Grandpa would have catapaulted down hills on something very similar to this in the days of serious snow. But Grandpa would not have been able to fold it up and pack it into the boot of his Mini Minor afterwards. This triumph of Norwegian technology answers the perennial question: where the heck to put your sledge between snowfalls? This one accommodates two adults, but will fold into a shoe cupboard, and doubles up handsomely as a coffee table.
£69.99, sledges.co.uk, 01479 861 253 Photograph: guardian.co.uk
Your new mode of transport is a Porsche – with a couple of zeros lopped off the usual price. This aluminium artwork was created by the same teams who design the cars and collapses to stow-away size – although this would defeat the purpose as this toboggan is made to be flaunted. The seat is of imitation leather and it comes with a co-ordinating black rucksack. Most important of all, of course, is the prominent Porsche logo on the nose and bag.
£326, shop1.porsche.com/uk/, 08457 911 911 Photograph: guardian.co.uk
If the snow is melting, you can still toboggan as blithely as a Victorian with this tank-like contraption. The caterpillar tracks skim down a grassy slope without damaging the turf, while you recline in comfort in a moulded seat with a brake and a pull handle. If the white stuff should fall, you can remove the tracks and use as a conventional sledge. The only impediment is the price, but at least the investment will entertain you all year round. £299, sledges.co.uk, 01479 861 253 Photograph: guardian.co.uk
Here’s the cheapest way for children to negotiate the slopes. Unlike most budget options this sledge has two hand brakes on either side so that nervous riders can steer, slow and stop without having to master body dynamics. Once they’ve got the idea they can remove the brakes and take their chances. The wide plastic base should deal with even the slushiest snow.
£19.99, supertrampdirect.co.uk, 0800 197 1897 Photograph: guardian.co.uk
The only thing this doesn’t have is an engine. The single steering ski will propel you down iced gradients faster than any battery power. The go-kart looks show that you mean business, the two hand-operated brakes help you to mean it with dignity and the sprung body should shield your coccyx during those high-speed descents.
£169, supertrampdirect.co.uk, 0800 197 1897 Photograph: guardian.co.uk
In summer you can bob over turquoise shallows; in winter he’ll rotate you dizzily down snow slopes. There’s room for company and handles to anchor you both. When the snows melt you can squeeze it, fold it flat and store it with your beach balls. Beware though, the vinyl, although heavy-duty, is best suited to thick snow falls. Stones sticking through our usual British powderings could rupture it.
£29.99, sledges.co.uk, 01479 861253 Photograph: guardian.co.uk
