Tubing and snow play in Park City are some of the easiest, most family-friendly ways to enjoy Utah’s legendary winter without ever clipping into skis, and there are several dedicated tubing hills and local sledding spots that make planning simple for every age group. Whether the goal is high-speed, lift-served laps or a free snowy hill where kids can burn off energy, Park City delivers plenty of options within a short drive of Main Street. Start planning your snowy adventure right now with us at Park city Rental Properties.
Why Park City Is Perfect For Tubing
Utah has quickly become one of North America’s winter powerhouses, with over 6.7 million skier visits in the 2023–24 season alone, and Park City sits at the center of that snowy attention. For visitors who do not ski—or who just want a break from the lifts—tubing hills and sledding areas offer that same famous snow with zero learning curve.
Because many tubing parks use conveyor lifts or magic carpets, families can enjoy hours of downhill laps without the leg burn or skill level required for skiing and snowboarding. This makes tubing one of the easiest multi-generational activities on a Park City itinerary, especially when traveling with grandparents, young kids, or mixed-ability groups.
Woodward Park City: The Tubing Headliner
Woodward Park City, built on the old Gorgoza Park site, is the marquee tubing destination in the area and often tops local recommendations for lift-served tubing. The hill features multiple groomed lanes of varying steepness, so everyone from small kids to adrenaline junkies can find an appropriate speed.
Two‑hour tubing sessions typically range from roughly the mid‑50‑dollar to upper‑80‑dollar range per person, depending on age and time of day, which makes it a premium but still accessible outing for most vacation budgets. Sessions often sell out on weekends and holidays, so advance booking online is strongly encouraged, especially during peak winter periods.
Extra fun beyond tubing at Woodward
Woodward Park City is much more than a tubing hill; it is a full action‑sports campus with indoor and outdoor facilities. Inside the “Action Sports Hub,” guests can access trampolines, a skate park, parkour terrain, and foam pits, making it an excellent bad‑weather backup or add‑on for energetic kids and teens.
Families with very young children will appreciate that Woodward offers dedicated zones and “progression” areas so beginners can learn and play without colliding with older kids working on more advanced skills. This thoughtful setup keeps the experience safer and lowers stress for parents who may be managing multiple children at different levels.
Soldier Hollow: Scenic Tubing In Heber Valley
Located in nearby Midway, Soldier Hollow Nordic Center offers one of Utah’s most scenic tubing experiences, framed by wide‑open Heber Valley views and rolling hills. The tubing lanes are long and lift‑served via a conveyor, creating fast, exhilarating runs that still remain manageable for families and first‑timers.
Typical tubing sessions at Soldier Hollow fall in the roughly 25–40 USD per person range, making it a bit more budget‑friendly than some of the closer‑in Park City options while still delivering a full‑size commercial tubing experience. Time slots and availability can vary with weather and snow conditions, so checking and reserving online ahead of time is wise, particularly during Christmas, New Year’s, and holiday weekends.
Free Sledding: Park City Ice Arena & FCD Hill
Not every snow day needs tickets and reservations. Park City offers a couple of free sledding hills that are especially appealing for families who just want to play for an hour or two without committing to a full tubing session.
The sledding hill by Park City Ice Arena, a year‑round indoor rink, is a favorite for locals and visitors because it pairs snow play with easy amenities such as restrooms, parking, and, of course, public skating. You can bring your own sleds or pick some up in town, then hike laps up the short but fun hill next to the arena’s fields and trail access.
FCD Hill, another public sledding spot listed among Park City’s top snow‑play areas, offers a more low‑key, neighborhood vibe. It is ideal for mellow afternoon outings, especially if you are staying nearby or want to avoid the cost and crowds of larger tubing parks.
When To Go Tubing In Park City
Most commercial tubing hills operate during the core winter season, with exact opening and closing dates tied to snowfall and temperatures. In a typical year, tubing ramps up in December, hits its stride in January and February, and can extend into March when snow coverage and night temperatures cooperate.
Evening tubing is a highlight at some locations, with lights and colder, faster snow making for a very different feel than sunny daytime sessions. If you are sensitive to cold, consider early afternoon slots; if you enjoy brisk air and smaller daytime crowds, mornings or later in the day can be ideal.
What To Wear & Bring For Tubing Days
Proper clothing can make the difference between an hour of fun and cutting the day short because someone is cold or wet. Aim for:
- Waterproof or water‑resistant snow pants and jacket
- Insulated, waterproof gloves or mittens
- Warm hat or helmet‑compatible beanie
- Midweight base layers (avoid cotton)
- Ski or snowboard socks and waterproof winter boots
Many commercial hills encourage or require riders to use their provided tubes for safety reasons, so personal sleds and discs usually stay in the car at those venues. For free sledding hills, lightweight plastic sleds and saucers work well, but supervising adults should keep an eye on other users and natural obstacles such as trees or fences.
Safety Tips For Tubing With Kids
Tubing is generally perceived as lower‑risk than skiing or snowboarding, but it still involves speed, ice, and the occasional unexpected spin. To keep things safe and enjoyable:
- Follow posted rules and staff directions, especially about riding positions and age or height minimums.
- Consider helmets for younger children, particularly at steeper or faster hills.
- Teach kids to clear the runout area quickly and walk to the side before stopping or taking photos.
- At free hills, scan the slope for rocks, trees, and icy patches before letting kids loose.
Many venues, such as Woodward and Soldier Hollow, set specific age or height requirements and separate smaller children into gentler zones or shorter lanes to reduce the risk of collisions. Checking these policies online ahead of time helps avoid surprises at check‑in.
Non‑Tubing Snow Fun To Add
A Park City winter itinerary rarely stops at just one activity. On non‑ski days or rest afternoons, consider:
- Ice skating at Park City Ice Arena (indoor) or the outdoor Resort Center Ice Rink at the base of Park City Mountain.
- Winter coasters, zip lines, and scenic gondola rides offered as part of Park City Mountain’s broader activity menu.
- Indoor action sports sessions at Woodward, including trampolines, skate features, and kid‑friendly micro‑gyms.
Combining a morning tubing session with an afternoon skate or coaster ride is an easy way to build a full day of fun without the complexity of ski school or lift tickets.
Final Thoughts
A day of tubing and snow play in Park City proves that you do not need skis to fall in love with winter in the Wasatch. From the fast, groomed lanes at Woodward and Soldier Hollow to the free neighborhood sledding hills, there is an option for every budget, age, and thrill level. Mix in hot chocolate breaks, ice skating, or a stroll down historic Main Street, and your tubing adventure becomes a full, memory‑packed winter getaway. With Utah’s reliable snowfall and easy access from Salt Lake City, adding tubing to your Park City itinerary is a low‑stress, high‑smile decision. Plan ahead for tickets during peak holidays, dress in warm, waterproof layers, and bring your sense of play. You will head home with rosy cheeks, sore abs from laughing, and a new favorite way to enjoy Park City’s famous snow.
To make your winter escape seamless from first run to last hot cocoa, book your stay with us at Park City Vacation Rentals and pair your tubing adventures with the perfect home base in the heart of Park City.
