Who doesn’t want to go whizzing down the side of a mountain in the winter? Sledding and snow tubing are time-honored winter activities for kids of all ages. If you’re looking for a snowy adventure in the Poconos, you’re in luck!
Snow tubing is most ideal when the mountains are covered in fresh powdery snow. Here’s everything you need to know to plan the best day ever for the whole family.
Snow Tubing: What’s the Deal?
Okay, so exactly what is snow tubing? Glad you asked. It’s basically the same as sledding or saucering, except you use an inner tube. The advantages of this approach are many:
- A tube offers a lot of cushioning, so it’s a safer way to go. This is especially true for older people, whose backs don’t take as kindly to hard bumps and bounces without any shock absorbers like you’d get on a sled.
- Snow tubes are also lightweight, which means they whiz over the hills with less resistance. Not only can you get up more speed, but you’re also less likely to get bounced around.
- They’re easy to store because they deflate. If you bring your own snow tubes in your suitcase, this is a real advantage.
- Snow tubes offer plenty of room for adults and children to ride together. That’s good because snow tubing isn’t safe for very small children who can’t control the tube well. Although adults should also expect a bit of a teacup experience – snow tubes are hard to steer, which is part of the fun! – they’re better able to keep it stable for the little ones.
- You can find snow tubing parks in the Poconos, which provide all the gear for you. All you have to do is show up, climb on and enjoy the ride!
Now that you know what it is, let’s take a look at how to get ready for your adventure.
What to Wear
Packing right for snow tubing is a must! Make sure you bring:
- Waterproof pants and jacket, ideally quilted for extra warmth
- Moisture-wicking layers for the bottom layer, like long johns
- Padded gloves or mittens
- Wool socks
- Good boots that lace all the way over the ankle
- Warm hats that cover the ears, or earmuffs
- A scarf to wrap around the neck
It’s a lot of gear, but it’s important to have all these on hand for any outdoor sport, so don’t skimp.
Where to Go
There are many popular destinations for snow tubing in the Poconos. Camelback Mountain, for instance, is a great choice, with designated snow tubing lanes carved into the snow. This provides a safe ride for the whole family. They’re not always open, however, so check back to find out their seasonal hours and pricing.
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area also offers snow tubing, although it’s a more expensive option. You can expect to pay $35 on a weekday and $47 on weekends and holidays. Plus, these hours and prices are subject to change, so you should also check back regularly.
One of the best bets for easy, thrilling outdoor fun is the Snow Hill at Skytop Lodge. On our 5,500-acre grounds, you’ll find a snow tubing park that combines the best of fun and easy proximity to plenty of food and lodging. It’s one of the more affordable options, as well, at $20 – and only $15 for people who are staying at the lodge. Resort guests can easily hop on a shuttle, too!
Reservations are always a good idea because snow tubing spots fill up fast in the winter. Make sure to call ahead and plan your experience at the same time that you reserve lodging for your Poconos trip.
Safety Tips
Snow tubing is a very safe sport, especially compared to skiing or snowboarding. If you’re looking to give the family a thrill with less risk, then snow tubing is the way to go. However, there are some safety tips of which you should be aware.
First and foremost, it’s important to stay warm. The biggest danger when tubing isn’t an accident, but the cold. Make sure you bundle up, protecting your head, neck, hands and feet. Wear more than one layer of socks, warm gloves, a hat with good coverage over the ears, and multiple layers on your trunk. You’ll also want to wear moisture-wicking fabrics since sweat cooling on the body can cause hypothermia if you’re not careful.
Bring food and drink as well. Getting too cold or thirsty can make hypothermia more likely, which you want to avoid at all costs. Even if you’re close to your lodging, bring snacks and water bottles. If you can’t stand cold water in the winter air, hot tea in a thermos will do!
Don’t ride two adults to a tube. If you’re going to double up, make it one adult and one small child. Don’t let young children ride alone or with one another.
Note that whatever your level of comfort with snow tubing might be, most snow parks do have restrictions. For instance, at Skytop Lodge, you must be at least 4 years old to ride. You also have to be 40 inches tall or ride with a grownup.
Where to Stay in the Poconos
If you’re going to have the best snow tubing adventure in the Poconos, it’s a good idea to stay nearby. That way, you have access to your snow tubing park without having to spend all day driving. Choose a centrally located resort that has access to plenty of dining on the grounds, but is drivable to outdoor adventures and cities alike.
Not sure where to look? We’ve got the answer for you. If you’re hitting up the Snow Hill at Skytop, then check out the Skytop lodging options. We have tons of different rooms available, from cottages to suites to simple accommodations that protect your budget – more money for tubing, right?
Whatever you do, don’t wait to make those reservations. People often wait until winter to plan their trips, then discover there’s nowhere to stay. Avoid that by calling or emailing Skytop to learn more today, or booking online now. We can’t wait to meet you!