Quick Info
Best for: Families, groups, non-skiers, anyone wanting easy winter fun. Cost: $25-50 per session. Session length: 1-2 hours. Age minimum: Typically 3-4 years old. Book ahead: Reservations essential on weekends.
Snow tubing is winter fun with zero learning curve. Sit in an inflated tube, push off, scream down a groomed lane. A magic carpet carries you back up. Repeat until you're exhausted from laughing. That's it - no lessons, no skill required, just pure sledding joy.
It's the great equalizer. While skiing and snowboarding take time to learn, tubing delivers thrills immediately. Kids as young as 3-4 can participate, and grandparents can join too. Groups of friends who include non-skiers finally have something everyone can do together.
Colorado has dedicated tubing parks throughout the mountains. Some are massive resort operations with multiple lanes and night sessions. Others are smaller local hills with charm and lower prices. All provide the basic promise: fast, fun, and easy.
Keystone Adventure Point
Keystone's tubing hill sits at 11,640 feet elevation with stunning summit views. Six lanes, a magic carpet lift, and both day and night sessions make it one of Colorado's premier tubing destinations. The high altitude means reliable snow conditions and crisp mountain air.
Night tubing under the lights adds another dimension - the lanes glow, stars appear overhead, and the whole experience feels more magical. Sessions book up fast, so reserve online well in advance.
Frisco Adventure Park
Frisco Adventure Park offers the best value near Breckenridge. Multiple lanes for different speeds, a dedicated beginner hill for small children, and Friday night tubing sessions. It's a local's favorite - less crowded than resort tubing and more affordable.
The park also offers mini snowmobiles for kids, so you can make a full day of it. The base area has a warming hut and snacks. Location is convenient if you're staying anywhere in Summit County.
Colorado Adventure Park
Colorado Adventure Park in Fraser Valley (near Winter Park) has some of the longest runs and fastest speeds. The lanes are wider and more aggressive, appealing to thrill-seekers who want maximum velocity. They also have mini snowmobiles and other activities.
The drive from Denver is straightforward on I-70 and US-40. It's about 90 minutes in good conditions, making it accessible for day trips.
Echo Mountain
Echo Mountain is the closest tubing to Denver - about 45 minutes up I-70. It's a small ski area with a tubing hill, making it perfect for quick day trips when you don't want to drive deep into the mountains. Less spectacular than mountain resorts, but convenient.
Planning Your Visit
Reservations are essential at popular parks. Weekends and holidays sell out days or weeks in advance. Weekday sessions are less crowded and easier to book on short notice.
Wear waterproof pants - you're sitting directly on snow. Warm jacket, gloves, and hat are standard. Goggles are optional but fun, especially at speed or during snowfall. You'll warm up fast from the activity and excitement.
Sessions run 1-2 hours, which is usually plenty. Kids tire out from the adrenaline and cold, and adults find their legs burning from the tube climbing. Allow extra time for parking and check-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can really young kids go tubing?
Most parks allow ages 3-4 and up, with an adult in the same tube. Some have dedicated gentle lanes for very small children. Check specific park policies.
Is night tubing worth it?
Definitely - it's a different experience. The lanes are lit, the atmosphere is festive, and it feels more adventurous. Popular for date nights and group outings.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially on weekends and holidays. Online reservations are standard at all major parks. Showing up without a reservation often means being turned away.
What if it's snowing?
Tubing parks stay open in most weather. Snowing actually makes the experience more fun - fresh powder, snow flying in your face. Only severe weather closes parks.