Best Places to Go Snow Tubing in the Poconos  

Dec 29, 2020

Snow tubing in the Poconos is a truly wild ride and one of the more exhilarating family-friendly activities. There’s no need to have any experience at all with the sport, only the courage to let go and slide down the hill. From where to go to what to bring, we’ll tell you how to take advantage of all the joy winter can bring.

The Lay of the Land

The Pocono Mountains are filled with beautiful lakes, valleys, and rivers. Guests come here to marvel at the wonder of Bushkill Falls, fish at Lake Wallenpaupack, and ski the many, many peaks the area has to offer. If you want to know where everyone goes to snow tube in the Poconos though, most visitors will do so at one of the several official operators of the area. Not only is it a convenient way to get up the incline, but you can also rent all the gear you need to get down to the bottom.

Where to Go

We’ll look at some of the names in the Poconos.

  • Big Boulder Mountain is well-known for the stomach-thrilling spiral of the tubes as they launch from one of 20 chutes. There are two tows and a lift here to make it easy to go for multiple rides.
  • Jack Frost Mountain is close to White Haven and the companion mountain to Big Boulder. Highly praised as a good place for beginners to start, the excitement of sailing down the mountain is a memory you’ll take you with you long after you leave. Just be warned that while this spot is fun, the course is limited to just 6 chutes.
  • Camelback Mountain is located close to Tannersville and has fully embraced the art of snow tubing. Camelback even has its own parking lot just for the tubers (separate from the skiers and boarders). There are 40 lanes at this location plus two magic carpet lifts. If you’re looking for a serious stomach-drop at its launch and a fairly long deceleration at the end, this is the spot for you.
  • Shawnee Mountain offers tandem chutes if you want to head down with your kids. You’ll find two belt lifts to get you back and forth at Shawnee.
  • Blue Mountain offers family-size chutes, which can make it easier for everyone on the trip to connect with one another. No one will be squabbling as you fly down the hill and enjoy the spin.

Snow tubing operating times may change from season to season. Some are open every day of the week for the vast majority of the day. Others are open just on the weekends, or only for a few hours a day. Families should also take into account how many chutes each place has to offer. Particularly busy weekends can make for far more waiting than riding. Be sure to check ahead and coordinate your schedule so there’s no disappointment.

Skytop Lodge Snow Tubing

Skytop Lodge offers one-hour snow tubing sessions to everyone over the age of 4. Our snow tubing hill is an adventure just waiting to happen and a true winter wonderland for all. Our entire resort was built around the idea of helping families turn their vacation into everything they want it to be.

Everything You Need

Our facilities and services were designed to give families the opportunity to really relax and enjoy the scenery outside their window. Larger families stay in our cottages and stock up on snacks and drinks to enjoy a well-deserved break from the real world.

Grab a bite from one of our eateries featuring all kinds of fare, from the exotic to the classic, so you can stay refreshed and revived no matter how much physical activity you pack in the day. Parents can also feel free to stop by for a spa service after being out in the cold on a snow tube. Feel the chill melt away as you enjoy being pampered for once.

What to Wear

To truly enjoy snow tubing, you want to make sure you’re going to be as warm as possible. Take plenty of layers so you can both insulate against the cold and potentially get some relief if you start to heat up on the way down. Winter jackets, snow pants, gloves, hats, and thick socks should all be laid out on the bed before anyone leaves the room. (Scarves can end up getting snagged on nearly anything if you’re not careful, so you might want to go with a neckwarmer instead.)

You should also make sure you have a good base layer, like a thermal T-shirt, and mid-layer, like a warm fleece. In addition to staying warm, you’ll also want clothes that are going to keep you dry. Polyester and polypropylene fabrics are known for pulling moisture away from the body, which will prevent you from feeling soaked after your third or fourth trip down.

Pro tip: tubing tickets get lost all the time by kids and adults alike. Make sure you bring a jacket with secure pockets, so there’s no confusion on the mountain. Oh, and take goggles or sunglasses with you to shield you against the wind and protect you from the winter glare.

What to Bring

An extra set of clothes is an absolute must. It’s a precaution that’s worth its weight in gold if you want to relax in the lodge without having to go back to the room to change. You should also bring some extra sunscreen and chapstick to keep your face and ears safe from the harsh reflection of the sun off the gleaming snow.

You can also consider having everyone wear a helmet just in case. Snow tubing is remarkably safe, but accidents can and do still happen. A helmet can help turn a bad run into a good story and not a disaster. On that note, you might want to bring bandages, antibiotic cream, hand sanitizing wipes, and pain relievers. Better to be overprepared than not prepared at all.

Finally, you should have some snacks and drinks while you’re there. People of all ages can get pretty wiped out when they’re having so much fun. Try loading up with water and protein bars, and throw in a little sugar treat as a surprise.

Give Us a Call

Skytop Lodge offers one-hour snow tubing sessions. If you want to learn more about our hours of operation, give us a call at (570) 595-8925. We can’t wait to help you and your loved ones have a vacation you won’t soon forget.