Sleds and more

How to find the right sledge

Sledging is huge fun for children, teenagers and adults - provided you have the right sledge. Here's what to look out for when choosing:

Before you decide on a sledge, think about where you'll ride and what your riding style is.

On hard, grippy snow, the steerable sledge or wooden sledge plays to its strengths - it steers precisely. For everyday use and spontaneous slopes, the bob sledge is the easy choice: light, robust, ready to go in no time. In soft snow it's very forgiving; on icy sections a grippy brake keeps things safe.

Also pay attention to age and height. Younger children feel most comfortable on lightweight models with a stable seating position. As skills grow, more control is fine - but steering only once the movement is truly mastered.

Think about the way to the slope, too: a sledge that's easy to carry and pull gets used more often - and is more fun in the long run.

In short: clarify where you'll use it, check age/height, choose brake/steering to match, don't underestimate weight and handling.

How many people?

When choosing your sledge, check how many people it's made for. If you or your child only want to ride solo, a one-person sledge is enough. If you want to ride with several people at once, the sledge must be suitable for that number. In addition to the possible number of people, manufacturers also state a maximum weight. Make sure you don't exceed this weight.

Plastic or wood?

Traditional sledges are made of wood. They have two narrow runners and a seat of varying size. Alongside the Davos sledges, so-called bob sledges are increasingly established on the market. Their construction sometimes differs from the classic Davos sledges. The runners are often much wider. Some models even slide across their entire surface. Plastic kids' bobs have a clear advantage over wooden sledges: they glide very well even with little snow.

Steering the sledge?

Depending on the type of sledge, the models differ not only in the material they're made of. On a classic wooden sledge there's only one way to steer: your feet. To turn, the rider has to brake with one foot - with the left or right foot depending on whether you want to go left or right. Shifting your weight on the sledge supports the steering as well. With plastic sledges, many models have steering. Almost all have a brake. Instead of braking with your feet in the snow, you steer with the wheel or via the brake levers.

Which sledge from which age?

Children develop at different speeds. To give you simple guidance, here's our age quick guide - based on what works well in practice.

Sledges for babies

From approx. 1 year: baby sledge to pull

Sledges with steering and a brake are especially suited to fast descents. For small children that's often still too dangerous. But even the littlest ones can already come along on a sledge. Our baby sledges offer clear advantages here. Thanks to a non-slip seat, a stable backrest and a three-point safety harness, your child sits safely and comfortably. With a cord attached to the sledge, you can easily take relaxed walks with your child and gently introduce them to sledging.

Sledges for children

From approx. 3 years: snow discs/sliders & bobs

From this age, coordination works much better. Snow discs or snow sliders are great for short, gentle slopes and lots of spontaneous fun. Bobs (plastic sledges) also bring a stable seating position and a nicely controllable brake - perfect for children who want to master their first descents themselves. Start short, build up slowly and pick slopes to match ability.

Sledges for adults

Of course bobs carry adults too - depending on the model they're robust enough. For longer, controlled descents, however, we recommend the wooden sledge: it offers smooth running, plenty of room and a classic riding feel that proves itself on different surfaces.

In brief

• From 1 year: baby sledge with backrest, to pull on flat ground.
• From 3 years: snow discs/sliders and bobs for short, gentle slopes.
• Adults: wooden sledge recommended; bobs optional depending on model and route.

Note: The age recommendations are guidelines. What matters is motor skills, height and adult supervision - safety always comes before speed.

Safety when sledging

Anyone looking to buy a sledge is primarily thinking of fun in the snow. Whether you're on a wooden sledge or a bob, don't forget that sledging carries a significant risk of falling. On fast descents you often can't brake the winter sports device quickly enough to avoid an obstacle. It's not uncommon for other riders to get stuck on the run and for those following to be unable to brake in time. To prevent head injuries, children and adults should therefore always wear a high-quality helmet when sledging. We recommend, for example, the models from Melon, which are equally suitable for sledging, cycling or riding a scooter.

Tips for care & maintenance of the sledge

After sledging is before sledging, as the saying goes.

So that you enjoy your sledge for a long time, care is a decisive point.

To clean the surfaces (plastic/wood), water and a brush are enough. Caring for the runners of a wooden sledge is a bit more involved. So they don't rust and stay smooth-running, we recommend treating them carefully with sandpaper if rust appears and then applying a special sledge wax.

For sledges with a steering wheel, it's important to briefly test the brakes before every ride and to move the steering wheel, so that everything runs smoothly while sledging.

Why Gizmo Riders at Funwheel

We rely on quality that can handle the Swiss winter - and on service that lasts.

Gizmo Riders combines robust materials with child-friendly ergonomics, precise steering and reliable brakes. As an official partner, we keep spare parts and support on hand; shipping is fast and the warranty is 2 years.

In short: you get technology that's fun - and safety you can feel.

Frequently asked questions

Which sledge for children?

For starting out, safety is what counts: light, stable, with a well-gripping brake. A plastic bob is often ideal for the first descents. A steerable sledge is suitable once your child can already carry out steering movements in a coordinated way - best tested on gentle slopes first.

Which sledge for a 2/3/4-year-old?

• At 1-2 years: very flat terrain and maximum stability - slider/disc or a baby sledge with backrest, always supervised.
• At 3 years: a light bob with a safe seating position and a nicely controllable brake.
• At 4 years: the bob stays great; a steerable sledge is possible if coordination is there and the rules are in place.

From what age can you go sledging?

As soon as your child sits or stands stably and coordinates simple movements. Start short and flat, increase speed and length slowly - always with a helmet, gloves and supervision.

Which sledges are the best?

The best models suit age, riding style and terrain. Pay attention to the brake, seating position, weight and finish. Gizmo Riders scores with robust construction, child-friendly ergonomics and precise control.

Which sledge "size" is right?

It's not the clothing size but the ergonomics that decide: seat height, grip reach and total weight have to suit your child. If the sledge is easy to carry and steers safely, the choice is right - a quick test sit helps.

Where to buy a sledge (Switzerland)?

At Funwheel.ch: official partner of Gizmo Riders, fast delivery throughout Switzerland, 2-year warranty plus advice and spare parts - so you're ready in time when the first snow falls.