Battle of the Toboggans!

Do the kids have a need for speed? Is it a long trek up to the nearest hill? We’re weighing the pros and cons of different sleighs to help you decide which toboggan is best for you and your family.

After a snowfall blankets the city, what better than to run to the hills? Grab the kids, jackets, hats, mitts and you’re off! Wait where’s that toboggan? No toboggan, no problem!

Magic Carpet:

Easy for kids to carry, they ride light and fast down the hill, and don’t get stuck in the snow easily. They’re also one of the cheapest rides.  The downside is with a lot of use the handles tend to rip easily, but at the low price, you can’t go wrong.

Saucer:

This is light enough for the kids to carry themselves. You can find them in plastic or foam. Foam provides extra cushioning if you plan on hitting bumps or jumps. For added fun you can have a blast speeding down the hill forwards, backwards, sideways, and spinning around.

The Folding Sled:

If your nearest hill requires a long trek and you don’t want to haul a heavy toboggan, this sled can be carried like a backpack. It’s also especially good if you’ve got limited trunk space packed with skis, poles and luggage.

Wooden toboggan:

The whole family can fit on this one. If taken care of properly, this toboggan will last a lifetime. Store it in a warm dry place and keep it out of the sun in the summer. Before you head out, you can wax the bottom with some ski wax to fulfill your need for speed. You can also get a seat pad to cushion the ride.

Safety comes before speed. Some basic safety rules for the hills:

-Make sure you wear a helmet
-Make sure the path is clear, and no one is still at the bottom
-When climbing back up, stick to one side to let others slide down
-Stay in control of your sled, be prepared to brake or roll off
-Bumps and jumps can be extra fun, but be careful, a jump can get iced over and become dangerous. Try spotting jumps that are iced over or too high that you might want to avoid, it’s hard to tell how high a jump is when you’re on your way down.

 Be safe and have fun!

What’s your favourite? Voice your opinion in the comment box.