Are you looking for a cool, fun adventure that involves some snow? Look no further than the best snow tubing spots near the Bay Area
It’s no secret that some of the best snow-filled days are spent sledding down a giant hill with family and friends. And the best part about snow tubing is that little-to-no-skill is required (just a healthy dose of bravery and willingness) so everyone in the family can participate. These must-go sledding spots near the Bay Area are not only fun, but make a great overnight stay to boot. So dust off those winter coats, stir up some hot cocoa, put on your leg warmers, and get ready to play in the snow (and then some) at the best snow tubing and sledding hills near the Bay Area.
The Best Snow Tubing near San Francisco
1. Palisades Tahoe
While our editors love skiing and snowboarding at Palisades Tahoe, for kids who aren't quite convinced they want to get up on skies, you can go snow tubing at the SnoVentures Activity Zone located at the Palisades base area adjacent to the parking lot. Online reservations are recommended.
Good to Know: Ikon Pass holders receive free snow tubing every Thurs. And don't miss Disco Tubing where SnoVentures Activity Zone comes to life with colorful LED lights, lasers, and live DJs from 5-8 p.m.
Cost: $42/weekday, $54/weekend
Date: Opens Nov. 24
1960 Squaw Valley Rd.
Olympic Valley
Online: palisadestahoe.com
2. Adventure Mountain
Nestled on over 40 acres at the top of Echo Summit, Adventure Mountain is South Lake Tahoe's best spot for sledding, tubing, and snow fun. It is family owned and operated, offering up to 15 machine-groomed runs and plenty of space for snow play. Be sure to stop by the lodge for some hot cocoa by the fire. You may buy, rent or bring your own equipment. Helmets are encouraged.
Cost: $40 midweek, $45 weekend
Date: Weekdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Weekends and holidays 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Nebelhorn, Hwy 50, Echo Summit
South Lake Tahoe
Online: adventuremountaintahoe.com
3. Granlibakken
Operating since 1920, Granlibakken's popular 300-foot sledding hill is a worthwhile day spent outdoors. Bring the kids for their first sledding experience or sign them up for skiing and snowboarding lessons. Additional fun: The s'more kits are a hit with the littles and can be enjoyed around the fire pits.
Cost: $25/weekday, $35/weekend, $45/night sledding; free for children under 3
Date: Opens Nov. 24
725 Granlibakken Rd.
Tahoe City
Online: granlibakken.com
4. Tahoe City Winter Sports Park
Outdoor fun awaits at this family-friendly sledding hill located adjacent to Lake Tahoe. Disc rental is included with your reservation, but no outside sleds are allowed. Reservations are required and limited walk-ups will be permitted.
Good to Know: In addition to the sledding hill, there's an outdoor ice skating rink and you can rent snowshoes here.
Cost: $5/resident, $15/non-resident
Date: Ice rink opens Nov. 25; Sledding hill will open shortly after
251 N. Lake Blvd.
Tahoe City
Online: tcpud.org
5. Hansen's Resort
Hansen's Resort is home to a super-fun sledding and tubing hill with a 400-foot long hill, it's great for all ages.
Good to Know: Snow tubing sessions are an hour long along with complimentary parking to snowtubers.
Cost: $40/hour (5 & up); 4 and under free with paying adult
1360 Ski Run Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe
Online: hansensresort.com
6. More Fun Sledding Hills in Lake Tahoe
Check out these other sledding hills if you are in the Lake Tahoe area:
- Mt. Rose Sledding Hill
- Donner Summit Sno-Park
- North Tahoe Regional Park
- Spooner Summit Public Sledding
Online: tahoereport.com
7. Spicer Sno Parks, Bear Valley
Within four miles of Bear Valley, there are three parking locations where you can find slopes to get your snow tubing fix. Lake Alpine Sno-Park is the pick of the bunch with some long, fast runs. Aside from some non-flush toilets there aren’t many amenities so pack a lunch and some warming drinks. Purchase your Sno Park passes online.
Cost: Passes are $5/day or $25/season pass.
Date: Hours and dates vary and are dependent on weather
South Side of Highway 4 at Spicer Rd.
Bear Valley
Online: gocalaveras.com
8. Tamarack Sno-Park
Tamarack Sno-Park is located between Shaver Lake and Huntington Lake, about a 3.5-hour drive from the Bay Area.
Good to Know: You need to purchase a parking permit ahead of time.
Cost: $15/day, $40/season
Date: Nov. 1-May. 30
41387 Tollhouse Rd.
Shaver Lake
Online: ohv.parks.ca.gov
9. Soda Springs Mountain Resort
The Soda Spring Mountain Resort is home to Tube Town, a huge snow tubing area with up to 20 lanes and a 400-foot surface lift to get you back to the top! The resort also caters specifically to kids with an area called Planet Kids—a playground that contains snow tubing carousels, snow tubing lanes, ski and snowboard learning areas, along with snow volcanoes to climb.
Cost: Varies by time and day
Date: Opens Nov. 25
10244 Soda Springs Rd.
Soda Springs
Online: skisodasprings.com
10. Leland Snowplay
A snow hill set in the Sierra Mountains provides a deluxe environment for tubing. Four small lanes are reserved for the littler kids to enjoy and gentle lifts guide you to the top of the hills. Tired of tubing? There are also separate play areas for snowman making, playing in snow castles, and a good old-fashioned snowball fight. Added Bonus: You can warm up and grab a bite to eat at the lodge featuring indoor and outdoor dining areas and a snack bar.
Cost: $29-$49
Date: TBA
34033 Leland Meadow Rd.
Strawberry
Online: snowplay.com
11. Northstar California
Visitors to the Northstar California Tubing Hill in North Lake Tahoe can enjoy an exciting ride down a 200-yard hill. Take the tow lift to the top of the hill and do it all again, either one at a time or in daisy chains with your family.
Cost: Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis only and are available for purchase at the Tickets & Season Pass Office in the Village at Northstar.
Date: Opens Nov. 25
5001 Northstar Dr.
Truckee
Online: northstarcalifornia.com
Related: See Why Kid's Love Learning to Ski at Northstar California
12. Tenaya Lodge
Tenaya’s sledding and snow tubing hill is set near the world-famous Yosemite National Park in a gorgeous forest setting. There are two sledding hills, a big one for all and a kiddie one for little—both are complimentary to guests of the resort. You can rent sledding discs for half day or a full day. Want more fun? Teyana also offers a guided snowshoe hike, ice skating, and archery sessions.
Cost: Tickets are available on first come, first served basis
Date: Hours and dates vary and are dependent on weather
1122 Highway 41
Fish Camp
Online: tenayalodge.com
