Sledding, Tubing & Snow Play

Embrace winter’s playful side with sledding, tubing, and snow-filled adventures across Truckee-Tahoe’s hills, parks, and snowy meadows.

Children playing joyfully in the snow under a bright sunlit sky.
Child in snowsuit walking on snowy hill, bright sunlight, trees in background.

Slide into Winter Fun

We are seriously playful around here. From professionally maintained tubing parks with conveyor lifts to hidden local sledding hills and open snow play spaces, Truckee-Tahoe offers endless winter fun.

Bundle up and glide down groomed lanes, build a snowman in meadow spaces, or have an epic snowball fight among towering pines. Whether seeking thrills or gentle family fun, you'll find your perfect snow day.

Our Favorite Snow Play Spots

Tahoe Donner Snowplay

Ranked among the top places for snow tubing in the USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards, this family-friendly winter playground offers monitored sledding lanes, a free-play area, and the region's only banked tubing lanes. All the equipment is provided.​

Features: Tubes and sleds provided, monitored lanes, on-site food truck

Tahoe Donner

Truckee River Regional Park

Just a half-mile from downtown Truckee, this convenient destination offers a dedicated sledding hill (snow conditions permitting) with plenty of flat open fields perfect for snowman building and snowball fights in a scenic park setting.

Features: Easy parking, family-friendly, multiple snow play options

Truckee River Regional Park

Boreal's Tahoe Tubing

One of the region's classic tubing experiences, Boreal's Tahoe Tubing offers perfectly groomed lanes with a moving carpet lift system. Their setup creates a hassle-free experience where the fun flows continuously without the exhaustion of hiking uphill.

Features: Moving carpet lift, groomed lanes, rental equipment included

Boreal Tahoe

Sugar Rush Tubing at Sugar Bowl

A covered 500-foot moving carpet whisks riders effortlessly back to the top, while a separate Snow Play area caters to younger visitors under 42 inches tall.

Features: Ten unique tubing lanes, 500-foot covered moving carpet, Snow Play area for little ones

Sugarbowl

Child smiling on a red snow tube, surrounded by snowy trees.

More Options

Person tubing on snow, colorful lights in motion blur.
Smiling child in winter gear holds a snow tube, surrounded by snowy landscape.
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What To Look Out For

Things We Love

  • The sound of children's laughter echoing across snowy meadows as they zoom down hills
  • That whoosh of speed as you forget your age for one glorious hill
  • Post-sledding warm-ups with hot chocolate by a fire

Key Experiences

Disco Tubing at Palisades Tahoe

On select evenings, Palisades Tahoe transforms their tubing area with colorful LED lights, lasers, and live DJs for a unique "Disco Tubing" experience that adds a festive twist to traditional snow tubing.

Key Experiences

Planet Kids at Soda Springs

A magical winter wonderland designed specifically for younger children (ages 8 and under), featuring tubing carousels, mini tubing lanes, and snow volcanoes to climb. This specially designed area introduces little ones to snow sports in a playful, accessible way.

FAQs

Do I need to bring my own sled or tube?

It depends on where you go. Resort tubing parks like Tahoe Donner Snowplay and Palisades Tahoe provide equipment as part of your ticket price and typically don't allow outside sleds. Free public sledding areas require you to bring your own equipment.

What's the difference between sledding and tubing?

Sledding typically involves wooden or plastic sleds with runners or flat bottoms, offering some steering ability. Tubing uses inflatable circular tubes that spin and offer less control but often more thrills. Resort tubing parks generally have specific lanes designed for tubes.

Are there age or height restrictions for tubing?

Most resort tubing parks have minimum height requirements (typically 36-42 inches) for safety reasons. Some locations allow smaller children to ride with adults on sleds, but not on tubes. Always check specific requirements before visiting.

What should we wear for a day of sledding or tubing?

Dress in warm, waterproof layers. Snow pants, insulated jackets, waterproof gloves, warm hats, and snow boots are essential. Helmets are recommended, especially for children or on faster hills. Avoid cotton clothing as it stays wet and cold.

When is the best time to go sledding or tubing?

Weekday mornings typically offer the least crowded experience. Weekends and holiday periods can be very busy, especially between 11am-2pm. For the best snow conditions, visit after a fresh snowfall but allow enough time for resort areas to groom their lanes.

Are there sledding areas that are good for very young children?

Yes! Tahoe Donner Snowplay has gentle hills perfect for little ones, while the Truckee River Regional Park offers various terrain options suitable for different ages. The Glacier Way Trailhead area also provides more gentle slopes for beginners.

Can we bring food and drinks to these sledding areas?

Public sledding areas allow you to bring your own food and beverages. Resort tubing parks typically have food services available and may have restrictions on outside food. Tahoe Donner Snowplay features a food truck serving hot chocolate and snacks.

How much do resort tubing parks cost?

Prices vary by location and time of year. Expect to pay approximately $35-50 per person for a session at resort areas like Tahoe Donner Snowplay or Palisades Tahoe. Sessions typically last 75-90 minutes. Some locations offer season passes for frequent visitors.

Are there any free sledding options in Truckee?

Yes! Local favorites include Truckee River Regional Park, West End Beach at Donner Lake, and Johnson Canyon. These areas don't charge admission but lack amenities like groomed runs or conveyor lifts found at resort areas.

What's proper sledding etiquette?

Always pack out what you pack in, including broken sled pieces. Wait until the path is clear before starting downhill. Keep dogs leashed in designated areas. Respect private property boundaries and only sled in permitted areas. Share the hill and take turns on busy days.