What kid doesn’t love some time in the snow?! Do you know what’s even better? When you can slide down it super fast. At least, my boy’s opinion…and frankly, I also love myself a good thrill down the hill. It makes for a fantastic family outing.

In the past, we’ve gone to Hyak for sledding. Here’s my post about our adventures there. It’s a great option if you want to do something more frugally. This time, we went for the more premium experience at the Summit at Snoqualmie.

If you follow me on Instagram, you already got some inside to our tubing adventures. Here’s the highlight for your viewing pleasure. However, you might not be on Instagram, and that’s cool. Let’s talk about it here on the blog.

Snow Tubing at the Summit

Website:

https://summitatsnoqualmie.com/snow-tubing

Tickets:

You need to purchase your tickets in advance of your trip. When you arrive, you will present your QR code to the staff and receive tube lift tickets to put on your jackets (you know, like the ones you get when you go skiing). I hear they sell out, so you'll want to plan ahead to ensure you get tickets.

The ticket should cover everything you need for the outing besides your snow wear, of course. As of January 2023, the tickets for one session are $45 for 45," and taller. Kids that are 44" or under will need to ride with an adult, and tickets cost $18. Please go to the website for more details on pricing… don't rely just on me here, as it can change.

Parking and Location:

The tubing is separate from the ski area. You will want to navigate to Summit Central, look for the sign that says "Snow Tubing," and follow that down the road. Stay out of the skiing parking lot! You'll head down a hill to a big parking lot (that's a bit muddy). You'll see the ticket booth by the parking lot, where you can present your QR code.

It's a short walk from the parking to the tubing hill.

Lift Up the Hill:

The lift was by far my favorite thing about this place! Years ago, I heard it was a rope you held while in your tube. That's NOT the case. It is an enclosed escalator floor—a moving carpet (not with steps, just a flat surface). You get in line with your tube and hold on to the tube's rope as you get a lift to the top.

It's not crazy fast, but you have to get used to how to stand on it as it's a steep grade up. Both my 4-year-old and 7-year-old were able to stand on it by themselves. However, my 4-year could not stand and hold the tube, whereas my 7-year could.

Of course, you can walk up the hill as well. Walking may be a good option if the lines are long on a crowded day or you're looking for a good workout.

Waits and Crowds:

When I asked an employee, he said there were about 140 people on our day there. They can accommodate up to 450 people. You might get in 4-5 rides down on the most crowded days. We got about 7-8 rides down.

Our wait in line for the lift-up was minimal; we probably waited 5-10 minutes. Likewise, at the top, we didn't have to wait barely for our turn to go down. The day we went, there was a very light crowd. Big crowds will mean more waits for the lift and the trip down the hill. The employee said the line might go to where you pick up the tubes (you'll see what I mean in the photos). Although, they may open more lanes for bigger crowds to help alleviate wait time.

Tube hill is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the snow season. We went on a Friday. Luckily, it was not a holiday; it was a teacher in-service day (private school), so public schools were in session. If you want a low-crowd day, it may be worth playing hooky on a regular Friday.

Oh, and music is playing the whole time…that helps the wait, right?

Is it worth the price?

In my option, and the family that joined us as well, it was worth the price. Here’s why:

Parking is easier
More organized crowds (even if it were crowded, the staff are there to help direct and move things along smoothly).
No whining about climbing up hill or hurting your help trekking up with a tube/sled and kid in your arms
A lift to the top (see point above)
Smooth Lanes (no crazy bumps to hit your tailbone or back)
Big, quality tubes provided
Tons of lanes to go down
Friendly staff to help you

A few tips for the outing:

Buy tickets in advance - plan ahead!
Come at least, 15 minutes early…and 30 minutes is even better! Their website says 45 minutes to 1 hour, in fact.
Head to Summit Central (exit 53) and watch for the “tube hill” signage. The sled hill is separate from the ski area!
Parking lot is muddy
Pack snacks and eat a snack before you head out
Honey Buckets are your restrooms
Bring a plastic bag if you want to throw things in it while you tube. You can just put it in the middle circle of the tube for safe keeping.

Share your Experience:

Tell us your sledding and tubing tips below in the comments.

Raising Tacoma

Snow Tubing at Snoqualmie Summit