Fun Snow Tubing and Sledding Spots in the Hudson Valley
Not a skier? Me neither. But give me a sled and a hill and I’m schussing like a boss. Here are the best snow tubing places for families in the Hudson Valley. Get ready to scream “Wheeee!!”
Snow Tubing: The Best Winter Sport?
I’m done with skiing. I wiped out a couple of years ago and it took months for me to stop walking like a drunk, bow-legged cowboy. But I do love to have winter fun on the snow-covered hills of the Hudson Valley while I wait for the cherry blossoms to bloom in Central Park!
Snow tubing is a super fun family activity because you don’t need to have any skills at all to do it. And the risk of injury is slim to none. Just make sure you’re dressed for the weather and ready to have a good time.
Check out our favorite snow tubing and sledding destinations in the Hudson Valley.
Hunter Mountain
Want to spend your day at the biggest snow tubing park in the Hudson Valley? Head to Hunter Mountain! With 1,000 foot tubing lanes, a magic carpet lift to the top and multiple 2-hour sessions every day, you’ll definitely satisfy your need for winter snow speed.
Snow tubing at Hunter Mountain is available Friday through Sunday with extra sessions during winter holidays. You must purchase your tickets 48 hours in advance of your visit. Prices are $25 for a 2 hour session for those over 44″ tall; $35 for a double tube, sized to accommodate an adult and child between 36-44″ tall. Children under 36″ are not permitted to tube.
Turn your snow tubing session at Hunter Mountain into an all-day family outing. The snack bar at the tubing area has yummy grilled cheese sammies and hot cocoa. Bring your own s’mores supplies and melt ’em at the outdoor fire pit. And check out the events calendar for live music on most Fridays and Saturdays.
Hunter Mountain has onsite lodging so you can extend your trip. It’s a great facility for newbies to learn to ski. There’s a dedicated mountain face, Hunter East, so there’s no need to feel intimidated or overwhelmed.
Fahnestock Winter Park, Carmel
Operated by the New York State Parks system, Fahnestock Winter Park is a fun place to enjoy the great outdoors WHEN the snow falls. In addition to snow tubing, there are cross country and snowshoe trails.
Equipment rentals are available at very budget-friendly rates. You can rent an inner tube for $4 per hour. The hill is medium height, so it’s perfect for all ages. And there’s a cafe so you can grab a cocoa to enjoy by the outdoor fire.
Because Fahnestock does not make snow, it’s only open when conditions permit. You can find out whether it’s open on the FWP website or sign up for an email alert.
Mount Peter, Warwick
If you haven’t been to Warwick, then you’re missing out. This charming town has a number of very good restaurants, a very shoppable Main Street, a drive-in movie (!) and, possibly, the best ice cream stand in New York (Bellvale Farms Creamery). So you’ll definitely want to return in summer.
Mount Peter features a 600′ multi-lane tubing run with a magic carpet lift. Yup. That’s right. Tube down, ride back up. You’ll get a lot more runs in during your session.
Kids under 42″ tall have their own snow tubing run to enjoy or they can ride tandem with an adult. Guests should purchase tickets online. Download and complete the waiver too. Arrive 30 minutes before your session starts to max your time on the mountain. For the latest fee and schedule info, check out the Mount Peter tubing site.
Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park, Monticello
Taking a multi-generational group snow tubing? Then I suggest heading to Holiday Mountain, located in the heart of the Catskills in Sullivan County.
Why?
The Catskill mountain region was a famous vacation destination in ’50’s and ’60’s but has suffered through a loooooong period of decline.
But the Catskills are on the rise, thanks to the popularity of the Bethel Woods concert grounds, Woodstock museum and the new Resorts World Catskills entertainment complex featuring hotels, a casino and water park. So you can watch Granny hurtle down a snow-covered hill and then reward her with some slot machine action.
Two-hour snow tubing sessions at Holiday Mountain are scheduled for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and they sell out quickly, so reserve in advance by calling 845-796-3161.
Bring Your Own Sled
Looking for the joy of sledding in your own backyard? Here are the best hills throughout the Hudson Valley. You’ll need to bring your own sled. And strong legs. Unlike destinations like Hunter Mountain and Mt. Peter, there’s no magic carpet to get you back to the top of the hill.
The upside? Sledding at these locations is FREE! (Parking fees may be charged at the State sites. I’ve generally found no one at the toll stalls in the winter months.)
Croton Gorge Park
The town of Croton is world famous, because it hosts the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in the fall. Featuring over 7,000 pumpkins, it’s a must-see Halloween attraction.
But there’s more! Head to the Croton Gorge Park, operated by the Westchester County Parks system. The sledding hill is right next to the dramatic dam and spillway. The County’s reservoir, built in 1893, supplies New York City with drinking water.
Leashed pets are permitted in the park so you don’t have to leave the family dog at home.
Mills Mansion at Staatsburgh
Step back in time and sled like the rich folks did back in the early 1900’s. The Mills Mansion, located at Staatsburgh in the Mills Nourie State Park, is a 25-room Greek Revival home, perched above the Hudson.
Sled down the lawn and then take a tour. The dining room is particularly jaw-dropping. The mansion was one of 5 homes owned by the Mills family. That’s right. Five.
Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Old Post Road, Staatsburgh, New York
Westchester County Golf Courses
When the snow starts to fall, call one of the six Westchester County-operated golf courses: Dunwoodie, Hudson Hills, Maple Moore, Mohansic, Saxon Woods or Sprain Lake. Sledding is permitted and entry is free.
Winter Hill
I may be revealing a state secret here. Winter Hill is a restored Tudor Revival mansion in Putnam County with one of the best sledding hills in the Hudson River Valley. Located a hop, skip and jump away from the Bear Mountain Bridge, it’s an easy drive for folks visiting from Rockland and Orange Counties.
Winter Hill, 20 Nazareth Way, Garrison, New York
