Best Snow Tubes and Toboggans for Sledding in the Snow
When the UK finally gets a proper fall of snow, there’s usually a brief period between “Look, it’s settling!” and every decent sledge in the country selling out.
If you’ve got a good sledding hill nearby, it can therefore pay to have a snow tube or toboggan tucked away before the forecast turns white.
Traditional plastic sledges remain great fun, but inflatable snow tubes for sledding offer a completely different experience. They’re generally softer to sit on, easy to store when deflated and capable of providing some seriously fast downhill runs.
Here are four options to consider for your next snow day.
GoSports Duratube 44-Inch – Best Heavy-Duty Snow Tube
The GoSports Duratube 44-Inch Heavy-Duty Snow & Water Tube is an interesting option because it isn’t limited to winter.
It’s designed as a commercial-grade recreational tube suitable for snow and water, potentially making it more useful than something that spends 360 days a year waiting for the British weather to cooperate.
At 44 inches across, there’s plenty of tube beneath you to absorb bumps as you head downhill.
A snow tube also provides a very different ride from a conventional plastic sledge. Rather than sitting upright on a rigid seat, you’re effectively riding a large inflated tyre.
The result can be fast, bouncy and slightly unpredictable.
Which, to be fair, is probably why you’re buying it.
COSTWAY Inflatable Snow Tube – Great for Kids and Adults
The COSTWAY 42/52-Inch Inflatable Snow Tube provides another approach to inflatable sledding.
It comes with a heavy-duty Oxford fabric cover, handles and a tow strap, with 42-inch and larger 52-inch versions available.
The handles are particularly useful on a snow tube. Unlike a traditional toboggan, you’re sitting inside a circular inflatable without much else to hold onto as gravity takes over.
The tow strap also makes getting back to the top of the hill easier.
The larger size makes this particularly appealing if you’re looking for a snow tube for adults, although always check the manufacturer’s current age and weight guidance before use.
Rolly Toys rollySnow Cruiser John Deere – Best Kids’ Toboggan
If you prefer a traditional sledge, the Rolly Toys rollySnow Cruiser John Deere looks fantastic.
Finished in unmistakable John Deere green, it’s a sturdy plastic snow toboggan for children aged three and over.
Unlike basic plastic sledges, the Snow Cruiser has steel bars fitted to its runners, helping it glide smoothly across the snow.
There’s also a pull cord for dragging it back uphill – or, more realistically, for a parent to drag both the sledge and increasingly tired child home afterwards.
The Snow Cruiser measures approximately 94 x 44 x 27cm and weighs around 4kg.
It can also be expanded with Rolly Toys’ optional Cruiserseat for younger children.
For kids who already love tractors and John Deere toys, this could be considerably more exciting than a generic plastic sledge.
Heavy-Duty Snow Sledge – Best Simple Toboggan
Sometimes you don’t need anything complicated.
The Heavy Duty Snow Sledge with Rope follows the classic plastic toboggan formula.
Sit down, grab on and point yourself downhill.
A rigid snow sledge has several advantages over an inflatable tube. There’s nothing to inflate, nothing to deflate afterwards and no inflatable chamber to puncture.
It’s also easy to pull around using the supplied rope.
If you simply want something that can live in the garage waiting for the next decent snowfall, a conventional plastic toboggan remains hard to beat.
Snow Tube vs Toboggan – Which Is Better?
Choosing between the best snow tubes and toboggans depends on the experience you want.
An inflatable snow tube provides a cushioned, lively ride and can be surprisingly quick. Once winter is over, some models can also be deflated for compact storage.
A traditional toboggan provides a more familiar sledding experience. It’s ready immediately, easy to drag uphill and generally gives the rider a more upright seating position.
For younger children, I’d lean towards a proper children’s toboggan such as the Rolly Toys Snow Cruiser.
Older children and adults looking for maximum fun may prefer the larger inflatable tubes.
Or buy both.
Snow days aren’t exactly guaranteed in Britain, so you might as well make the most of them when they arrive.
Snow Sledding Safety
Speed builds remarkably quickly on a steep, icy hill, regardless of whether you’re using a £10 plastic sledge or a heavy-duty snow tube.
Choose a wide, open slope with a long clear run-out and avoid hills leading towards roads, trees, fences, rivers or other obstacles.
Children should be supervised, and it’s sensible to avoid overcrowded slopes where riders are repeatedly crossing each other’s paths.
Remember that conditions change too. A gentle snowy hill can become considerably faster once dozens of sledges have compressed the surface into hard-packed snow and ice.
What Is the Best Snow Tube or Toboggan?
For adults and older children wanting the classic snow tubing experience, the GoSports Duratube 44-inch is a substantial option with the added advantage of potential summer use.
The COSTWAY inflatable snow tube adds a protective fabric cover, handles and tow strap and comes in two useful sizes.
For younger children, the Rolly Toys rollySnow Cruiser John Deere offers something closer to the classic toboggan, with a sturdy body, steel runners and pull rope.
And if you just want a straightforward sledge ready for the next UK snow day, the Heavy Duty Snow Sledge keeps things refreshingly simple.
Whichever you choose, there’s one final piece of advice.
Buy your sledge before it snows.
Because once the BBC weather map turns white, everyone else has exactly the same idea.
