When I was a kid, my favorite part of winter (or snow, anyway) was getting out and sledding. Flying down a hill at lightning speed is incredibly exhilarating. After a number of whip outs on the sled hill, and walking away with a brushed body and my pride barely in tack, my thrill for sledding has diminished somewhat over the years. Then I discovered tubing. I’m not sure if most people would agree with me but I find tubing so much safer than sledding. Mainly because you have your own lane and aren’t careening out of control down a hill, taking out people left and right as you go.
I have been on the hunt for some great tubing park to get my winter adrenaline on ever since. People might suggest downhill skiing for an adrenaline rush. However, if you knew me, you would understand why this is just not an option. I have been cursed the bare minimum of coordination and grace to function as a human being. So If you are like me and want the adrenaline minus the expensive trip to the emergency room and inevitable full-body cast, tubing might just be what you are looking for. I have been delighted to discover that there are amazing tubing parks all over our great state.
Dressing for Tubing
- Dress in layers – as my mother always says, “You can always take it off, but if you don’t have it, you can’t put it on.”
- Wear an Under Armour type shirt as the bottom layer to wick away sweat, followed by several close-fitting layers. Fleece is a great material for this.
- Wear thermal or flannel bottoms under your pants.
- Wear warm thermal socks with insulated snow boots.
- Waterproof jacket and snow pants.
- A close-fitting hat that won’t blow off (and covers your ears)
- Waterproof gloves (or mittens)
- Scarf or neck warmer
Queensbury
West Mountain Ski Area
59 West Mountain Road, Queensbury
This is a great place for snow tubing. It is a popular spot and fills up quickly. They have a first-come, first-serve basis policy. They specialize in tubing parties and can accommodate parties up to 10-15 people.
Hunter
Hunter Mountain
64 Klein Ave, Hunter
1000 feet tubing lane with carpet lifts to the top, making this the most relaxing snow tubing experience in the state. Be sure to book your reservation on the website, before it books up.
Lowville
Maple Ridge Snow Park
7421 East Road, Lowville
8 tubing lanes with a 100 ft
Windham
Windham Mountain
19 Resort Drive, Windham
This resort takes safety very seriously and they make sure that children of all ages can participate in the fun. Their website has more information pertaining to hours and admission.
Highland
Rocking Horse Ranch Resort
600 State Route 44/55, Highland
This resort has lots of fun and exciting things to do. More than can be done in one day anyway, including an indoor water park and horseback riding. The tubing here is exceptional. Not to mention a carpet conveyor to the top of the mountain. Make reservations to stay for the day or all weekend.
Ellicottville
Holiday Valley
6557 Holiday Valley Road, Ellicottville
This is one of the largest tubing destinations in New York State with 22 lanes and a 100-foot vertical drop. There is a special tubing area just for little people. enjoy the Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster, a giant toboggan on rails down the mountain.
Clymer
Peek N’ Peak Resort
1405 Olde Road, Clymer
This Park has something a little something extra. At night the park comes alive with colors and pulsating lights and music. This is a one-of-a-kind light show and it is all part of the admission price.