Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The 6 Best Sleds to Ride Out the Winter in 2022

Mike Richard
By
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If Clark Griswold taught us anything, it’s that you never shop for pools without getting your Christmas bonus first. If he taught us two things, the other is that there’s an art to sledding. Any simpleton can slide down a hill (and mostly dodge traffic and crash through a shed, nearly killing himself and innocent bystanders in the process). But, it takes skill to navigate a snow-covered slope with speed, style, purpose, and finesse.

If it’s time to ditch your department store sled, here are our picks for the best sleds to elevate your downhill game this winter. Just don’t forget to pack warm snow gloves, goggles, and — depending on how crazy you like your winter sports — a good ski helmet too.

Recommended Videos

Best Overall Sled: Flexible Flyer Snow Screamer

Flexible Flyer Snow Screamer
Sometimes only the best will do, even when it comes to sledding. Flexible Flyer’s 42-inch Snow Screamer is a premium sled built for adults who want to feel like Olympic sledders without the usual lifetime of training and commitment. The tri-layer sled features an inch of polyethylene foam sandwiched between a crack-resistant hard plastic bottom and a durable top layer. As the name implies, it’s designed to “scream” over fresh snow without “digging in.” Thick padded foam throughout helps absorb bumps and provide a pillowy soft downhill ride. Upgrade to the larger, 47-inch model that seats two adults for just a few dollars more.

Best Toboggan: Slippery Racer Toboggan Two Pack

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Toboggans are a great alternative to traditional sleds: They’re lightweight, agile, ultra-stable, and can usually accommodate two or more riders. This model from aptly named Slippery Racer is made from durable but lightweight plastic with a slick coating that delivers an ultra-fast ride. A built-in pull rope also provides easy portability.

Related

Best Vintage Sled: Flexible Flyer Metal Runner Sled

Flexible Flyer Metal Runner Sled
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you long for those days spent sledding as a rosy-cheeked little kid, there’s nothing like the nostalgia of a classic wooden sled. This version is a picture-perfect re-creation of the same vintage downhill runners you remember. Don’t let the old-school construction fool you. The birch wood seat supports up to 250 pounds with a versatile design that allows you to sit upright or go Superman-style (i.e., face-first). Either way, the powder-coated steel runners deliver lighting fast runs and reliable maneuverability.

Best Budget Sled: Flexible Flyer 611 Flying Carpet Roll-Up Snow Sled

Flexible Flyer 611 Flying Carpet Roll-Up Snow Sled
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sledding doesn’t get much simpler than with Flexible Flyer’s 611 Flying Carpet sled. As the name implies, the lightweight design maximizes portability by rolling up like a yoga mat for easy storage. Once unfurled, the 36-by-18-inch footprint offers more than enough room for adults and children. Soft round edges and twin punch-out handles ensure this sled is safe to carry and ride.

Best for Kids: L.L. Bean Kids’ Pull Sled and Cushion Set

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Why settle for a flimsy sled that will break the moment your kid gets a little too rowdy in the snow? L.L. Bean’s Pull Sled and Cushion is designed to last for generations and is made from durable kiln-dried northern hardwoods. The padded foam cushion that has the bright red color of the holidays also assures anyone comfort with its soft, water-repellant material.

Best Premium: Yukon Hammerhead Pro HD Steerable Snow Sled

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Don’t be intimidated by the hefty price tag. This Yukon sled is of the highest quality and is a long-term investment for anyone who enjoys sledding. This sled will last you many winters in your lifetime with its sturdy aluminum frame. It also means serious business as it has a stainless steel steering system designed with speed and precision in mind. The base is also durable enough that it can accommodate multiple people with a limit of 230 pounds.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mike Richard
Mike Richard
Contributor
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Get the best snowboard boots for comfortable connection
These snowboard boots will keep you in control on the mountain all day long
person snowboarding down a mountain with a wake of snow behind them.

Your snowboard boots are a vital link in the chain that connects your body to your snowboard. But more than that, they're where your feet will be for hours at a time when you're on the slopes. If you've moved on from rental boots already, you will know that having your own boots not only keeps you more comfortable throughout a day of snowboarding but also keeps your feet warmer and drier and gives you much greater control over your snowboard.

But when picking your perfect snowboarding boots, there's more to it than just finding a pair that looks great and fits your feet. Different boots suit different snowboarders. If you're a hard-charging carver, you'll need a pair of boots to match. Likewise, if you love sending spins and tricks, you need a softer and more playful pair of snowboard boots. We've picked out the best boots for various snowboarders this winter, so you can spend more time on the mountain and less time finding the perfect snowboard gear.

Read more
Hit the slopes with the whole family at these top resorts
These are the best ski resorts for families in the U.S.
Bretton Woods ski resort

So you want to take the whole family on an epic ski holiday this winter. First off, it's a great idea. Family ski trips create awesome memories that last a lifetime, and if you get kids into skiing at a young age, they'll soon be out shredding you on the mountain. But taking the whole family on a ski trip not only means a host of ski gear for everyone, but you also have to find the best ski resorts for families.
Family-friendly ski resorts usually have a few common traits. Firstly, they mostly have a load of beginner-friendly terrain. As much as your young ripper may want to send it down the steepest trail, they need more time on easier groomers before they hit the steep slopes. Suitable bunny slopes and loads of green and blue trails are a must. And then there are the lessons. Seriously, outsource the teaching. Not only will it make your kid a better skier, but you'll get more time on the slopes, and it will avoid too many tears and tantrums — from both sides. On top of these, there are added extras like free hot chocolate, sleigh rides, ice skating, and more, that can all be found in these, the best ski resorts for families.

Best U.S. ski resorts for families
Park City, Utah

Read more
The best ski and snowboard jackets for bombing the slopes in 2023
You want to stay warm, dry, and comfortable on the slopes this winter. The right ski jacket will help you do just that.
Smiling nan in a red ski jacket and helmet standing on a ski slope.

We’re in the thick of the 2023 ski and snowboard season right now. We’ll assume you’ve already upgraded your most essential gear — new skis, ski boots, and ski goggles. Maybe you even splurged on a new ski backpack. But what about your jacket? A good ski or snowboard jacket is just as important as the hardware you’re riding on. Because, if you’re not warm, dry, and comfortable on the slopes, how fun is that?

The bad news is that the very best ski and snowboard jackets don’t come cheap. Premium outerwear usually incorporates next-gen waterproofing, down or high-grade synthetic insulation, and other technology to ensure you’re ready for the worst mountain conditions. None of that comes cheap. The good news is that we’ve done most of the legwork for you. We’ve found quite a few ski jackets at prices that almost anyone can afford with a good mix of value, functionality, and quality. Here are our picks for the best ski and snowboard jackets for 2023.

Read more