How to choose a sled

It's winter break, and we're heading to the snow! And where there's snow, there's sledding! To delight the whole family with the best sled, here are a few tips.

Discover all our snow sleds

1 - Who will be using the sled, and what type of hill is it for?

Depending on the age and use of the sledder, you’ll probably choose one model over another. When we think about sleds, we often think about the one-person versions, but there are also models for two or more people… Here are the elements you need to consider when making your choice:

⦁ The age of the rider: some sleds can now be used by kids as soon as they are able to sit up.
⦁ The maximum weight the sled can accommodate: it will determine the number of riders (alone or in pairs).
⦁ The comfort you need: depending on your age and needs, there are more or less comfortable models.
⦁ The weight of the sled: an important consideration if your kids are still young, as you will probably have to pull the sled with your toddler on it, or carry it when they no longer want to ride it.

Transport and storage

When researching, also consider the size of the sled that's best for you. You'll need to store it for a good part of the year, so think about reserving a spot for it in your basement, garage, or shed. And of course, it will need to fit in the trunk of your car or on public transport, unless you live right by the hills...

2 - Accessories: a criterion of choice for use!

Accessories

Brakes:
If this is the family's first sled, choose a model with brakes. They make it easier to steer and, of course, to stop. Easier to steer than models without brakes, they will be a little safer.

With or without backrest:
For kids and babies, you need to have a backrest or seat to keep them properly seated. But these sleds are no longer suitable when the kids get older. The ideal solution, if you want to have a sled that will grow with your kid as they get older, is to opt for a model on which you can just add the seat. Then, all you have to do is remove it when your toddler is old enough. For the toddlers, a support harness is often fitted to the seat, so your little one can enjoy the thrill of winter sports in complete safety!

With or without a pull cord:
If you plan to pull your baby along when hiking or going about your day in the snow, you definitely need a pull cord. From age 5 and up, your child will be able to pull the sled behind them "like a grown-up".

3 - Check out our snow sled models

The wooden toboggans of our youth are still around, but in recent years many new types of sleds have emerged. These new sleds, which are easier to handle or designed specifically for little ones, are what we are going to look at here in more detail.

For kids age 1–3

Sleds designed for young kids have evolved in recent years, making them safer and more modular. There are harnesses for fastening kids in, and you can buy a tray sled to which a special seat made for babies can be added. And when they grow up, they can use the tray sled up to age 10!

See our baby products

Tray sled with brakes

You can't go wrong when you choose this model. There’s a kid's version that’s only for youngsters up to the age of 10, or an adult version for one adult and one kid. It can be steered with the feet or the brakes depending on what you prefer. What's more, it’s easy to pull along behind you, thanks to the pulling strap and handle.

View the products

Inflatable sled with brakes

Easy to transport and store, and great for having lots of fun on the hills, the inflatable sled is the perfect recreational sled. Comfort is ensured by the fact the sled is inflated, which cushions all impacts, as well as its backrest and foot rests. The Pumpslide inflatable sled can be inflated using a standard pump, or easily by mouth if you don’t have one. Once the sled is inflated, you’ll see a central pocket for storing things inside, such as a jacket, hat etc. Try it out ... you’ll love it!

View the product

Scooter skis

What could be better than being able to transform your kid's scooter into a snowscoot for winter? Snowpad skis allow you to do just that! You just need to replace the wheels with snow skis, and off you go! You’ll be able to enjoy winter on a scooter, and have fun on gentle inclines with your kids.

View the product

The carpet sled

If you grew up hitting the hill on plastic bags, you'll love the carpet sled. This uncomplicated and capable sled is made for young and old alike weighing less than 80 kg (176 lb). While being lightweight and space-saving, it is super fun, and you can always keep one in the trunk of your car or hanging from your backpack.

View the product

2 - Check out all the sled models The different types of sleds<br>

The iconic wooden toboggan

Want to bring back some childhood memories? Choose a wooden sled and head to the hill for a classic winter experience. You steer and slow the sled down with your whole body. Take the time to get used to this method of steering before heading down the hill! The new wooden sleds can be folded so they don't take up all your storage space, and you can even add a baby seat.

Cross-country sledding for adults (age 16 and over)

Do you like snowshoeing, but also love the feeling of racing down the hills? Then you'll love cross-country sledding, with an innovative product specially designed for this activity!

Yes indeed, a backpack on the way up that turns into a sled on the way down... never before seen on the market. On the way up, straps attach to the shell, so you can put the bag on your back and hike in comfort. On the way down, the straps are stored in the bag, and a handle is added to the shell to become a real sled! Never seen before!

There are lots of types of sleds to discover in winter

Want your kid to have good control over the sled's trajectory?
Treat them to a steering sled (from 3 years old). It’ll turn them into real little racing drivers on the hills!

Ever dreamed of trying out a flying carpet?
The carpet sled is ideal for you! Treat yourself to a ride on the snow, sand or even grass… as if you were in a dream. Lightweight, easy to transport and fitted with handles to steer it, it’s suitable for kids from the age of 4½ years as well as for adults!

Ever heard of the saucer sled? Round in shape and fitted with two handles, it lets you head down the hill while rotating like a spinning top!

And if you particularly like the feeling of speed, you can also go for performance sleds. These models are mainly intended for teenagers and adults, and require a little time to get used to before you fully get the hang of them.

4 - How to sled safely

What gear do you need to go sledding?

Your ski clothing can do the trick, but one thing should not be overlooked: gloves and mittens. Whatever type of sled you have, your hands will get covered in snow. Especially if your sled is not fitted with brakes. So a warm, waterproof pair of gloves is essential, for you as well as for the little ones whose hands often end up to either side of the sled.

Also, remember to equip yourself with a pair of ski goggles to protect your eyes from the sun, wind and sprayed snow when you start picking up speed.

A good pair of waterproof and warm winter boots will be an important accessory for you and your baby. For you, because you are going to use your feet to steer or slow the sled down. And for your baby, because they will not be moving and must keep their hands and feet warm!
Finally, a helmet is essential for you and for the little ones.

The rules to follow!

Sledding is a great pastime for the family!To avoid any collisions and have only good memories of the times you spend on the hills, it’s important to follow a few rules.

Like skiing, you have to watch out for others using the hills. This mainly involves not setting off on a particular trajectory if another sledder is using it. If you are coming from an uphill position, you are responsible for the safety of the person below, because you can see them and they don't have eyes in the back of their head.

You need to make sure your kid can control their sled, knows how to slow down and manage their speed, before letting them go down on their own. Start by practising on some gentle hills before setting off at full speed on a hill. Finally, an increasing number of ski resorts are offering dedicated toboggan runs for the public, that are categorized by level of difficulty.

Respecting these difficulty or age categories is essential for ensuring everyone's safety! In the same way, do not go on hills reserved for skiing or any other winter sports discipline.

How to choose a sled

Summary