I am a sucker for winter. I love the snow and cold air and am one of those rare breeds who prefers to be outside and active in the cooler temps over the warmer ones. Add to that, that I am really loving this stage of life with my no-longer-toddler age kids and I was beyond excited to get the opportunity to spend a recent Friday evening snow tubing at Beach Mountain.
Flurries were in air as the sun set and we grabbed our tubes, then headed up the hill. The first ride down was met with some nervous screams and I braced myself for my youngest to tell me she wasn’t doing it again. Instead when we coasted to a stop at the bottom of the hill, she turned to me and declared, “That was awesome!” I lost count of the number of trips up and down that hill which ensued. They went backwards, forwards, tandem and spinning. Each time they hopped immediately up and went back for more.
The staff was a very sweet bunch of young teens who were kind, helpful and engaging with the guests on the mountain that night. Their enthusiasm and congeniality made the experience that much better for me as a mom, because while I enjoyed the tubing and the chance to play with my kids, I also needed the occasional break. I felt comfortable allowing my two to take independent trips up the hill without me because I knew the staff at the top was being conscientious and professional.
To say the girls had fun is an understatement. They didn’t stop for almost two straight hours when I finally forced them to leave because their little faces were bright pink and it was pretty frosty – even for me. I had a pretty awesome time too, but for me, it wasn’t the sledding (I am getting a little old for that craziness). For me, it was seeing the joy of winter through their eyes. Watching them smile and laugh and play with the pure abandon that only children truly know. That was what I enjoyed the most. I loved seeing them make friends with some of the other kids and just be silly. I loved seeing them outside – even in the cold – instead of at home watching TV. I loved getting hot chocolate with them afterwards and listening to them recap their favorite moments from the evening. Folks, it was pure winter fun.
If you are thinking of checking out the Beach Mountain, here is what you need to know.
- Guests must be 42 inches tall in order to tube.
- Hours vary by day. See website for accurate times and days.
- Go potty before you leave the house because they only have port-a-potties and even if you did want to remove all of those layers to go to the bathroom, your toosh would be a tad chilly when you did so.
- There is a small bonfire near where you purchase tickets in case you need to warm up.
- Purchase your tickets online before hand to save some money.
- There is a snow play area with small sleds and shovels if your kids want to take a break from the mountain. This is included in your ticket fee or can be purchased for $3 if you have a kiddo who will only play here.
- They do have a concession stand.
- You will want to dress those kiddos in warm, water resistant clothing.
- More FAQs can be found HERE.
This my friends, is a happy little face.