Snow Sleds

A toboggan sled is a flat-bottomed sled with a curved front that glides on top of the snow instead of cutting into it. Traditional toboggans were made of wood, but we built our retrospec Retrorider Toboggan Snow Sled from sturdy HDPE plastic that stays slick and reliable in temperatures as low as -30°C/-22°F. That curved nose helps you ride smoothly over bumps and powder on the way down.

A toboggan is a type of sled, so every toboggan is a sled, but not every sled is a toboggan. Sled is the umbrella term that covers saucers, runner sleds, and more, while a toboggan is specifically a long, flat-bottomed sled with a curved front and no runners. We designed our Retrorider to glide on top of the snow, which gives you a smooth, predictable ride.

Sledding is the winter activity of riding a sled down a snow-covered hill, and we think it's one of the most accessible ways to enjoy the snow. All you need is a sled, a hill, and warm layers. No lift ticket, no lessons, no experience required. Grab a snow sled from our collection, find a gentle slope free of obstacles, and let gravity handle the rest.

The best snow sled for kids is lightweight, durable, and easy to pull back up the hill. We sized our 35" retrospec Retrorider Toboggan for small children with a 130 lb recommended weight limit, gave it a sturdy HDPE shell that handles temperatures down to -30°C/-22°F, and added a pre-knotted tow rope so kids can pull it back up and go again. Pair it with a snow helmet, and you're set for a full day on the hill.

The best snow sled for adults is one built to handle more weight and colder conditions without cracking. We sized our 48" retrospec Retrorider Toboggan for adults with a 175 lb recommended weight limit and gave it a sturdy HDPE shell that withstands temperatures as low as -30°C/-22°F. We also offer it in multipacks, so the whole crew can hit the hill together.

The right snow sled size comes down to who's riding it. We make our retrospec Retrorider Toboggan in two sizes: the 35" is great for small children with a 130 lb recommended weight limit, while the 48" is best for adults with a 175 lb limit. When in doubt, check the weight limit first, since staying within it keeps your sled gliding at its best.

It depends on the sled and the size of the riders. Most sleds are designed for one or two people, and the deciding factor is the recommended weight limit. We offer our retrospec Retrorider Toboggan in a 35" size for small children with a 130 lb recommended weight limit and a 48" size for adults with a 175 lb limit. Staying within those limits keeps your sled gliding at its best.

Yes, two people can ride a snow sled together, as long as the sled is rated for their combined weight. Always check the recommended weight limit before doubling up. On our retrospec Retrorider Toboggan, that means staying within 130 lbs on the 35" size and 175 lbs on the 48" size, so an adult and a small child can share the larger sled if their combined weight fits the limit.

A quality snow sled doesn't have to break the bank. Our retrospec Retrorider Toboggan starts at $29.99 for the 35" size and $39.99 for the 48", and our 2-, 3-, and 4-pack bundles bring the per-sled price down even further. We ship every order over $35 free, so outfitting the whole family costs less than a single day of lift tickets.

You can buy a snow sled online right here at retrospec, with free shipping on orders over $35 and pickup available at over 2,000 stores. Shop our Snow Sleds collection online, or use our dealer locator to find a sled near you. Our sleds tend to sell out fast once the snow starts falling, so grabbing yours early in the season is the smart move.

Yes, plastic snow sleds are a great choice for most riders. They're lightweight, affordable, and slick on the snow for low-friction gliding, and quality plastic holds up season after season with almost no maintenance. We make our retrospec Retrorider Toboggan from sturdy HDPE that withstands temperatures as low as -30°C/-22°F, so it won't turn brittle on the coldest sledding days of the year.

Unlike tubes, which are almost always made from PVC, sleds can be made from a variety of materials. Traditionally, sleds were crafted from wood, often sturdy hardwoods like oak or ash. Modern sleds, like our Retrorider Toboggan, often incorporate lighter and more affordable materials like plastic or aluminum. We find plastic sleds are the most popular because of their ease of use, extreme lightweight, and low cost.

Plastic sleds are generally the better pick for durability and glide. Hard plastic resists dents and scrapes, slides smoothly on packed snow, and handles freezing temperatures well, while foam sleds are softer and lighter but tend to compress, absorb moisture, and wear out faster. If you want a sled that lasts for seasons, we recommend an HDPE option like our retrospec Retrorider Toboggan.

A toboggan sled is long and flat-bottomed with a curved front, so it tracks in a straighter line and gives you a more predictable ride. A saucer sled is round, which makes it prone to spinning as it slides. We also make our Retrorider in kid and adult sizes, so every rider gets a sled that fits. If you want more control on the hill, we say go with a toboggan.

Sleds slide better when there's less friction between the bottom and the snow. A smooth, hard base like the HDPE shell on our retrospec Retrorider Toboggan glides more freely than soft foam or scratched, worn surfaces. Snow conditions matter too, since packed snow is slicker than deep powder. We recommend keeping the bottom of your sled clean and free of deep gouges so it stays quick year after year.

Sledding and snow tubing are both exhilarating ways to ride down a snowy hill, and the biggest difference is control. A sled like our retrospec Retrorider Toboggan can be steered and maneuvered as you ride, while a donut-shaped snow tube spins and bounces with almost no steering at all. If you want a more predictable trip down the hill, we say a sled is the way to go. If you're after a spinning, bouncing free-for-all, tubing delivers.

