Aviva Directory » Sports & Recreation » Winter Sports » Sledding

Recreational sledding, sledging, sleighing, or tobogganing is the focus of this portion of our web guide.

In some contexts, a sled, a sledge, and a sleigh can refer to the same thing.

Sledding is the term you'll most often hear in North America. In the United States and much of Canada, when casually discussing winter fun, the activity of sliding down snowy hills on a small, lightweight sled is almost always referred to as "sledding." The word evokes a carefree, recreational experience that's become a cornerstone of winter childhood memories in these regions.

Sledging tends to be the favored term in parts of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries. In these areas, people are more likely to use "sledging" or to say "sledge" when referring to similar downhill rides. Beyond casual fun, the term can also carry a functional connotation, as it sometimes describes the use of heavier, more rugged sleds that are, or were historically, used for transporting goods or people across snow and ice in polar or subpolar regions.

Although "sleighing" is sometimes used to refer to sledding, and sleds are sometimes called "sleighs," the term more often refers to riding in a sleigh rather than simply sliding down a hill. A sleigh is typically a more substantial vehicle, often with runners, and is often drawn by horses (or reindeer), conjuring images of festive winter landscapes.

Even though the activities might look quite similar, the choice of words often hints at the context or the type of sled used. In casual talk among children in North America, you'll hear "sledding" almost exclusively, while older generations in Britain might recall "sledging" as part of their winter childhood. When it comes to that picturesque ride with horses, "sleighing" has the particular lilt of a more formal or festive experience.

Anecdotally, I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and, as a child, the device we rode on was often called a "sleigh," although the activity of riding it downhill was called "sledding."

We also used toboggans, but that activity was known as "tobogganing." A sled is a broad term for a sliding vehicle on snow and can vary significantly in design. Many sleds feature metal or plastic runners (or skis) that reduce friction, and they often have a contoured shape with handles or seats to aid in steering. In contrast, a toboggan is typically a long, flat board with a gently curved front. Its smooth, continuous surface is designed for a communal ride, where riders sit in a row and rely on the natural curve of the board and their body movements to steer.

Traditionally, toboggans are usually made of wood, often a single, solid piece or several pieces joined together, which gives them a classic, timeless look. Sleds, however, are made from a broad range of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. The inclusion of runners or skis in many sled designs not only differentiates them aesthetically but also influences their sliding performance, making modern sleds versatile for a range of activities, from racing to recreational snow fun.

Because sleds with runners enable more agile turning and sometimes even braking mechanisms or design features for better control, they are often thought of as offering a more steerable ride. A toboggan's design, lacking runners, means that control comes purely from how the riders shift their weight. This encourages a more relaxed, cooperative ride, perfect for groups or family outings, while offering a different kind of thrill.

Culturally, tobogganing holds a nostalgic, traditional appeal in places with a rich winter heritage, like Canada and parts of the northern United States. It's an activity that emphasizes shared experiences and simple fun. On the other hand, sledding covers a wider variety of toys and devices.

Sledding might also refer to activities enjoyed by younger children using flat plastic or aluminum discs and even improvised sleds, like cafeteria trays or sheets of cardboard.

In contrast to the more common forms of sledding, backcountry sledding is more like alpine skiing or snowboarding than traditional downhill sledding. Backcountry sledders navigate natural terrain with unpredictable bumps, twists, and hidden obstacles, as alpine resorts typically do not allow sledding on the mountain, except for an occasional small tubing hill.

Another type of sledding is dog sledding, an exhilarating winter adventure where a team of well-trained dogs pulls a sled across snowy, frozen landscapes. Sled dogs are used in Arctic climates to pull a sled across snow and ice. The breeds most commonly associated with this work are the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed, Eskimo Dog, and Laika, each of which is a large, powerful dog with a thick coat and high endurance.

While luge, bobsleigh, and skeleton are sled sports, we are categorizing these activities under Extreme Sports.

 

 

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