Enjoy Snow Days With the 10 Best Sleds of 2023 for All Ages—Even Grown-Ups

Best Overall

Emsco Day-Glo 48-Inch Toboggan

4.4

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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

_{Weight: 3.39 pounds | Dimensions: 48 x 18 x 3.75 inches | Material: Polyester resin | Capacity: 150 pounds; 1-2 | Age Range: Kids and adults}

Best Budget

Flexible Flyer 48-Inch Lightning Sled

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As the name indicates, this sled is designed to move speedily down the slope, thanks to the polished bottom and gently tapered end. It has a weight limit of 200 pounds, making it safe for two children or one adult, depending on their size. The sled is made from a tough but lightweight plastic called high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

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

_{Weight: 3 pounds | Dimensions: 48 x 18 x 4 inches | Material: Plastic | Capacity: 200 pounds; 1-2 riders | Age Range: 4 years and up}

Best for Kids

Slippery Racer Downhill Xtreme Toboggan Snow Sled

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Although the Slippery Racer looks similar to other similarly styled sleds, there are a few things that set it apart as an ideal option for kids. At three pounds, it's one of the lighter sleds on our list, and although it's the standard size of 48 inches, it has a slightly higher back than other models, as well as a bit more width to help contain little ones. It comes with a tow rope to help make dragging it up hills even easier.

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

_{Weight: 3 pounds | Dimensions: 48 x 18 x 5.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Capacity: 1-2 riders | Age Range: Kids and adults}

Best for Adults

Guide Gear Snow Racer Sled

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Combining the aerodynamics of skis with the compact shape of a luge, the Snow Racer has both a steering wheel and a set of brakes, for maximum control as you fly down the slope. 

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

_{Weight: 22 pounds | Dimensions: 56.25 x 24 x 17.25 inches | Material: Tubular steel (frame); plastic (skis and seat) | Capacity: 250 pounds; 1 rider | Age Range: 15 and up}

Best Saucer

Paricon Flexible Flyer Round Flying Saucer

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The image of a young, parka-clad kid toting a "flying saucer" by their side on a snowy day is certainly an iconic one, and for good reason. These popular round sleds are a favorite among kids, and this one from Paricon is lightweight, zippy, and tough. 

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

_{Weight: 2 pounds | Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 4 inches | Material: Plastic | Capacity: 1 adult or child rider | Age Range: 4 years and up}

Best Pull-Behind

L.L.Bean Kids' Pull Sled and Cushion Set

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L.L. Bean has been making sleds like these for more than 80 years, working closely with a local family-owned sawmill. The northern hardwood is first dried for six months, which gives it added durability, before being bent into its distinctive shape using a steam machine. The woodworkers use screws to attach the pieces rather than staples, which are less likely to fall apart over time.

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

_{Weight: 13.5 pounds or 18.5 pounds | Dimensions: 31 x 14.5 x 13 inches or 39.25 x 17 x 13 inches | Material: Kiln-dried hardwood construction | Capacity: 1-2 | Age Range: Toddlers}

Best Toboggan

Flexible Flyer C6 Canadian Wood Toboggan

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Conjure up an image of the word "toboggan," and it will probably look something like this Maplewood beauty from Flexible Flyer. At 10 pounds, it's not especially heavy for a wooden sled, though younger children may still need help dragging it up the hill—luckily it comes with an integrated tow rope that helps the sled lie flat as you're pulling it.

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

_{Weight: 10 pounds | Dimensions: 72 x 14 x 10 inches | Material: Hardrock maple wood | Capacity: 250 pounds; 1 to 3 riders | Age Range: 5 years and up}

Best Tube

L.L.Bean Sonic Snow Tube

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This colorful, tough tube comes in several different pattern options, including buffalo plaid. Although the price might seem steep, it's designed to last for many winters, so you won't be constantly replacing it, and it can be used safely by both school-age kids and adults. Smaller children going solo will fit well in the regular size, while two kids or a single adult should opt for the extra-large. 

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

_{Weight: 10 pounds (regular), 17 pounds (extra-large) | Dimensions: 34 x 10 inches (regular); 40 x 12 (extra-large) | Materials: Polyester, rubber, plastic, nylon Capacity: Varies | Age Range: 5 years and up or adult/tandem sledding}

Best Tandem

Franklin Sports Arctic Trails Snow Tube and Sled

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Franklin Sports' tandem tube strikes the right balance between affordable and durable. It's made from freeze-resistant PVC material and has two sets of plastic handles. There's plenty of space for each rider to sit comfortably in their own seat, although it might be a tight fit for two adults, depending on their height.

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

_{Weight: 2.6 pounds | Material: PVC | Capacity: 2 riders | Age Range: 5 years and up}