Snølaster

Snølaster is a term used in Norwegian to describe a snow freight sled, a vehicle designed to transport goods across snow-covered terrain. It is a traditional form of winter transport, typically heavier and larger than a pulk, and is built to carry cargo over longer distances.

Design and construction vary, but snøslaster generally feature a sturdy frame and one or more runners or skis to glide over the snow. The cargo bed is often open but can include a cover or enclosure for protection against wind and weather. Runners may be made of wood, steel, or a combination, and the sledge is typically hauled by people, dogs, reindeer, or horses depending on local practices and terrain. Load capacities can range from small market goods to substantial freight for remote settlements.

Historical use of snølaster was widespread in rural and forested areas of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and other snowy regions. They were essential for winter trade, hunting, logging, and daily provisioning when roads were impassable by traditional wheeled vehicles. With the advent of motorized transport and snowmobiles, the practical role of snølaster diminished in many areas, but they remain part of cultural heritage in some communities and are still used in remote or preserved-tradition contexts.

Modern references to snølaster often emphasize traditional craftsmanship or recreational and tourist applications, including demonstrations of historical transport methods. Related concepts include sleds, pulks, dog sleds, and snowmobiles.