Whether you’re a child or an adult, one of the best things about winter is snow tubing. And even if Northern Virginia is snow-less, you can still get in your winter thrills.
Before you layer up and get into your waterproof boots, there are a couple of things to know in advance. Most nearby resorts require reservations and often sell out, so plan accordingly. Each has its own height requirements. Make sure the kids are tall enough before promising them tube time.
Otherwise, have a great ride at any of these seven nearby resorts and snow tubing parks to this winter.
Bryce Resort
Roughly 2 hours from Dulles
The whole family will enjoy snow tubing and the other winter offerings at this resort. The 90-minute tubing sessions take you down the 800-foot lanes as many times as you can muster. The resort also offers ice skating, snowboarding, and skiing. Online reservations are required. 1982 Fairway Dr., Basye, $35
Massanutten Resort
Roughly 2 hours from Dulles
If you’re looking for an unforgettable snow tubing experience, visit Massanutten Resort for Northern Lights Tubing. At night the music is turned on and the kaleidoscope of colorful lights brighten the 900-foot course for an amazing 90-minute experience. 1822 Resort Dr., Massanutten, $34–$48
Roundtop Mountain Resort
Roughly 2 hours from Dulles
Pack the car and head north for a day of snow tubing in Pennsylvania. The two-hour sessions are spread throughout the day, so you can take a ride during the day or at night. The resort also offers tickets that come with unlimited hot chocolate. 925 Roundtop Rd., Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, $37–$43, $42–$48 for snow tubing and unlimited hot chocolate
Snow Riders
Roughly 1 hour from Dulles
Coming in at almost three football fields long, you’ll definitely want to take a ride on the longest tubing slope on the East Coast. Snow Riders, which opened in 2022, has 12 tubing lanes open for day and night tubing. 408 Alstadts Hill Rd., Harpers Ferry, $34–$59
Snowshoe Mountain Resort
Roughly 4 hours from Dulles
You’ll be transported when you try Galactic Snow Tubing. The six-story tubing hill features technicolor lights and plenty of speed. Guests can also visit the party deck to take a break during their tubing session or to watch your group slide down the hill. 10 Snowshoe Dr., Snowshoe, West Virginia, free for ages 3 and under, $15–$19 for ages 4–12, $15–$22 for ages 13 and older
Wintergreen Resort
2 hours 41 minutes from Dulles
Do you dare to take a ride on The Plunge? Virginia’s largest tubing hill races you down the mountain at speeds of up to 30 mph. Tickets often sell out, so make plans to purchase in advance. 39 Mountain Inn Loop, Nellysford, $34–$44
Wisp Resort
2 hours 50 minutes from Dulles
The Western Maryland resort provides plenty of hills for thrills this winter. Wisp’s snow tubing park includes 12 chutes that are 750 feet long and will speed you down the snow-covered mountain. Four-hour sessions are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and non-holidays, while two-hour sessions are available Fridays through Sundays and on holidays. Online reservations are required. 296 Marsh Hill Rd., McHenry, Maryland, $39–$45
Feature image courtesy Massanutten Resort
For more winter activities, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Things to Do newsletter.
