Do you crave high-speed thrills when you see snow pouring down? Does your wallet feel pain at the idea of taking the whole family skiing or snowboarding? Fret not, because there’s an alternative way to get some fast-paced family fun on a snowy day, and at a fraction of the price: tubing. No necessary training, no expensive supplemental gear, no problem! Simply register, show up, and take off. Here we’ve compiled our Top 5 Family Tubing Experiences in upstate and western New York, where a fantastic snow day can be just a short drive away.
Holiday Valley Tubing Park, Ellicottville, New York
Nestled just outside of Ellicottville, Holiday Valley Tubing Park provides tons of family fun in a straight-up package. Stacking up 20 lanes that stretch over a 900-foot run along with a conveyor lift, Holiday Valley offers two-hour time blocks throughout the season, with a discount rate and smaller scaled runs for particularly short members of the family. Warm up by the fire in the snack bar near the base of the hill either on your way out or if a quick pit stop is called for. Book a nearby big family friendly hotel for a weekend getaway.
Hunter Mountain, Hunter, New York
About an hour southwest of Albany you’ll come across Hunter Mountain Resort. Conveniently located near the base of the mountain and Kaatskill Mountain Club Hotel, the massive run on Hunter Mountain stretches over 1000 feet long, while also sporting a magic carpet system to effortlessly help you and your family back to the top for another go. Ticket prices range by tube size, but are generally for a two-hour window, with start times depending on the day. Feeling hungry afterward? There’s no shortage of choice on Hunter Mountain, as 12 different restaurants spread across the resort offer a myriad of dining options. Plan a weekend trip with big family lodging near Hunter.
Peek’n Peak, Clymer, New York
Out near the western border in Clymer, the Peek’n Peak resort has a multitude of attractions no matter the season, with one of their chief winter activities being tubing. Right next to the Retreat Lodge, seven different lanes and a magic carpet system keep the fun fast-paced and constantly moving. Times for tubing vary by the day, with Lunar Lights tubing available after dark and at no extra cost. Head inside next door afterward for either a self-serve style cafeteria for quick pit stops, or head upstairs for a full-service menu with a handful more options. Add a hotel stay for a family getaway.
Windham Mountain Resort, Windham, New York
Tucked away in the Catskill Mountains, Windham Mountain Resort offers a classic tubing experience, complete with some more modern amenities to enhance the experience. Two-hour blocks are offered per ticket, and a quick conveyor lift will keep things moving along to ensure you and your family get the most out of it. Fueling up again afterward gives you plenty of choice on Windham Mountain, as a variety of dining options serve everything from sushi to waffles! Stay another day to enjoy it all – book a nearby big family friendly hotel.
West Mountain, Queensbury, New York
Headed north an hour or so from Albany is West Mountain. Four upper lanes and six lower lanes are all connected via magic carpet, so traversing the runs is far from a hassle. Time blocks are available in two-hour increments, with availability depending on the day (though you can pre-register online). When you and your family are looking to refuel, stop by The West Express Cafe, where you can rest up and enjoy a little bit of everything made available on the menu. Cap the day off with a stay at a hotel with a pool.
Pin now to your New York family fun board:
