The generic term sledding (or "sledging") refers to traveling down any sort of hill, typically, while in cold weather, Flat, plastic discs can be used to slide down the hill, wooden flats with metal runners can also be used.

The activity has been known to exist as a fringe recreational activity far into the distant murky past in toboggan type sleds which seasonally supplant the ubiquitous cart, wheelbarrow, and small hand pulled wagon for winter work needs in the agrarian societies of the day, or winter yard work even today.

A sled, sleigh, or sledge, as a work vehicle, is far more efficient and easier to motivate in ice and snow covered terrain than wheeled vehicles, including even the simple wheelbarrow. Wheels simply pile up snow in front of themselves in the direction of travel and create a great deal of rolling friction which must be over come to move a load of firewood or fodder for the cattle.

The first ride down a hill on a sled is the most important, but most difficult, as it determines the path of the sled for further runs down the hill. It is essential to steer the sled along the most exciting course, perhaps adding twists and turns to make the run down the hill more fast or exciting. Other techniques to improve the ride include turning around, lying on the stomach, or closing both eyes. Running up to a sled and jumping onto it can create additional momentum and improve ride speed. This technique can be referred to as "Flopping."

There are four types of sleds commonly used today: disks, toboggans, tubes, and runner sleds. Each type has advantages and disadvantages if one is trying to get the most out of a given slope.

With each course down the hill, the sled's path through the snow can become more icy. Sleds with a greater surface area (disks, toboggans and tubes) are able to make the first runs a great deal easier than the variety of sleds with metal runners. Runner sleds like the Snow Fox are typically faster once the snow has compacted or turned icy.

In the 1880s, Samuel Leeds Allen invented the first steerable runner sled, the Flexible Flyer, the forerunner of the Snow Fox. Since that date, the ability to steer the sled away from obstacles has proven this type of sled to be more appropriate for the safety conscious and your little boy. In addition, runner sleds like the Snow Fox, force the weight of the rider onto two thin runners where the pressure causes a microscopic film of snow or ice to melt as the sled passes over it. This invisible layer of fluid reduces friction, causing the sled's speed to greatly exceed that of its flat bottomed relatives.