One of the best things about Seattle this time of year is that we have a veritable winter wonderland just a stone’s throw from where we live and work. Now that the snow is really starting to fall, you can expect to see snow lovers of all ages out on the hills enjoying this year’s chilly season. If you’re interested in joining them in their snowy adventures, a great place to start is by tubing. It’s such a fun and exhilarating cold weather pastime, and there’s no need to worry about skill or experience level. Tubing is fun for everyone in the family, whether they are seasoned snow bunnies or just stepping onto the powder for the first time.
Here’s where you can go tubing around Seattle this winter:
Summit Tubing Center
About an hour’s drive from city center, you will find one of the most popular tubing spots in the state. Summit Tubing Center is open every weekend in the winter, provided that there is snow on the ground. The cost of admission includes use of professional grade recreational tubes, access to the tubing hills, and surface tows, which bring you back up the hill. You can also take advantage of group discounts if you can manage to round up a crowd of 30 or more people.
While you’re at the center, grab a bite and warm up in their quiet on-site café, which offers everything from salads to burgers.
Location: 1001 Route 906, Snoqualmie Pass, Wa 98068
Phone: 425-434-6791
Cost:
· $22-$24 for Adults
· $20-22 for kids ages 6-11
· $5 for kids ages 5 & under
· $5 for those who only wish to view
Open: Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. & holidays, 9 a.m.-5:45 p.m.
Suncadia Resort
Tubing is only one of the long list of reasons why people of all ages love Suncadia Resort. It’s the most fun you’ll have this winter, with such quintessential winter activities as snowshoeing, ice skating, snow bowling, horse-drawn carriage rides through the snow, and so much more.
Similar to the Summit Tubing Center, personal equipment is not permitted, but the price of your admission includes everything you’ll need while you’re out on the slopes. Tubers need to be at least 3 years old and a minimum of 42” tall.
Location: 3600 Suncadia Trail, Cle Elum, Wa 98922
Phone: 509-649-6400
Cost:
· $20 for 10 rides
· $35 for 20 rides
Open: Nov. 26-29, Dec. 5-6, Dec. 12-13, and Dec. 19, 2015 through Jan. 4, 2016 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Happy Trails
Happy Trails is the perfect opportunity for your family to enjoy a day of classic wintertime fun. They’ll take you out on a horse-drawn sleigh and then send you flying down their sledding hill. You’ll need to bring your own tubes or saucers, but wooden or metal sleds are not permitted for obvious safety reasons.
You can use one of their propane-powered cooktops to prepare your meal and gather around a picnic table with your friends and family. Guests can even cook s’mores on one of the fire pits that are provided.
Happy Trails offers gift certificates, which make a great gift for neighbors and coworkers. Availability is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time. Winter sleigh rides begin each year as early as September, but the website suggests coming in January, when snow is at its peak.
Location: Happy Trails Sleigh Rides, Exit 74 off I-90 (then turn onto Pioneer Trail Rd.), Easton, Wa 98925
Phone: 509-656-2634
Cost:
· $25 for Adults
· $12 for kids ages 10 and under
· Kids ages 2 and under are free
Open: Dec. 27-Mar. 2016, 10 a.m. until dark. Closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Super Bowl Sunday
Winter in Washington is an absolute delight, so be sure to get outside and enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds our city. There are plenty of opportunities for tubing around Seattle, but that’s only the beginning. Activity never stops in our bustling hometown, even in the winter, so don’t let this year’s chilly seasonal fun pass you by.