I Don’t Ski, But the Snow Tubing in Rhode Island is Incredible

Without mountains and higher elevations that states like Vermont and New Hampshire have, Rhode Island is typically not where avid skiers think of going. Growing up here, for my sister and me at least, it was more about building snowmen, sledding, or snow tubing when enough snow accumulated on the ground. I loved spending time playing out in the snow, sledding down a hill in our yard or elsewhere in the neighborhood, and running around as the cold air stung my face. Moments like these are part of my happy childhood memories. Although skiing was never part of my upbringing, sledding and snow tubing were, and some of the best snow tubing in Rhode Island is at Yawgoo Valley.

Yawgoo Valley Ski Area & Water Park is located at the junction of Yawgoo Valley Road and Mill Pond Road in Exeter. As Rhode Island's only ski area, it's a popular family-friendly destination in winter. Weather-dependent, the ski slopes are typically open from early December through late March. The ski area covers 36 acres with two double chair lifts and two rope tows. The longest ski trail is 2,200 feet. However, if you're not a skier like me, you may want to go snow tubing at this winter destination in Rhode Island instead.

If you're ready for a thrilling, exhilarating winter adventure, there's no better place to be than Yawgoo Valley for snow tubing! Yawgoo Valley snow tubing opens later than the ski slopes, and is expected to open on Saturdays and Sundays starting in late January 2026, weather permitting. When the snow tubing runs open, you can register for a time slot, either 10 a.m., 12 p.m., or 2 p.m., and each session is 90 minutes in length. Tickets are $36 per person and include a snow tube and lift rides to the top of the hill. Tubes are for single riders who must be at least 42 inches tall to ride here.

When you book your family-friendly snow tubing adventure, head to Yawgoo Valley, check in, grab a tube, and head to the top of the hill. You can take thrilling rides down the groomed snow tube runs as many times as you'd like during your 90-minute session. As an adult, snow tubing is one of the best ways to feel like a kid again during winter, and that's exactly how I feel anytime I take a high-speed ride downhill in winter—nothing else comes close! For kids, this activity makes for great winter memories that will last a lifetime.

While I highly recommend snow tubing here, you can also try skiing or sharpen your skills on the slopes. Private lessons with trained snow sports professionals are available and ideal for beginners. There's also a concession stand and a cafeteria on site. To learn more about skiing and to see when snow tubing is available this season, visit the Yawgoo Valley website and follow the Yawgoo Valley Ski Area & Water Park Facebook page for updates.

If you prefer hiking in the snow, consider the scenic Tillinghast Pond Loop in West Greenwich, RI, this winter. You can also plan your own Rhode Island winter activities with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.