When Coloradans aren’t out skiing or snowboarding, they’re getting a giggle-inducing thrill of a different sort — one experienced while zooming down a hill on an inner tube or sled at the speed of light. Here are four places in Colorado to snow tube and sled.
Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain’s tubing hill, like those found at most major ski resorts in Colorado, is a well-equipped fun zone, complete with four designated tubing lanes. A “magic carpet ride” whisks you and your tube to the top where friendly staff will give you a good fling and send you spinning down through curves and over bumps. Critterland, a tiny tot play land and mini tubing area, is right next door for those under 36 inches tall.
Après Tubing: The cheek-stinging grins continue at Woodward at Copper, an indoor training facility with artificial snow jumps, foam pits and trampolines. Drop-in sessions and private lessons are available; just be sure to plan ahead.
Snow Mountain Ranch Sledding and Tubing Hill, Winter Park
A great value compared to some of the tubing areas at big ski resorts, Snow Mountain Ranch is run by the YMCA of the Rockies. You’ll find rope-tow access to a great tubing hill and views of the surrounding mountains that will knock your mittens off. You can bring your own tubes or use theirs. Next to the tubing hill is an ice-skating rink pavilion, and you also have the option to buy a YMCA day pass for use of the Olympic-size swimming pool and indoor climbing wall to make a full day of fun.
Après Tubing: Dash through the snow on a horse-drawn sleigh, complete with cozy blankets and hot chocolate. You won’t have to go far to find it, as Snow Mountain Ranch has stables right on site.
Firecracker Hill, Telluride
Telluride’s beauty is some of Colorado’s most classic, with jagged peaks, Victorian architecture and even a gushing waterfall to take in. In the midst of it all is Firecracker Hill, a favorite, if unofficial, sledding hill, located at the south end of Town Park. The nearby Telluride Nordic Center rents sleds, and ice skating and cross-country skiing are also available if you’d like to fill an entire day with winter activities.
Après Tubing: The free Galloping Goose bus follows a continuous loop through town, making it easy to jaunt on over to Telluride Truffle, where handmade truffles and a gourmet hot chocolate are the reward for your treks up and down the sledding hill.
More Top Colorado Snow Tubing & Sledding Hills
Photo courtesy of Copper Mountain Resort
