds, and a bit more durable than inflatable options. It’s a single-rider sled, so you may not be able to bring along a friend for this one, but a parent and small child may be able to fit. With the well-placed, built-in handles and a slick bottom for increased speed, this foam sled is one of the most lightweight options that both kids and adults can enjoy a ride on.
17. Paris Company Pro Expedition Sled
FASTEST PICK
Some sleds are made with a visual effect in mind, but this classic Paris Company offering is focused on efficiency, quality and speed. If you’re looking for downhill action or have to haul some gear, this sled won’t break over rocks, unlike versions that are more intended for play than serious sledding. It can fit up to two adults and has fantastic longevity, so you don’t need to replace it over the years — one buyer says she’s had it for 35 years.