Origins
Toboggans originated with the Canadians, who first designed them to carry heavy loads over snow-covered land.
Uses
Cree, Unnu, Ojibwe and Anishinabe (Chippewa) walked in snowshoes pulling the toboggans by a rope attached at the front. They would hop on for downhill runs.
Construction
These first toboggans were made from two or three hardwood boards held together by crossbars and curved up at the front. They rode directly on the snow, without runners.
Etymology
The name toboggan derives from the word tabaganne--a French-Canadian translation of the Algonquin term for the sleds, odabaggan.
Recreation
Toboggan riding for fun became popular in Switzerland at the end of the 19th century. By the 1930s, curved courses challenged riders and new technology (bobsleds and luges) replaced the old.
Fun Fact
Because they have no steering mechanism or runners, toboggans are rarely used today, except in the Iditarod dog race.
Article Written By Kelly Aspen
Kelly Aspen's writing focuses on natural places, cultural sites and wildlife. She has nine years of experience as an editor and writer for magazines, books and websites, including Trails.com, Travels.com and Weekendnotes.com. She attended Vassar College and now lives in the mountains of Colorado.
