Winter Park is a winter lover’s paradise (it’s right there in the name!), with plenty of outdoor activities to get your snow fix. Whether it’s world-class skiing at Winter Park Resort, going for a brisk hike, or flying down a tubing hill, you’ll be enjoying some of the best powder in Colorado.
After you spend a day embracing your inner child and racing down a hill in a bouncy tube, retreat to your cozy home base at a Winter Park House vacation home. With convenient locations and amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces, there’s no better place to relax after a day of winter fun.
In this guide, you can find everything you need to know as a first-timer tubing in Winter Park.
What You Need to Know about Tubing in Winter Park
Winter Park tubing is a great activity when you need a rest day from skiing or if you’re looking for a family-friendly winter activity that your group’s non-skiers can enjoy as well. There are some key things to keep in mind to make sure your Winter Park tubing adventure is a blast.
- Dress warmly as you would on the slopes – layers, hats, gloves, and winter boots will make sure you’re comfortable.
- Most locations have warming huts or indoor areas where you can relax between runs.
- Many tubing hills require reservations during peak times, so arrive early to check in, especially if you have a larger party.
- Admission fees typically range from $30 – $55 per hour, but check the website or call ahead for current rates and any special promotions.
- Winter Park has a number of great breweries and restaurants where you can relax after a day of tubing fun.
When to Go Tubing in Winter Park
The tubing season in Winter Park typically runs from late November through March, depending on the weather and snow conditions. Most tubing hills open around Thanksgiving, and they’ll stay open until the snow melts, which is usually well into spring. Keep in mind that weekends and holidays can be busy, so if you want to avoid the crowds, consider a weekday session.
Where to Go Tubing in Winter Park
Winter Park is home to several tubing hills, each with its own unique vibe. These are the top spots to hit during your visit.
1. Coca Cola Tubing Hill at Winter Park Resort
Located at Winter Park Resort, this tubing hill offers multiple lanes, a covered conveyor lift to take you back to the top, and some of the best views of the surrounding mountains. From banked curves to fast straightaways, this iconic tubing hill was designed with thrills in mind. It’s the perfect spot for families or groups since you can ride together or take solo runs.
Snow tubing is available for anyone at least 36 inches tall, and tubing tickets include one hour of rentals. Night tubing is magical under the lights, with sessions running from December through March on select days, and there’s a cozy warming hut nearby where you can grab a hot cocoa.
This is a popular Winter Park tubing hill, so reservations are recommended. Book your tubing session in advance, especially during weekends and holidays, or consider going on a weekday.
2. Historic Fraser Tubing Hill
Just 10 minutes from Winter Park Ski Resort, the Historic Fraser Tubing Hill is another fantastic option. This tubing hill is a local favorite and offers an old-school tubing experience.
The hill is long and fast, with pure downhill thrills. A tow lift whisks you quickly back to the top of the hill, so you can squeeze in as many rides as you want. The warming house offers hot drinks and snacks to enjoy after your runs.
Tubing tickets include tube rentals and unlimited rides for up to two hours. There are discounted weekday rates, as well as group discounts offered for groups of more than 15 people. Bring cash for your tickets to avoid extra credit card transaction fees.
3. Colorado Adventure Park
One of the largest tubing hills in Winter Park, the Colorado Adventure Park features a variety of groomed lanes that are wide enough to race all of your friends and family. If you’ve got kids or thrill-seekers in your group, this place is perfect.
You can zoom down the hill on a single or double tube, and kids will love the snowscoots (mini snowmobiles for kids under 12). The magic carpet lift makes getting back to the top easy, and the warming hut provides drinks and snacks as well as indoor bathrooms.
You can reserve a single tube or a double tube per hour, and group discounts are available. There are also complementary sleds offered for children under 3, as well as snowshoe and fat tire bike rentals available to explore surrounding trails.
4. Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA of the Rockies
If you’re looking for a spot with a more peaceful, family-oriented vibe, Snow Mountain Ranch is the place to go. Located about 15 miles from Winter Park, this tubing hill isn’t steep or fast, making it ideal for younger kids and first-timers.
Snow Mountain Ranch offers a single tubing lane with a more gradual slope, which makes for leisurely runs and a less strenuous walk up to the top (there is no tow line). It’s a great tubing hill for families with young children, and there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at the ranch, including ice skating, cross-country skiing, and a winter playground.
5. Hideaway Park Sledding Hill
Located in downtown Winter Park near the Rendezvous Event Center, this spot is perfect for families who want to enjoy a casual winter day outdoors. The tubing hill is smaller and more low-key than some of the others on this list, but it’s ideal if you’re staying in downtown Winter Park and want a quick, fun activity.
This free sledding hill offers all of the winter fun with no admission fees and no frills. There are free sleds available to check out on an honor system. There’s no lift, so you’ll have to walk up after each run, but the hill is very manageable.
Time to Book Your Winter Park Tubing Adventure
Whether you’re flying down the lanes or keeping it casual, tubing in Winter Park is the perfect way to spend a winter day. With options for all ages and adrenaline levels, it’s a fun winter activity that everyone can enjoy.
After a day of tubing, there’s nothing better than heading back to a cozy vacation rental to warm up and relax. Winter Park House has vacation rental homes perfect for groups of all sizes, with incredible amenities and the comforts of home. Make your winter adventure unforgettable with a stay at a Winter Park House vacation home.