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Level up your snow days with these sleds for family fun.
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Sledding is just pure fun, whether youre playing in your backyard or in a dedicated snow park.
All sleds are not made equal.
There are several different styles and materials to choose from, each with unique pros and cons.
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Theyre one of the fastest options on hard snow, but most likely to get stuck in powder.
Available in red or blue, the GoSports Premium Snow Sled flaunts high-quality craftsmanship and impressive durability.
Thanks to double-walled, HDPE plastic, this sled is sure to last for seasons to come.
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Comfort is also ensured by a large seat made from insulated foam and two sets of built-in handles.
On the bottom of the sled, integrated ridges make for a more stable and consistent ride.
The saucer is noticeably heavier than plastic alternatives.
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Built-in rope handles add some element of safety, allowing you to hold on tight as you careen downhill.
The saucer is meant for ages 5 and up and is sturdy enough for adults to use, too.
The rope handle is best for pulling the sled uphill, not for steering the sled.
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You may want to invest in a separate stuff sack if you plan on traveling with it regularly.
Snow tubes offer a unique style of high-octane, high-speed fun but also have a reputation for puncturing easily.
We particularly love the double-stitch canvas cover because it eliminates static and delivers puncture-resistant peace of mind.
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A slick coating on the double-thickness bottom also reduces friction for a faster ride.
The tube is easy to inflate, with a clever soft ruler to indicate optimum fullness.
A detachable leash also makes uphill towing easy.
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This may be more of an aesthetic choice than a sled designed for careening down hills.
The wooden frame is crafted from kiln-dried northern hardwoods and finished with a clear lacquer for long-lasting durability.
The sled is available in alarger sizefor slightly bigger kids as well as atandem option.
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It even blocks UV rays and has built-in ventilation for warmer days.
Unlike many of its peers, this inflatable is built to last thanks to ultra-thick, cold-resistant material.
It may not be big or sturdy enough to accommodate larger adults.
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Soft, shock absorbent padding makes for a comfortable ride, with reinforced side handles for grip and maneuverability.
Inflation requires an electric pump, which must be bought separately.
Other benefits include a detachable pull rope and oversized handles compatible for use withthick gloves.
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Its sheer size makes it somewhat unwieldy for transporting and storage.
Its the ultimate workhorse, big enough to fit up to four children or two adults.
Its also ideal for tall people, with plenty of room for those over six feet.
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And it can help transport the endless paraphernalia needed for afamily snow breakfrom car to cabin and vice versa.
Molded tracking rails and a diamond-polished bottom also ensure a straight, speedy ride.
The rope handles are fairly thin and may break with frequent use.
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The sleds are streamlined with three bottom rails for added strength and speed.
The sides feature four built-in handles, so riders can hold on to both sides of the sled.
To sled alone, children must be able to recognize hazards and take action to avoid them.
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As children grow older, they should always sled with adult supervision.
This is true for adults riding together too, unless the sled is purpose-built for tandem use.
Think about durability
Different sled styles and materials offer different levels of durability.
Metal saucers are generally more durable than plastic ones because they will dent rather than crack in a collision.
For wooden sleds, look for one with pieces that are screwed together rather than glued.
Know the different types of sleds
The most traditional bang out of sled is the runner sled.
Theyre typically made of wood, with an elevated platform above two runners.
Theyre super fast on compact snow, but may get stuck in thick powder.
For powdery snow, Seymour recommends a toboggan, saucer, or snow tube with a large surface area.
Saucers and snow tubes are usually meant to be ridden solo whereas toboggans can be designed for multi-person use.
Children between 3 and 5 years old should ride with their parents if using other sled types.
The best materials for a sled are those that give you the right balance between durability and affordability.
