“Do you want to spin or go straight?” asks the guy at the top of the snow chute overlooking the Frisco Adventure Park. We’ll call him the snow tubing pro. He’s not quite a lift op or ski patrol, but he’s the master of this hill. And he’s about to send us screaming down a 1,200-foot slide of pure ice and snow at one of the best spots for snow tubing in Colorado.
There’s no question. We’re spinning.
We’ve chosen from the six snow chutes that plunge straight down this hill overlooking Lake Dillon. Each one gets a little steeper and faster, and they look like giant icy slides with walls of snow separating the lanes. Now, after interlocking our family’s four oversized snow tubes together, Mr. Frisco tubing pro takes us on a running start and releases us with a final flourish into the chute. It’s like we’re his giant curling stone. As he slides and falls across the snow, our giant blob of snow-sliding inflation begins to rotate with maximum momentum as it flies down this giant sledding hill on steroids.
The slope of the hill drops quickly, and within a few seconds we are flying — fast. As our tubes rotate, I can feel the speed pick up. There’s a kind of slingshot effect as I enter the downhill side of the spin. The momentum whips me around, and everything feels even faster flying down the hill backwards. I can’t help but scream, laugh and whoop the whole way down. I’d forgotten how fast these tubes go.
When we reach the big bumps as the hill levels out, it feels like we’re going to go airborne. I like to believe we might have gotten an inch of air. At least, I think my stomach did. In actuality, these giant speed humps help slow us down as we near the end of the run. With the weight of four tubes, we’re able to slide up to the top of the snowy backstop at the bottom of the hill — one last bit of terrain park-like wall ride before we slide back down to a stop.
Then we pick ourselves up, pull our tubes on a short wall and board the magic carpet lift. Riding to the top gives an excellent chance to savor the beauty surrounding us. Lake Dillon stretches out below. Mount Royal stands above the glittering lights of downtown Frisco, and the snow-covered peaks of the Tenmile Range stretch out toward Breckenridge. The 14ers Grays and Torreys are visible on the horizon. We catch the last of the day’s sunlight glowing across the rocky peaks, and as the day fades, we lap the tubing run again and again, laughing all the way.
Where to Find Snow Tubing Near Colorado Springs
Snow tubing is just plain fun. People of all ages can enjoy it. You can do it alone or with friends. It’s great for whole families, from the little kids to the grandparents. And it’s a perfect non-skiing activity whether you’re looking for an alternative or an add-on to a day on the slopes.
We’re big fans of the Frisco Adventure Park, but there are many great spots for tubing in Colorado. Sure, if you have your own snow tubes, you can have fun sailing down any local sledding hill (like these: 16 of the Best Sledding Hills in Colorado Springs). But every Coloradan or visitor should try the full thrills of a pro-level lift-served, high speed tubing hill experience. Here’s where to find the winter fun at some of our favorites and what you need to know before you go. And don’t miss our pro tips below.
Frisco Adventure Park
Frisco doesn’t have any ski slopes of its own, but the picturesque mountain town on the shores of Lake Dillon is a worthy destination of its own in winter or summer. Located in the middle of Breckenridge, Keystone and Copper Mountain, it’s easy to ski if you want to, but Frisco is perfect for dodging those ski town crowds and finding alternative winter things to do — like the Frisco Tubing Hill. (You can read more about other winter fun in Frisco in our Snow Globe Moments in Frisco.) The park is ticketed and lift-served (you stand on a conveyor belt-type lift).
How Much Does It Cost? The base rate is $40 for one hour of tubing. Frisco and Summit County residents get a discounted rate. Holiday rates are slightly higher. Twenty-five people are allowed per 15 minute reservation slot to keep the crowds dispersed.
When Is It Open? Hours are 9:15 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Monday (in other words, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
Requirements: Reservations are required. Tubers must be 36 inches tall.
Bonus: There’s a beginner ski and snowboard hill if you’re looking to learn or teach the kids. At $60 a day, it’s a cheaper alternative to the ski resorts.
