The Joy of Tobogganing
Long before high-speed ski lifts and heated boots, families in northern Canada discovered the simple joy of gliding over snow. Back in the early 1800s, a humble wooden sledge — just a few curved boards — was the go-to way to travel across winter landscapes. But it wasn’t long before someone realised that sliding down snowy hills was far more fun than hauling supplies uphill. And so, the beloved winter pastime of tobogganing was born!
Today, traditional wooden toboggans, complete with runners and rope handles, still capture that timeless magic — while sleek modern versions in aluminium or colourful plastic promise hours of laughter and downhill delight. Whether it’s a snowy garden slope or a grand alpine hillside, tobogganing and sledging remains one of winter’s simplest pleasures for families.
Nijdam Davos sledge, £62.99, Snow Inn
If you want the ultimate sledge design classic – it has to be this. Traditional techniques bend the ash wood to give the trademark swoop at the front, and with metal runners it’ll fly.
Ideal for: ages 6+
Snow Boogie Foam Air Disc Sledge, from a selection at Wham-o
A modern snow-surfer. Just hold on tight to the foam saucer’s sturdy handles and enjoy the ride. Caution and adult supervision are advised – this baby goes fast!
Ideal for: ages 5+
CAT Snow Cruiser Sledge, £72.99, Robert Dyas
This sturdy moulded sledge is robust and provides a really exciting ride. The steel runners on the underside give extra speed – and the strong pull rope means it can be easily towed back home afterwards.
Ideal for: ages 3+
Bump Skid Sledge, £5, John Henry Sports
This dinky derriere-shaped sledge would be a good option for very young children with its easy break function (digging heels in over the sides!) cute smiley-face handle and portable size.
Ideal for: ages 3+
Mini Luge Pilot Sledge, £78.99, Sports Direct
This funky little racer is a bit like the Porsche of the sledging sphere – nifty, sleek and eye-catching to boot. The little lever should make steering a breeze while stopping is as easy as dropping your heels.
Ideal for: ages 5+
Snow Scooter, £399.95, SkatePro
Constructed similarly to a standard scooter, children can easily perform bar-spins, whips, and numerous other tricks – but on the snow.
Designed for slopestyle riding with a pivotal fork
Ideal for: ages 6+
The Nice Fleet Inflatable Sled, £55, Smallable
This cute inflatable sled is ideal for travel and storage. This one has practical handles and inflates in minutes.
Ideal for: ages 8+
Indo Skate Scooter, £87.95, Skate Pro
What snowboarding is to skiing – this cool snow scooter has a non-slip footrest, easy-to-hold-onto hand grips and the hinged handle offers ease of steering for the serious young sledger.
Ideal for: ages 7+
Molti Pro Eco Wood Baby Sledge, £45, Amazon
Perfect for toddlers who want to join in the fun, this sledge is ideal on gentler slopes. Fitted with a safety harness, tots are strapped in securely and you can safely control direction and speed of descent with the leash.
Ideal for: ages 12mths+
A bright, bold basic made of super-light materials to help your child whizz along with ease. The simple design and keen price point make this the perfect starter buy for beginner snow-bunnies.
Ideal for: ages 3+
Snow Time Fun: Safe Sledging & Tobogganing for Children
Follow our basic safety tips
One that can be steered and has brakes is a good idea, but this can be difficult for younger children to ‘drive’. It’s best if younger children ride with an adult and only on very gentle, short slopes.
And that has a long flat area at the bottom so your child can glide safely to a halt at the bottom. Avoid slopes that end near the road or street, or near ponds, trees, fences, or other hazards that your child could bump into and only go sledging during daylight when visibility is good.
Hats, gloves or mittens, snow pants, winter jackets and snow boots will make the whole experience so much more fun. Don’t wear scarves or any loose clothing that could get caught in a sledge and pose a risk of strangulation.
The ones designed for winter sports are best, but if you don’t have one, make sure they at least wear a bike helmet or something similar.
In the event of any mishaps, there should always be an adult on hand to administer first aid and if necessary, take the injured sledger to A&E. Children under five should sledge with an adult, while all children under 12 should be actively watched at all times.
Never let them sledge down a hill backwards or while standing and make sure they don’t go down the hill face-first, as this greatly increases the risk of a head injury.
And with only one person per sledge (except for adults with younger children).
If they fall off the sledge, tell them to move out of the way. Teach them that if they’re on a sledge that won’t stop, to roll off it and get away from it. Never allow a child to ride a sledge that is being pulled by a moving vehicle.
