The Poconos, a stunning mountainous region in northeastern Pennsylvania, is widely known as a haven for outdoor adventure. In winter, it transforms into a snowy playground with activities ranging from skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and ice skating. One of the most exciting, family-friendly activities that draws both locals and tourists alike is snow tubing. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking for some winter fun, snow tubing in the Poconos offers thrills, laughs, and an unforgettable experience for people of all ages.
What is Snow Tubing?
Before we jump into the specific locations and tips for snow tubing in the Poconos, let’s clarify what snow tubing is and why it’s so much fun.
Snow tubing is a winter sport where participants ride down snowy slopes on large, inflatable tubes. Unlike skiing or snowboarding, snow tubing doesn’t require any special skills, training, or equipment—making it accessible to almost anyone. It’s as simple as sitting down on a tube, holding on tight, and letting gravity take you for a ride.
What makes snow tubing particularly thrilling is the speed you can reach as you slide down a steep, well-groomed slope. Some snow tubing parks even have lanes carved into the snow to give you a more controlled ride, while others allow for group tubing, where you can link tubes with friends and family to go down the hill together.
Snow tubing parks in the Poconos are designed with fun and safety in mind. Most places offer conveyor belts or tow lifts that carry you and your tube back up the hill after each ride, so you can save your energy for more tubing fun rather than trudging uphill in the snow. Plus, many tubing parks feature lighting for night tubing, adding another level of excitement to your adventure.
Why Snow Tubing in the Poconos?
The Poconos is one of the most popular destinations for winter sports on the East Coast, and snow tubing is no exception. Here’s why the Poconos stands out as the perfect spot for snow tubing:
1. Variety of Tubing Parks
The Poconos is home to several top-notch snow tubing parks, each offering its own unique experience. Whether you want fast, thrilling runs or family-friendly slopes, you’ll find the perfect spot in the region.
2. Accessible for All Ages and Skill Levels
Snow tubing is incredibly inclusive—kids as young as four can safely enjoy the experience, and it’s just as fun for adults. There’s no learning curve or equipment to worry about, which makes snow tubing a fantastic activity for large groups with varying ages and abilities.
3. Perfect for Families and Groups
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a day with family or friends, snow tubing fits the bill. Many tubing parks in the Poconos offer group tubing lanes and the ability to link tubes together so you can enjoy the ride with your loved ones.
4. Night Tubing
Several snow tubing parks in the Poconos feature night tubing sessions, where the slopes are illuminated for evening fun. Tubing under the stars with glowing lights adds an extra layer of magic to your winter adventure.
5. Proximity to Major Cities
One of the great things about the Poconos is its accessibility. The region is just a few hours’ drive from major metropolitan areas like New York City, Philadelphia, and New Jersey, making it a convenient winter getaway for a weekend or even just a day trip.
Top Snow Tubing Parks in the Poconos
The Poconos offers a variety of snow tubing parks, each with its own unique attractions and features. Here’s a rundown of some of the best places to go snow tubing in the region:
1. Camelback Mountain Resort
Camelback Mountain Resort is one of the most popular winter sports destinations in the Poconos, and it offers the largest snow tubing park in the United States. With over 40 lanes dedicated to tubing, Camelback ensures that there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the fun.
- Number of Lanes: 42
- Special Features:
- Conveyor belt lifts to take you back up the hill
- Galactic Snow Tubing: An exhilarating night tubing experience with LED lights and music
- Double tubes available for parents with small children
- Who It’s For: Families, groups of friends, and anyone looking for a large, well-organized tubing park with a variety of lanes and night tubing options.
Camelback’s Galactic Snow Tubing is especially popular, as it transforms the tubing slopes into a glowing, electrifying experience with bright neon lights and pulsing music. It’s a one-of-a-kind snow tubing adventure that you won’t want to miss.
2. Blue Mountain Resort
Another fantastic option in the Poconos is Blue Mountain Resort, which boasts some of the longest and fastest tubing lanes in the region. Known for its thrilling slopes, Blue Mountain offers an exciting ride for those seeking a bit more adrenaline with their snow tubing experience.
- Number of Lanes: 34
- Special Features:
- 1,000-foot-long tubing lanes
- Two conveyor lifts
- Family-friendly and adrenaline-pumping lanes
- Group tubing options
- Who It’s For: Thrill-seekers and families who want a mix of intense speed and family-friendly tubing.
Blue Mountain’s lanes are known for their length, which means longer rides and more excitement per trip. The resort also offers a separate area for young children, ensuring that even the littlest tubers can have a safe and fun experience.
3. Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area is another great destination for snow tubing, especially for families looking for a laid-back, easy-going tubing experience. Shawnee’s tubing park is smaller than Camelback’s or Blue Mountain’s, but it offers a cozy and friendly atmosphere that makes it perfect for families with young children.
- Number of Lanes: 6
- Special Features:
- Shorter slopes, perfect for beginners and young children
- Easy access to the base lodge for hot chocolate breaks
- Snowmaking equipment ensures consistent snow coverage
- Who It’s For: Families with small children and anyone looking for a quieter, more relaxed tubing experience.
Shawnee Mountain’s snowmaking machines help maintain excellent snow conditions throughout the season, so even if natural snowfall is light, you can expect smooth, fun tubing runs.
4. Jack Frost Big Boulder
Jack Frost Big Boulder is known for its impressive ski slopes, but it’s also a fantastic snow tubing destination in the Poconos. The resort offers separate tubing parks at both Jack Frost and Big Boulder, giving visitors plenty of options.
