trenós

Trenós are sleds used for moving across snow and ice. They consist of a platform or body mounted on runners, usually made of wood or metal, with a seating area or cargo space and a tow or pulling mechanism. Trenós can be propelled by gravity or by people, dogs, or reindeer, and can be steered with a rope or by shifting body weight.

Historically, trenós have been employed by Arctic and highland cultures for transportation, hunting, and trade. Indigenous groups such as the Sámi and Inuit developed dog- and reindeer-drawn sleds, while other societies used human-pulled or goods sledges. The design evolved to accommodate longer distances, heavier loads, and varied terrain.

Types include passenger sleds, cargo sleds, and dog-drawn or human-pulled variations. In addition to traditional wooden models, modern trenós may use plastic or metal runners and ergonomic seats. In sports and recreation, dog sledding and sled races are popular in cold regions.

Contemporary use includes transportation in snow-prone areas lacking roads, tourism, and sport. Safety and weather considerations, such as load limits, braking technique, and weather conditions, are important for operators and travelers.

Name and etymology: The term trenó/trenós derives from the French traîneau and the Spanish/Portuguese terms trineo/trenó, from a common pre-Romance root related to pulling.