I Don’t Ski, but the Snow Tubing in Colorado Is Incredible

Contrary to popular belief, skiing or snowboarding is not the favorite pastime of every Coloradan. In fact, there are many of us who don't enjoy either one of those things. But that doesn't mean we aren't looking for other types of outdoor winter adventures in the snow. If you're like me and are not a skier or snowboarder, but you still wish to experience the thrill of moving down a snowy mountain at top speed, then you might enjoy snow tubing this winter. Fortunately, there are lots of opportunities for snow tubing in Colorado.

With that type of adventure in mind, here are our top picks for the very best snow tubing in Colorado. There are numerous snow tubing hills in our great state, but these four stand out for their excellent service, groomed trails, durable tubes, and stunning views. So bundle up, make a plan, and hit the slopes as soon as you can. Winter will be over before you know it, and you don't want to miss out!

1. Frisco Adventure Park, Frisco

Ask anyone—one of the best places to go snow tubing in Colorado is at the Frisco Adventure Park in Frisco. This snow tubing park, operated by the Town of Frisco, offers a 1,200-foot-long ride down a well-groomed hill. The ride is thrilling and the surrounding views are incredible! This hill is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays every week, and reservations are required to visit on other days. However, it's well worth planning ahead. Each ticket allows one hour of tubing and comes with a tube, access to the hill, and a ride on the carpet lift to get you to the top.

2. Copper Mountain, Summit County

Copper Mountain is a great place to ski, but it has many other things to offer visitors in the winter. One is a fantastic snow tubing hill with five different lanes for people who prefer a seated mountain adventure. You can choose a slow and scenic ride, a super fast and thrilling ride, or something in between. Copper Mountain offers hour-long tubing sessions every hour on the hour. You'll need to reserve your spot in advance, but once you do and once you arrive, you can use the carpet lift and Copper's tubes for your adventure.

3. Fraser Tubing Hill, Fraser

If you're someone who wants to go snow tubing in the evening, then Fraser Tubing Hill is the place for you! This spot is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily throughout the winter, and no reservations are required. Tube rentals are available for 60 to 90 minutes, and a lift is available to get you up the hill. The Fraser Tubing Hill has been family-owned and operated since it first opened in 1971, making it one of the oldest commercial tubing hills in the state of Colorado. You'll love this place! And, when you get hungry or thirsty, you can even purchase refreshments at the on-site snack shack.

4. Howelsen Hill Ski Area, Steamboat Springs

If you're on the western side of the state and want to go snow tubing, then you should head to Howelsen Hill Ski Area in Steamboat Springs. This hill is located in the center of downtown Steamboat and is accessible via the free bus. It's open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the week, and your ticket will get you an hour of tubing, a tube, and a ride on the lift to the top of the hill. Like Fraser Tubing Hill, there is also a snack bar on site if you get hungry before, during, or after your tubing adventure.

All four of these snow tubing hills are a wonderful place to have an exciting day out on the slopes without the need for skiing or snowboarding. This type of adventure is fun for the whole family, and it's more affordable, less tiring, and less physically demanding than strapping skis or a snowboard on for a day. If you ask me, this is the perfect winter adventure. Plan a visit to one or more of these snow tubing hills and have a blast—you're sure to be glad you went out and gave it a try. Happy tubing, everyone!

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.