Pair It With: There’s a snack bar at the Frisco Adventure Park where you can grab a quick burger or hot chocolate. We recommend making the most of your experience with a meal or drinks in Frisco. Pure Kitchen is our favorite for fresh, farm-to-table dishes and craft cocktails. If you’re there before 2 p.m., Bread+Salt serves amazing elevated breakfast and brunch. And Outer Range Brewing is the spot for impressive craft beers and a taproom that captures those mountain views.
Monarch Tubing Park
You may have heard the screams of laughter above the north side of the parking lot at Monarch. The independent, family-friendly ski resort has a five-lane, 400-foot long tubing park that makes a fun addition to a day of skiing or snowboarding. You can walk or let the rope-tow pull you up the hill in your tube.
When Is It Open? The Monarch Tubing Park is open Friday – Sunday and other peak times, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How Much Does It Cost? Ticket prices for a one-hour tubing session are $24 adult, $12 for kids 12 and under. Book them online to guarantee your spot. Monarch Season Pass holders get 50% off for walk-in admission if there is availability (with some holiday blackout dates).
Requirements: Tubers must be 36 inches tall.
Pair It With: Head back down to Salida for a towering, inventive and locally sourced burger at 50 Burger — don’t miss the killer milkshakes too. For a quality craft beer, hit Elevation Beer Company in Poncha Springs or Soulcraft Brewing in Salida.
Copper Mountain: The Tubing Hill presented by Bubly
What do we love about tubing at Copper? The banked turns and four 100-yard runs that curve. They’re also easily accessible at the base of East Village, so you can just do an hour-long tubing session without having to buy a skiing lift ticket. And its official name, The Tubing Hill presented by Bubly, means there are Bubly Tubing Spindig’s throughout the season, which include live DJs, free Bubly sparking water and swag giveaways. So tubing with a Bubly is encouraged!
When Is It Open? Copper’s tubing hill is open every day of the ski season, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. — which means after dark night tubing!
How Much Does It Cost? Tickets are sold by the one-hour session, with prices starting at $64 with variations by time and day. Pre-book at least one day in advance for a 10% discount.
Requirements: Tubers must be 36 inches tall.
Bonus: Don’t miss the free Snow Maze later in the season.
Pair It With: Do some apres tubing on the patio at JJ’s Tavern or grab a hot beverage at Camp Hale Coffee Express, both located slope-side in the East Village.
Keystone Mountaintop Snow Tubing
If you’re skiing or snowboarding at Keystone, you can add some high-elevation tubing. at an elevation of 11,600 feet, this is probably the highest spot for tubing in Colorado. Keystone’s eight lanes are part of its Adventure Point complex at the top of Dercum Mountain. Keystone’s 150-yard tubing lanes run in a half-pipe type set-up: You start high, fly down and dip back up to slow down. Then a covered Magic Carpet lift takes you back to the top.
When Is It Open? When Keystone is open, the tubing hill is open 10:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. Your tickets are good any time in that window.
How Much Does It Cost? At most of the parks for tubing in Colorado, you pay by the hour. At Keystone, you pay by the run, and you must have a Keystone lift ticket or pass. Add-on tickets are $20 for one run, $50 for three, and $70 for five runs. If you’re buying a tubing plus lift ticket, prices range from $80 for an adult one run to $130 for an adult five run ticket. Child tickets for 12 and under are $20-$25 cheaper.
Requirements: Tubers must be 42 inches tall and no more more than 350 pounds.
Note: You must check-in for tubing in River Run Village near the bottom of the gondola.
Bonus: Don’t miss the world’s largest mountaintop snow fort beside the tubing park later in the season. We haven’t verified that claim, but the park covers a quarter-acre with 35-foot tall snow walls, tunnels, sculptures, slides and more.
Pair It With: Hit up the Kickapoo Tavern at the base of the River Run Gondola for classic apres drink specials and pub fare. For coffee and cocktails, the Inxpot Coffeehouse is your spot.
Winter Park: The Coca-Cola Tube Hill
There seems to be a bit of a naming rights trend that has begun for tubing in Colorado. Maybe it’s the corporate sponsorship that helps, but Winter Park’s sledding lanes are steep and deep like bobsled runs. Good thing the banked turns keep you in your lane with all that speed from the long snow chutes. We’re fans of the neon vibes of Glow Night Tubing on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Sure, it’s colder after dark, but the extra fun factor makes up for it.
