We researched the top sleds on the market, considering weight limit, safety, and extra features. Based on these factors, the EMSCO Day-Glo 48-Inch Toboggan earns our top spot because it’s durable in freezing conditions, suitable for up to three small kids, and has a frictionless base for speeding down hills safely. Here are the best sleds to consider for your family. This attractive, colorful sled is reminiscent of a funky tie-dyed shirt. Made from durable plastic that can withstand freezing conditions, this construction may help it resist cracks on those sub-zero days. At four feet long, it can easily hold two children, an adult with a child, or even three small kiddos, depending on their size. If your riders love speed, this sled will not disappoint. The bottom is slick and frictionless, so anyone aboard is guaranteed to go whooshing down the hill. Though it lacks extras like steering or brakes, this sled includes recessed grip handles that are easy to grasp for safe riding. While the material is rugged, this sled is light enough to pack in the car and carry up steep hills. The manageable build also makes storing in the garage easy during the off-season. This Emsco sled is built to last for multiple winters, making it an affordable and value-rich pick for seasonal fun. Price at time of publish: $20 Although it has changed ownership a few times, Flexible Flyer is a company with a storied history: In 1889, they produced one of the first iconic wooden sleds with the same name. This sled is affordable enough that you could stock up on a few to keep on hand throughout the winter. Price at time of publish: $30 The company pre-treats it with their own IceVex material, which is supposed to help it resist damage from the cold temperatures. They also claim that the material is so flexible, it could “virtually bend in half” without breaking—of course, we don’t recommend testing this theory. The sled does pick up plenty of speed, thanks to the slick bottom and aerodynamic shape, and for kids who want to ride with their friends, there are two sets of built-in handles. Price at time of publish: $43 Since it has a weight limit of 250 pounds, many adults can ride it safely, and it’s fun enough that you just might be able to convince your teen to join your sledding outing. Note that some assembly is required, but the process is simple and straightforward. There’s also a retractable tow rope, which is handy, considering that the whole thing weighs 22 pounds. Price at time of publish: $155 A rolled border adds stability, and handle-shaped cut-outs are easy to grab (and unlike straps, can’t break off from too much wear and tear). The latest version of the sled is made from what the company calls “no-break resin” (a high-density plastic) so it should stand up to plenty of spins down the slopes. Price at time of publish: $22 Although these toboggans aren’t cheap, they’re designed to last across multiple generations. This version comes with a cushion set, although the sleds can also be purchased without them. To protect the wood, you’ll want to keep it clean and dry when it’s not in use—many families enjoy hanging the sled high in their garage or even on a rec or game room wall, where they can appreciate its good looks during the milder months. Price at time of publish: $200 With its six-foot size and 250-pound weight capacity, this is a sled that two or three people can easily ride together. The sled is also attractive enough that you might want to display it on the wall during the off-season. As with the L.L. Bean sled, the company uses screws, rather than staples, to attach the wooden pieces. These can be easily replaced and help extend the life of the sled, which will also help justify the price. Price at time of publish: $180 The Sonic has a semi-rigid plastic base that helps protect it from rips and holes—to create it, designers from L.L. Bean modeled it after tubes at water parks that must stand up to constant use, and they also tested it in a lab under sub-zero conditions using lots of direct pressure. There’s also a pull rope that makes it a little easier to drag back up the hill, though younger kids may still need some help, as even the smaller size weighs more than double what most plastic sleds do. Price at time of publish: $160 Since it’s lightweight, kids will be able to easily pull it back up the hill. Note that a pump isn’t included and you can blow it up quickly yourself, but an air pump will make things go more quickly. This is especially useful if you decide to inflate once you get to the snow hill—some parents prefer this option, as it’s a bit bulky to fit in a trunk or backseat. Price at time of publish: $28 The 54-inch size fits two children easily, and the sled comes with a tow rope, which is helpful because it weighs nearly 12 pounds. And at two feet wide, it’s a comfortable ride for adults too, even if they’re wearing lots of winter gear. Price at time of publish: $54 “The sled should never be heavy enough to crush the child,” says Dr. Sanders. “The sled should be sturdy enough to withstand any obstacles such as rocks or tree stumps that might be encountered.”
Weight Limit
Always check the weight limit of your sled—this is especially important when you have adults or multiple riders sharing. A sled that has a 220- or even 250-pound weight limit will give you some wiggle room.
Material
Ensure that your sled is safe for your rider and for your terrain, says Dr. Sanders. “Cheaper plastics can be pierced or splinter when impacted and caused significant injury,” she says. Sharp edges and parts that might break off easily should also be avoided. Plastic tends to be a go-to material: It’s lightweight, strong, affordable, and zips down the hill, thanks to the slick bottom. Some types of plastic, like high-density polyethylene, are more rigid and durable than others. Foam is also lightweight and tough, and gives you a more padded ride than plastic, though you may not go as fast. Wood and metal sleds are long-lasting, but may start to feel heavy after repeated trips up the hill, and can sink into very deep powder. While inflatables are light and easy to store during the off-season, they may get easily punctured—save them for days when you’ve got lots of snow or know you’re in an area that’s free of debris like sticks and rocks.
Extras
A tow rope and handles (or at least carved-out notches) are nice to have. Some sleds may come with bells and whistles like brakes, a steering wheel, and even padded seat cushions.
Why Trust The Spruce?
For this roundup, Lexi Dwyer considered dozens of sled styles, carefully evaluating size, shape, weight, material, and reports of durability. She considered extra features such as handles, tow ropes, steering mechanisms, and brakes. She chose sleds that work across several different age groups, from toddlers up to 250-pound adults. All of the sleds that cost more than $100 are designed to last for at least several winters, if not many years. Additional reporting was done by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. She’s also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert-focused articles, and more. All sleds should be left to dry thoroughly before being put away. To prevent rust and mildew from forming, store them in an area that’s free of excessive moisture. Many people choose to hang their sleds on sturdy wall hooks in either their basements or garages. She advises to avoid crowded sledding hills, areas with obstacles like trees, fences, walls or rocks, and separate older, heavier children from younger ones. This also includes avoiding sledding near busy roads or during the night when visibility is limited. A great way to avoid injury is to use each sled properly and with appropriate gear. “Children under the age of 12 should wear a helmet, and all children should wear padded clothing, gloves or mittens, and appropriate footwear,” she adds. Expert advice was provided by Julia Sanders, MD and member of the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America.
