The Ultimate Guide to Colorado Sledding and Tubing
Winter fun in Colorado is defined by those iconic family-fun outings for Colorado sledding and tubing. There is a unique thrill in reaching the top of a snow-dusted ridge and catching your breath before racing down a groomed lane. One of the best parts of this activity is the simplicity: there’s generally no big advance prep involved. Just dress in layers, bring your sunscreen and water, and get ready to have a great time!
Perhaps you’ve noticed we have no shortage of mountains and hills, which means we have hundreds—if not thousands—of places to tube and sled. While locals often have their favorite "secret" neighborhood hills, Colorado’s world-class resorts and adventure parks have elevated the experience with multi-lane tubing hills, magic carpet lifts, and even nighttime "cosmic" tubing. Find more family fun winter activities to explore.
Resort-Style Tubing vs. Traditional Sledding
When planning your outing, it is helpful to distinguish between "tubing parks" and "sledding hills."
- Tubing Parks: These are typically found at ski resorts or adventure centers. They feature groomed lanes, heavy-duty tubes provided on-site, and—most importantly—tow lifts or magic carpets that whisk you back to the top.
- Sledding Hills: These are often public parks or open spaces. You bring your own plastic sled or saucer, and the "lift" is your own two feet. These offer a more "old-fashioned" and often free experience.
Top Destinations for Sledding & Tubing in Colorado
To help you find the best thrill for your skill level, we’ve organized the top spots across the state:
The Summit County Hub (Near Frisco & Breckenridge)
- Frisco Tubing Hill (Frisco Adventure Park): A premier destination with 1,200-foot lanes. Its central location puts you in close proximity to Copper Mountain, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, and Breckenridge ski areas.
- 2026 Bookings: Reservations are required and open 45 days in advance.
- Adventure Point at Keystone: High-altitude tubing at 11,640 feet with a convenient lift and steep, fast lanes.
- 2026 Bookings: Managed through Epic Pass/Vail Resorts.
- Copper Mountain Tubing: Features banked curves that add a "bobsled" feel to your descent.
The Steamboat & NW Region
- Yee-Haw Hill at Saddleback Ranch: A classic Colorado ranch experience with a massive tubing hill and a warming hut for cocoa.
- Howelsen Hill (Steamboat Springs): A historic landmark offering affordable, family-friendly sledding right in the heart of town.
The Aspen & Central Rockies
- The Meadows at Elk Camp (Snowmass): Offers multiple lanes of lift-served tubing with stunning views of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.
- Snow Mountain Ranch (Winter Park): One of the most popular family spots in the state, offering traditional sledding in a scenic YMCA setting.
- Firecracker Tubing Hill (Telluride): A high-energy spot located right at the base of the mountain for easy access.
Southern Colorado & The Front Range
- High Country Tubing Park (Pagosa Springs): Known for its "big air" and long runs in the San Juan Mountains.
- Crested Butte Nordic Center: Offers a more relaxed, community-focused sledding hill perfect for younger children.
- Front Range Classics: For those staying near the cities, head to Scott Carpenter Park or Tantra Lake in Boulder, Kroh Park in Loveland, or Cottonwood Creek Recreation Center in Colorado Springs for beloved local sledding.
Pro-Tips for the Best Experience Sledding and Tubing
- Book Ahead: For popular spots like Frisco or Keystone, tubing slots often sell out days in advance.
- Check the Snow: Some hills require a minimum base of 12 inches to open safely; always check local conditions before driving.
- Safety First: Helmets aren't usually required for tubing, but they are a great idea for kids on traditional sledding hills where trees or rocks might be present.
