History of Sleds and Toboggans

The sled designs used today for fun and recreation were once necessary tools for Native American peoples to survive. Our history of sleds and toboggans explains the origins of these prototypical sleds and how snow sleds have evolved throughout history. Oh, Canada Our history of snow sleds begins with the indigenous peoples of North America, specifically the aboriginal tribes of Canada. In a region covered for months at a time by snow, a snow sled was the most efficient way of transporting heavy loads across long distances. This original snow sled form was known as a toboggan. Origins of the Toboggan Wooden toboggans were used by many tribes in Canada, including the Cree and Innu, as well as the Anishinabe peoples, who were known as Chippewa in the U.S. and Ojibwe or Ojibway in Canada. The origins of the word toboggan are contested. One claim is that it derives from the Micmac language of eastern Canada. Another account is that it stems from the Anishinabe word nobugidaban.

Whatever its name, the wood toboggan was the prototypical snow sled. These snow sleds were made from two or three thin hardwood boards that were curved around at the front end using heat, steam, or hot water. Wooden cleats or crossbars were attached to hold the boards together, and then this highly useful winter sled would be left to dry for two days.

Once ready for use, a cord or rope would be attached to the front of the wooden toboggan snow sled, and the loaded sled pulled forward by humans or a team of dogs.

From Toboggans to Snow Sleds
Over time, variations of the wood toboggan began to appear and were put to different uses. Around 1800, a snow sled for carrying people (fur traders in particular) was invented known as a cariole. Unlike a wooden toboggan, a cariole featured enclosed sides, a back, and a partly covered top.

Though widely used as a synonym for sliding devices of all kinds, snow sleds were actually a specific type of snow transport. Snow sleds were distinguished from wood toboggans by their long and narrow runners, which reduced friction and enabled the carrying of heavier loads. One such snow sled was known as a komatik. It was shaped like a ladder and used parallel boards set edgewise as runners.

Modern Snow Sleds
The last 100 years have seen many new and improved sled designs, beginning with the Swiss invention of the bobsled in the late 19th century. The greatest difference between modern sleds and the original toboggans is that sleds are now used primarily for recreation. But for those who wish for a glimpse of those earlier times, the annual 1,100-mile dog sled race known as the Iditarod offers a unique reminder of the tremendous challenges of primitive winter transport.