Snow tubing and sledding are both very popular winter activities, but there are some key differences between them. Both might have you rocketing down a snowy hill, but they aren’t quite the same thing, although there are also some shared similarities.
Today, we’re going to figure out what all of those differences and similarities are, so you can make an informed decision between sledding and tubing.
What Is Snow Tubing?
Snow tubing is a very fun winter activity that has riders slide down snow-covered hills at relatively quick speeds, all while sitting on inflatable inner tubes. This is an activity that often takes place in snow tubing parks and ski resorts, as hills of significant sizes are generally required.
The inflatable tubes look like massive doughnuts and are usually make of rubber or plastic. The hills which snow tubers slide down are usually groomed, just like a ski hill.
Riders sit in the tubes with their bottoms planted firmly in the center hole, while holding onto handles or ropes with their hands for support. Snow tubing is usually considered a very safe activity, as the inflatable inner tubes provide a good deal of cushioning. Riders are usually given helmets to wear when tubing for safety as well.
Here are the different types of snow tubes:
| Type of Snow Tube | Snow Tube Description |
| Single Rider Snow Tube | Ideal for personal use, these circular tubes are designed for one person and are the most widely available type. |
| Double Rider Snow Tube | Shaped like a figure 8, these are designed for two people and offer a shared sledding experience. Their unique shape helps maintain balance and control when two riders are aboard. |
| Group Snow Tubes | Less common but offering a unique group experience, these large tubes can accommodate four or more people. They come in various shapes and are often used in group settings like family outings or group events. |
What Is Sledding?
Sledding is indeed similar to snow tubing, as it also involves riders sliding down the hill, but on what is known as a sled, not a tube. Sleds come in all sorts of sizes and shapes. They are generally made out of hard materials such as metal, plastic, or wood.
Some feature large and flat bottoms while others have runners, like snowmobiles. There are toboggans, saucer-sleds, crazy-carpets, and many other types of sleds. Depending on the style of the sled, a rider may lie down, kneel, or set.
Although not always the case, there are some sleds that have steering and braking capabilities. Most also allow for basic steering by shifting body weight, or by using feet and hands to direct the path of the sled.
Sledding is generally done on any snow-covered hills, such as in a park or countryside, but not necessarily on a ski hill. Sledding can be considered a bit dangerous due to the hardness of the sled, the speed at which riders travel, and the obstacles that certain hills may have.
Here are the different types of sleds:
| Sled Type | Sled Description |
|---|---|
| Toboggans | Long, narrow, and flat sleds, usually made of wood or plastic, suitable for multiple riders. |
| GT Racer Sleds | Performance-oriented, designed for speed and maneuverability with steering and braking systems. |
| Foam Sleds | Lightweight and versatile, available in various shapes and sizes, ideal for all ages. |
| Plastic Sleds | Durable and lightweight, available in various designs, including toboggan-style and two-seaters. |
| Disc/Saucer Sleds | Circular, flat sleds known for spinning during descent; made of metal or plastic, popular with youth. |
What Makes Snow Tubing and Sledding Different?
There are some key differences between snow tubing and sledding to be aware of, let’s look at each:
The Location
Snow Tubing: Snow tubing is often done at resorts or designated tubing parks. These locations usually have specific tubing lanes and sometimes even lifts or tows to take riders back to the top of the hill. The environment is controlled for safety and often includes amenities like warming areas and food services.
See our related post “27 Best Ski Resorts with Snow Tubing in the United States” here.
Sledding: Sledding can be done in a wider range of locations, from local hills and parks to backyard slopes. It doesn’t require a specially designed or maintained area, making it more accessible in various settings.
Equipment Used
Snow Tubing: This activity requires a snow tube, which is a large, inflatable ring. Snow tubes are specifically designed for this purpose, with some featuring handles or inner linings for added comfort and durability. To get back to the top of the hill, some snow tubing locations offer a pulley system or a magic carpet back to the top, making it a more enjoyable experience.
Sledding: Sledding uses a sled, which can be made of various materials like wood, metal, plastic, or foam. Sleds come in many designs, from simple flat platforms to more complex structures with steering mechanisms. To get back to the top of the hill you often need to walk/hike making it a great amount of exercise.
Rider Position
Snow Tubing: Riders sit inside the tube, either alone or with others in larger tubes. The seating position is generally more reclined, and riders have less control over the direction and speed of the tube.
Sledding: Riders on sleds can adopt various positions: sitting up, lying on their back or stomach, or even kneeling. The rider’s position and the design of the sled can offer more control over steering and speed.
The Cost
Snow Tubing: Generally, snow tubing can be more expensive, especially if it’s done at a resort or tubing park. Costs might include tube rental fees and access to the tubing hill or lifts.
Sledding: Sledding is often more budget-friendly. Once you own a sled, there are usually no additional costs to slide down public hills or parks, making it a more economical choice for many families.
What Makes Snow Tubing and Sledding Similar?
Requires Proper Winter Clothing
Both activities require you to dress warmly in proper winter clothing. This includes insulated winter jackets, snow pants, gloves or mittens, winter boots, and hats. The attire should be water-resistant and provide good-enough insulation to keep the rider warm and dry while in the snow all day.
Weather Dependant
Snow tubing and sledding are both heavily dependent on the weather. They both require a healthy amount of snow. The quality of the snow can also affect the experience; for instance, fresh, powdery snow offers a different experience from wet, compacted snow. When it is wet it is typically slower, and you are more likely to get wet and get cold.
Safety Risks
There are definitely safety risks associated with both snow tubing and sledding. Collisions, loss of control, and high speeds can lead to some pretty serious injuries. It’s important to follow safety guidelines like choosing a safe location away from obstacles (like trees or fences), wearing helmets, and making sure the sledding path doesn’t end near roads or bodies of water. Supervision is especially important for children!
Great Inclusive Winter Activities for Everyone
Both snow tubing and sledding are inclusive activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. They don’t require specialized training or skills, making them accessible to families, children, and adults. These activities offer a fun way to enjoy the outdoors during the winter and can be a great social or family bonding experience. If you can’t ski or snowboard, these 2 activities are an option for you!
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!