When Is It Open? Winter Park’s regular season tubing hours are 10 a.m to 5 p.m. through March 31, with reduced hours till the end of the ski season. Glow Night Tubing is open 5-7 p.m., Thursday – Saturday, through March.
How Much Does It Cost? Tickets are sold by the one-hour session, with prices starting around $50 and varying by day and time slot. Reservations are encouraged, but you can walk in if there is availability.
Requirements: Tubers must be 36 inches tall.
Pair It With: Don’t miss the gourmet hot chocolate, cookies and warming fireplace at the chic Hill House next to the Coca-Cola Tube Hill.
Colorado Adventure Park
Winter Park is a sort of hot bed for tubing in Colorado, and it’s home to this other favorite independent, non-resort tube hill. Coming from I-70, you’ll find it by passing Winter Park Resort and heading into Fraser. Colorado Adventure Park is packed with 400-foot-long runs. It’s like one big, open community sledding hill with green- to black-rated lanes for tubing, plus a Magic Carpet lift to make those laps easier. You definitely want to bomb down this hill headfirst! And, yes, you can form massive group tubes!
When Is It Open? Hours fluctuate, but Colorado Adventure Park is open 10 a.m to 9 p.m. on weekends during peak season.
How Much Does It Cost? Tickets are sold by single or double tube sessions in one or two-hour sessions. Single tubes start at $40 for one hour, $65 for two hours. Double tubes start at $30 for one hour and $55 for two hours. Reservations will guarantee your spot, but they are not required.
Requirements: Tubers must be at least 3 years old. Kids 3-5 must ride with an adult. Helmets are required and provided for anyone under 18.
Pair It With: Enjoy hot cocoa, coffee, beer, wine and s’mores from the warming hut.
Echo Mountain
The Echo Mountain ski area just outside of Idaho Springs boasts a six-lane tubing hill worthy of a day trip. You can race friends in the single lanes or join tubes in the wider group lane. A conveyor belt lift carries you back to the top. And there’s night tubing, when the music and lights in the darkness make for an especially tubular time.
When Is It Open? Every day of the ski season: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Mondays and Tuesdays are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
How Much Does It Cost? Online advance tickets cost $25-$45, varying by day and demand. Reservations are highly recommended; they often sell out. If they’re available, walk-up tickets are $50 or more.
Requirements: Tubers must be 36 inches tall.
Bonus: You can rent the entire tubing area for an hour or two if you’re looking for a private party.
Pair It With: You should always stop at the original Beau Jo’s Pizza in Idaho Springs.
Dutch Henry Tubing Hill
Leadville is home to this no frills, high-speed tubing hill where students from the local Colorado Mountain College campus practice their snow grooming skills. You’ll find a few steep runs with a big banked curves and maybe some jumps depending on snow amounts. The steep slope will take you downhill fast. Then you have to walk back up. The best part is it’s only $5-$10 if you need a tube. Bring your own tube or plastic sled and bomb it for free.
When Is It Open? The Dutch Henry Tubing Hill is typically open January through March, dawn to dusk daily. Tube rentals are available on weekends 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can check to see if the hill is open by calling 719-427-0099.
How Much Does It Cost? Weekend tube rentals are $5 per hour for residents, $10 for nonresidents.
Requirements: None
Bonus: Don’t miss the pizza at High Mountain Pies in downtown Leadville.
Pro Tips for Tubing in Colorado
1. Dress like you’re skiing. Wear layers, gloves and a cozy hat or helmet.
2. When you can, tube as a group. You can get more speed and get your group through more laps during your hour session.
3. Sign your waiver online, ahead of time. It will streamline your check-in process and save time for getting to the actual tubing.
4. Always doublecheck open status. Snow tubing is a weather-dependent winter activity, so high winds, blizzards or other wintery hazards can put a pause on the fun.
5. Make your reservations early. Weekends get especially busy and often sell out.
This article was originally published in January 2024 and updated in December 2024.
