Toboggan To Dos

If you grew up in Canada, it’s likely your parents have photographic evidence of your daredevil youth (read: careening down a huge, snowy hill on a piece of cardboard with no helmet). Thank goodness we are still here to tell the tale.

While we can relate to our parents’ need to cure cabin fever and ensure we get enough fresh air, we know there are safer ways to enjoy tobogganing and avoid the emergency room. So, we were delighted to discover some great new toboggans for younger children, that help with maintaining a little more control than those old rickety sleds of our youth.

The Latest and Greatest
For the five years and up crew, we were impressed by the Zipfy Freestyle Mini Luge.The Zipfy’s design was inspired by the Bavarian love of riding downhill on snow shovels. Despite its daredevil origins, the result is a sled that allows children to stay facing forward, hold on throughout the ride, intuitively turn just by leaning to the side and brake with their feet. Kids just sit on the black pad facing the handle and hold on for a great downhill experience. It is also lightweight enough for them to carry back up the hill and comes in five fantastic colours! The Zipfy Freestyle Mini Luge is available for $39.99 at Canadian Tire, or online at Mastermind Toys

Tandem Tobogganing
One of the best ways to amp-up the safety factor for kids speeding downhill is to ride with them (you’ll be surprised at how much fun it is). For your shared sled experience we recommend the Pelican Snow Runner, made of super-sturdy plastic and complete with handles at the front and on the sides (critical element for dragging back up hill). We also appreciate the deep grooves on the bottom. This keeps the toboggan facing forward and helps prevent tipping. But the price is what truly won us over. You can find a Snow Runner at Canadian Tire for just $8.99!

Tested by Martha C., Toronto

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