You steer a snow sled by shifting your weight in the direction you want to go. Lean gently left or right, and use the sled's rope for extra leverage. To slow down, drag your heels lightly in the snow. We find steering works best on a toboggan-style sled like our Retrorider, which tracks predictably downhill. Always pick a slope free of obstacles, so you have plenty of room to ride.

To stop a sled, drag both heels firmly in the snow and lean back slightly until you slow to a halt. We recommend choosing a hill with a long, flat runout at the bottom so your sled can coast to a natural stop, and never trying to stop yourself by grabbing trees, fences, or other objects. If you're ever headed toward something you can't avoid, it's safer to roll off the sled into the snow.

A good sledding hill has a gentle-to-moderate slope, a wide, open path free of trees, rocks, and bumps, and a long, flat runout at the bottom. We recommend steering clear of hills that end near streets, parking lots, fences, or frozen ponds. Local parks often have designated sledding hills, which are usually the safest bet. Once you've found your spot, grab your snow sled and enjoy.

The best snow for sledding is a few inches of fresh snow on top of a packed base. Packed snow gives your sled a fast, smooth surface to glide on, while the fresh layer softens the ride. Deep, fluffy powder tends to slow you down mid-hill, while hard, icy snow is fast but tough to steer on. In our experience, a hill that's seen a few runs after a fresh snowfall is usually in prime shape.

We don't recommend sledding on ice. Ice makes a sled extremely fast and nearly impossible to steer or stop, and falls on ice are much harder than falls on snow. It's best to wait for fresh snowfall and stick to snow-covered hills where your heels can dig in to slow you down. If conditions are icy where you ride, we think a snow helmet is an especially smart call.

Your sled can usually handle the cold better than you can. We rated our retrospec Retrorider Toboggan for temperatures as low as -30°C/-22°F, so the gear is rarely the limit. The real question is rider comfort. Dress in warm, waterproof layers, cover exposed skin, and head inside for warm-up breaks when fingers and toes start to sting.

Kids can start sledding once they can sit up steadily and hold on by themselves, always with an adult close by. We recommend starting young riders on short, gentle slopes free of obstacles, keeping runs supervised, and bundling them up in warm, waterproof layers. A properly fitted snow helmet is a smart addition at any age. As kids grow more confident, they can work up to longer hills.

Sledding is generally safe, but like any outdoor activity, it carries inherent risks. The speed and potential loss of control can lead to collisions with other people, trees, or hidden obstacles such as rocks, as well as uneven terrain. These collisions can cause a range of injuries, from sprains and fractures to concussions. To mitigate these risks, we recommend choosing a designated area free of obstacles and considering a snow helmet and snow goggles. Control your speed, be mindful of your surroundings, wear warm clothing, and take breaks to avoid overexertion.

If you're snow sledding on a mellow incline in your backyard or neighborhood, many riders won't bother with a snow helmet. Many resorts and snow parks require a helmet.

For sledding in the neighborhood, many children won't wear snow goggles. However, we think it's a good idea for safety, to shield their eyes from snow, wind, and ice, and purely for comfort. The best snow goggles will keep kids' faces warm, offer UV protection, and reduce glare. There's simply no reason not to wear them!

Just like adults, kids need to be bundled up for warmth and protection when snow sledding. We recommend starting with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep them dry, followed by a fleece or wool jacket for insulation. Waterproof snow pants and a jacket are essential for keeping snow out. Don't forget a warm hat, waterproof gloves or mittens, and a scarf or neck gaiter to protect exposed skin. Warm, waterproof boots with good traction are crucial for navigating the snow. Goggles will shield their eyes from the sun and snow, and most importantly, a properly fitted snow helmet is a must for safety. (Around 4,000 kids suffer sledding-related head injuries each year.)

When it comes to dressing for snow sledding, we recommend prioritizing warmth, comfort, and protection from the elements. Layering is key, starting with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep your skin dry. A warm mid-layer, like a fleece or wool sweater, provides insulation, while a waterproof outer layer protects against snow and wind. Accessories are equally important: a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf or neck gaiter help prevent heat loss. For footwear, waterproof boots with good traction are essential to keep your feet warm and dry while navigating the snowy terrain. Don't forget snow goggles to protect your eyes from the sun and snow glare, and consider wearing a snow helmet for added safety.

Properly storing your snow sleds is crucial for their longevity. After the snow melts and the winter season ends, we recommend thoroughly cleaning your snow sleds to remove any dirt, debris, or salt residue. Allow them to dry completely, then store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. If space allows, hang your sleds up to prevent warping or bending. Also, avoid storing your sleds in damp basements or garages, where moisture can damage the materials. This is particularly crucial for wooden sleds. Plastic sleds are much more durable and can really be stored just about anywhere.

The lifespan of snow sleds depends on several factors, including the frequency of use and how well they are cared for. Well-made sleds constructed from high-quality plastic, like high-density polyethylene (HDPE), can last for many years (5-10 years or longer), even with regular use. We recommend inspecting your snow sleds regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, tears, or punctures, and storing them properly.