Showing posts with label winter activites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label winter activites. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Read This Before Visiting Adventure Mountain, South Lake Tahoe's Premier Tubing Destination

***Updated 8/20/2025***



*My Instagram REEL of Adventure Mountain & Pretty Odd Wieners

HOURS
Typical season hours of operation are 9 am - 4 pm daily November - April based on conditions. Resort entry is not allowed during the last 30 minutes of the day.

*Base Elevation: 7,400 feet 

*40 Acres

*Up to 18 Machine Groomed Sledding/Tubing Lanes
(dependent on snowfall)

Adventure Mountain is a premier tubing resort in South Lake Tahoe that my family and I have been enjoying for years. If you’ve never been tubing before, think of it like sliding at a playground, only longer, faster, and with way more screaming. Sure, you can grab a tube and find a snowy slope anywhere, but tubing parks like Adventure Mountain take it up a notch. With machinery that plows and compacts the snow into smooth, buttery lanes, you get an experience that would take an army of people to create naturally. Plus, you avoid the exhausting struggle of trudging through knee deep powder.

Adventure Mountain has plenty of lanes to choose from. Yes, it does mean a little repetitive trekking up the hill, but the fun is almost always worth it. The only time it can feel tricky is when you’ve got a little one who’s struggling to keep up.  I have three kids, so trust me, I know. But don’t let that stop you. Being prepared with the right gear and realistic expectations can make all the difference.  And whenever you're ready to throw in the towel for the day with training, you can always set the little rascals loose to play in the snow or get their snack on in the lodge.

Winter can really be a drag for a lot of people. I know how uncomfortable the weather can feel and how annoying it is to deal with layers of clothing and bulky gear. But, like anything else, it gets easier with a little practice. After doing this trip so many times, getting ready hardly feels like work anymore.  And honestly, I can’t imagine not having this activity to look forward to every winter.  It's a fun thing being surrounded by so many others just having a great time.

With a little patience, persistence, and a willingness to have fun, you’ll unlock the doors to a wonderland beyond compare and start to see the season in a whole new light. Plus, you’ll get the added bonus of exercise without even realizing it.

What You’ll Find on the Mountain

  • Tubing for all ages  - Gentle lanes for the little ones and steeper runs for adults and thrill seekers.

  • Snow play areas  - Open spaces for building snowmen, making snow angels, or just enjoying the winter scenery.

  • Essentials store -  Stocked with bibs, boots, gloves, sunblock, and other must haves.

  • Cozy lodge - Serving warm food and drinks, perfect for taking a break between runs.


When to Visit
-Adventure Mountain can get busy on weekends.  I suggest visiting on a weekday or getting there early before the resort opens.

Parking and Capacity
-If the entrance road is blocked, it means Adventure Mountain has reached capacity. Staff periodically reopen access throughout the day, usually on the hour, but entry is not guaranteed.
-For safety reasons, waiting along the blocked road is not allowed since it runs right next to a busy highway.
-If Adventure Mountain is full, Tube Tahoe is a nearby alternative worth checking out.

-Per vehicle fees ($20/car covers resort fee, parking, and use of snow play areas) at the gate and per person fees for tubing at the gift shop
-Kids tube for free on Tuesdays & Wednesdays, limit of 2 per paying adult

Weather and Road Conditions
Ensuring favorable weather conditions and safe road conditions is key for a hassle-free trip. I recommend checking AccuWeather for upcoming forecasts. Personally, my family prefers temperatures above 35°F with minimal wind. For further details, please check out my Winter Travel Guide.

Tubing Area

Our 2-Hour tubing session passes are as follows:

-Adults (45" and over) $40
-Kids (44" and under) $35
-Helmets are available upon request.
-Rental equipment must be returned at the end of your rental period.
-Sledding is not allowed.

Nearby

Just a ten minute drive from the resort sits Pretty Odd Wieners, a beloved local hot dog food truck tucked into the Shell gas station parking lot. It’s been serving up creative eats for over a decade.  Every trip to the area feels incomplete without a stop here.

