Whether you are going snow tubing for the first time or just looking for a different location, your experience can vary significantly throughout the hundreds of snow tubing parks in the United States. The key to ensuring an enjoyable time is to make sure your expectations are met. The criteria below highlights key differences between tubing locations.
Magic Carpet Lift/Tow
Is a magic carpet lift or tow offered? If not, you will have to walk back up the hill with your tube. While you will be getting a good workout, I recommend looking for a location with a lift/tow since you won’t get as tired and will be able to get in more tubing runs. The magic carpet lift is like a moving conveyor belt where you stand and hold your tube while you are carried up the hill. The tow grabs a loop on your tube and tows you back up the hill while you sit in your tube.
Age/Height Restrictions
Are there age or height restrictions for children? Some locations leave this decision up to the parents but several do have specific age or height restrictions. If they do, be sure to check if a Kiddie slope/area is available for children who can’t use the main snow tubing area.
Tubing Lanes
Are there tubing lanes or an open hill? The majority of locations have sculpted tubing lanes with varying levels of difficulty for the entire family. The amount of lanes can vary from only a few to over 40. If there are only a couple of lanes, wait times may be longer at popular locations during peak times compared to a tubing hill. A tubing hill is an open hill with no lanes dividing it. This classic, old-school snow tubing can be just as much fun!
Tubing Session & Cost
How long does a snow tubing session last? Session times vary widely by location and can range from 1 hour to all day. Longer tubing sessions are usually available on weekdays since weekends are normally busier. Costs are based on the tubing session duration. Better rates are usually found during the week.
Chain Tubing
Is chain snow tubing allowed? Chain tubing is where tubers link themselves together and go down the hill at the same time. Some locations allow this while others strictly prohibit chain tubing.
Snow Tubes
Since tubes are typically included in the admission cost, most locations will not allow you to bring your own. If you have to use their snow tubes, see if they offer tandem or family tubes if you need something other than single tubes.
Facility/Capabilities/Amenities
Do you want a resort with other activities besides snow tubing? Many snow tubing parks are part of a resort that offers other winter sports including skiing and snowboarding. Regarding capabilities, the top locations have their own snow making equipment along with lighting so tubing can continue into the night. The amenities offered vary and can include refreshments, lodges with birthday party rooms and outdoor fire pits.
Review our snow tubing locations to find your ideal snow tubing experience. What else do you look at when considering where to snow tube?