This time of year many families look forward to getting outdoors to enjoy the state's beautiful snowfalls, abundant sunny days, and incredible mountain scenery. One way is on an oversized tube, swooshing and spinning your way down a slippery, snow-covered slope.
Remember being bundled up in layers until you couldn't move, then running out the door as fast as you could with sled in tow? Snow tubing – a new, old way to have fun in the snow – is a growing segment of activities called “snow play,” which includes some unusual snow toys such as snowscoots (scooter plus snowboard) or skibikes (a BMX sort of ride).
But the snow tube is simpler – a round or oval-shaped inflatable sled with no skill required. Anyone can do it, young and old. It brings friends and family together – even a toddlers can sit in a small tube and have their parents pull them around.
And it won't break the bank. With your own truck tire tube and a local park, their is virtually no cost. The commercial areas only charge $5 to $15 per person.
So, where to go? This winter, tubers will head for state and county parks, public golf courses, ski areas, and designated snow parks – anywhere with a fun hill and some snow. If we are lucky, the season will run through March, and of course, facilities with snowmaking capabilities are a plus.
While tubing is an entertaining and affordable alternative to other winter activities, you should be aware of the inherent dangers, as in any snow sport. The tubes offer limited steering ability and reckless behavior is serious. It is easy to get going too fast and land wrong.
If you are not going to a designated snow tubing area, choose your run wisely. Start with a moderate slope to get the feel for how fast the tube flies, and scout the area to be sure it is free of dangers such as rocks, trees, fences, and creeks. Be extremely aware of traffic. A good tubing chute has a long run-out at the bottom where the terrain flattens to allow you to slow down.
Supervise children and advise them to ride one at a time. They should be tall enough to get in and out of the tube safely. Most commercial tubes are designed for children at least 42 inches tall. Helmets are a good idea for anyone participating in a snow sport.
Steering and stopping are big challenges on a tube. A common braking method is trailing your feet. Practice slowing down and digging into the snow. If you are on your stomach, you can drag your right foot to turn right and your left foot to turn left. If there is any danger, roll off into the snow and let the tube go.
Other considerations for a day of snow play include preparing for the cold by dressing in layers and wearing a good pair of boots. Consider bringing along an extra pair of dry socks. Hats and goggles are a good idea, as well as high-energy snacks and warm drinks. Be sure to throw in the sunscreen and disposable camera.
Many snow play areas provide on-site rentals; others allow you to bring your own tube. You can pick up a big truck tire tube from a dealer like Goodyear, or purchase your own specialty tube from a local sporting goods store. Several companies sell tubes online – check out snowshack.com and sevylor.com. You'll find a variety of inflatables in bright colors and fun shapes, plus features like back support, steering/braking ability, hand leashes, and even pockets for sunscreen, sunglasses, and car keys.
Specialty snow tubes, which cost from $12 to $70 and up, are made from cold-resistant material that doesn't get stiff or crack in freezing temperatures. Look for heavy-duty handles and a center seat, which keeps the rider much drier. Diameters range from 20 to 58 inches, with the larger ones designed for two riders. Your new purchase will work as a water toy in the summer as well. And don't forget the air pump.
Hyde State Park (Santa Fe, 983-7175)
The highest state park in New Mexico offers two maintained runs – a 30-degree slope for 100 yards and a 45-degree for 150 yards – with tubing from dawn to dusk. The only cost is parking ($5 per car), but there are no tow bars or chairlifts, so you hoof it back to the top for your next ride. You can bring your own tube or buy a sled/saucer at Cottam's Ski Shop (982-0495), a winter concessionaire at the park.
Capulin Snow Play Area (Albuquerque/Tijeras, Sandia Ranger District, 281-3304)
Located on the east slope of the Sandias, 1 mile from the ski area, Capulin offers a developed sledding hill, which is maintained daily by the forest service. Bring your own tube to try out the two runs-115 feet and 240 feet. Posted hours are usually 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (weather permitting), and the facilities include a picnic area, vault toilets, fire pit at the bottom of the big hill, and benches for spectators. Parking costs $3 per vehicle.
Taos Ski Valley (Taos, 866-968-7386, www.skitaos.org)
When the lifts close, the ski area converts its beginner hill into a tubing area, digging out fast chutes with a snowcat. Wednesday through Saturday from 5-7 p.m., you can rent a tube for $7 and join the fun.
Angel Fire Resort (Angel Fire, 800-633-7463, www.angelfireresort.com)
The 1,000-foot-long groomed Polar Coaster has been expanded to 6 lanes – 5 straight and 1 curvy – and the wonder carpet (surface lift) takes you back to the top. For $20, you can tube in 1.5-hour time slots starting at 10 a.m. and running to 5 p.m. On the weekends, there is evening tubing from 6:30-8 p.m.
Red River (Red River, 505-754-2223, www.redriverskiarea.com)
Red River's bunny slope offers hike-and-slide every day after the lifts stop, around 4:30 p.m. You rent a specially designed tube for $10 and share it with as many friends as you want for an hour.