- Number of Lanes: 12 at Jack Frost, 12 at Big Boulder
- Special Features:
- Two distinct tubing areas for variety
- Conveyor lifts for easy access back to the top
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Who It’s For: Families and groups who want to enjoy tubing along with other winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
One of the benefits of tubing at Jack Frost Big Boulder is that you can mix and match your winter activities. Spend part of your day on the tubing slopes, then switch to skiing or snowboarding for the rest of the afternoon.
5. Pocono Mountain Villas by Exploria Resorts
For a more intimate snow tubing experience, head to Pocono Mountain Villas by Exploria Resorts, which offers a private tubing hill for resort guests. While this tubing hill may be smaller than the others mentioned, it’s perfect for guests staying at the resort who want a convenient tubing option just steps from their lodging.
- Number of Lanes: Varies (smaller tubing area)
- Special Features:
- Private tubing hill for resort guests
- Close proximity to the villas for added convenience
- Less crowded than other public parks
- Who It’s For: Guests of Pocono Mountain Villas looking for a convenient and less crowded snow tubing experience.
Preparing for Your Snow Tubing Adventure
Now that you know where to go tubing in the Poconos, let’s discuss how to prepare for your day on the slopes. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring that your snow tubing experience is fun, safe, and comfortable.
1. What to Wear for Snow Tubing
Dressing appropriately for snow tubing is crucial to staying warm and dry throughout the day. Here’s what you should wear:
- Base Layers: Start with moisture-wicking base layers to keep sweat off your skin.
- Insulated Jacket and Pants: A waterproof, insulated jacket and snow pants will keep you warm and dry as you spend hours in the snow.
- Warm Hat and Gloves: Make sure to bring a warm hat and waterproof gloves. Avoid cotton gloves, as they can get wet and make your hands cold.
- Snow Boots: Wear waterproof snow boots with good traction, as you’ll be walking around on snow and ice.
- Ski Goggles or Sunglasses: The glare from the snow can be intense, so protect your eyes with ski goggles or sunglasses.
2. What to Bring
Aside from appropriate clothing, you’ll want to pack a few other essentials for your snow tubing trip:
- Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Even in winter, the sun’s rays reflect off the snow, so it’s important to protect your skin and lips.
- Snacks and Water: Tubing can be tiring, so keep hydrated and bring some snacks to refuel between runs.
- Camera or Smartphone: You’ll want to capture the fun memories from your snow tubing adventure, so don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone (just be sure to keep it dry).
3. Plan Your Visit
Many snow tubing parks in the Poconos get busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead:
- Make Reservations: Some tubing parks allow or even require reservations to ensure you get a spot. Check the park’s website before your visit.
- Check Park Hours: Hours of operation vary by park, and night tubing is often only available on certain days of the week.
- Arrive Early: If reservations aren’t required, aim to arrive early to beat the crowds and maximize your tubing time.
Snow Tubing Safety Tips
While snow tubing is a relatively safe winter activity, it’s still important to follow some basic safety guidelines to ensure everyone has a fun and accident-free experience.
1. Follow Park Rules
Each snow tubing park will have its own set of rules, which are typically posted near the tubing lanes. Be sure to follow these rules, as they are designed to keep everyone safe.
2. Stay in Your Lane
Most snow tubing parks will have designated lanes, so it’s important to stay in your lane and avoid crossing into others. This helps prevent collisions with other tubers.
3. Use the Tube Properly
Always sit in your tube, rather than lying on your stomach or standing. Sitting gives you the most control and stability as you go down the hill.
4. Supervise Children
If you’re snow tubing with young children, make sure to keep a close eye on them and help them navigate the lanes. Many parks offer double tubes so that you can ride with your child for added safety.
Other Winter Activities in the Poconos
Snow tubing isn’t the only exciting winter activity you can enjoy in the Poconos. If you’re looking to extend your winter adventure, consider trying one of these activities:
1. Skiing and Snowboarding
The Poconos is famous for its ski resorts, and most tubing parks are part of larger resorts that offer skiing and snowboarding as well. If you’re feeling adventurous, spend part of your day on the slopes and part of it tubing.
2. Ice Skating
Many resorts in the Poconos feature outdoor ice skating rinks, where you can glide across the ice surrounded by beautiful mountain views.
3. Snowshoeing
For a peaceful and scenic winter experience, try snowshoeing through the snowy trails of the Poconos. It’s a great way to explore the region’s natural beauty at your own pace.
4. Winter Hiking
If you love hiking, the Poconos offer winter trails that are perfect for snow-covered hikes. Just be sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring trekking poles to navigate icy terrain.
Conclusion: Why Snow Tubing in the Poconos is a Must-Do Winter Adventure
Snow tubing in the Poconos is an exhilarating, fun-filled winter activity that’s perfect for people of all ages. With its variety of tubing parks, breathtaking mountain scenery, and family-friendly atmosphere, the Poconos offers the ultimate snow tubing experience. Whether you’re racing down the slopes at Camelback Mountain or enjoying a peaceful ride at Shawnee Mountain, snow tubing in the Poconos promises to deliver endless fun and unforgettable memories.
So, if you’re looking for a winter getaway that combines thrills, laughter, and a beautiful setting, snow tubing in the Poconos should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, it’s the perfect way to embrace the magic of winter and create lasting memories with family and friends.