They made a nice seating area right next to their truck where you can enjoy your food while looking at traffic pass by against an epic backdrop of snowcapped mountains. 

I had the chance to meet the owners of the truck, Brian (featured in my reel) and his wife, Jill, and they’re always so kind on my visits. Their passion for food and their appreciation of different cultures and cuisines inspired the vision behind Pretty Odd Wieners. Over the years of visiting restaurants & food trucks, I've come to realize that great customer service and genuine passion always make the biggest difference in the overall experience.  I hope you enjoy this spot as much as I do if/when you make it out. 

What makes Pretty Odd Wieners special?

  • Unconventional toppings - pork belly, mac & cheese, cream cheese.

  • Fusion styles - Hawaiian, Chicago, Mexican, Cali, and Seattle-inspired flavors.

  • Unique options - elk, boar, bison, Italian sausages, and even vegan choices.

You really can’t go wrong no matter what you order

Holiday Market
If I find a place that has Holiday, Village, or Christmas in its name, you can bet I will visit it.  This well established locally owned grocery store is clean, charming, and fun to browse.  Load up on some snacks and drinks for the drive home or if you're planning on staying in the area.

BOA Vista Orchards
Year-round apple orchard nestled in Apple Hill, an area comprised of 50+ farms. Located just an hour away, it includes a farm store stocked with an array of apple products, pantry essentials, kitchen tools, and beverages such as cider and wine. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas and stunning vistas while exploring the orchard's grounds.

The baby slopes can be found closest to lodge.

Know Before You Go
-Be prepared for some walking uphill, as Adventure Mountain lacks a magic carpet. 
-Slopes cater to various skill levels, with gentler runs nearest to the cabin suitable for kids, while steeper ones are located closer to the entrance of the park
-The lodge's current status can be checked on the website.
-For your convenience, the resort has a small shop that offers essential gear like snow boots, gloves, and beanies.
-Children under 36" inches must be accompanied by an adult.
-No outside food allowed except for special dietary needs.
-Purchase tickets for tubing & sign waivers at gift shop. Collect tubes at the slopes.
-Food available for purchase at the resort - breakfast, pizza, burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, snacks, drinks, and more.  Last visit, I saw a sign restricting outside food.  This was not the case in the past, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Menu from website.
-Feel free to pass over at the top of the mountain to the line of your desired slope.  A lot of people get backed up at the lane ends.
-Proper snow gear is essential for staying warm and dry while tubing. On warmer, sunny days, snow can get caught in the tubes and start to melt, so layers help keep you dry & comfortable. When temperatures dip to 40°F or below, I recommend bundling up in a snow suit, along with gloves and a beanie.
-Eye protection and sunblock are essential, especially on sunny days (snow reflects light)
-Adventure Mountain is the best value for the money spent
-Throughout the years, I've witnessed adults enjoying the resort even without kids
-A set of extra clothes for each in your party may come in handy

Tube or Sled?
-For safety reasons, no outside tubes and sleds are allowed.  For convenience, the resort supplies two sizes of tubes.

Alternatives
*Tube Tahoe is a more kid-friendly resort with less crowds and fewer lanes.

*Gabriella Viola is a Lake Tahoe content creator who made a rad video showcasing free tubing spots in Lake Tahoe.

***Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own.

Photography
©Katherine Fung,
All Rights Reserved.

Categorized Under "Outdoor Winter Activities" and "Lake Tahoe"

Friday, March 5, 2021

Tube Tahoe - Stunning Views, Fresh Air, and A Tubular Time


Two not so steep lanes (left) and  two steeper lanes (on right with orange netting)
Tube Tahoe was born during the pandemic, aiming to supply a fun spot for everyone to safely have fun outdoors.

(530) 600-2304
*Liability Waiver Form (save some time and fill out before your visit)

Business Snapshot
Tube Tahoe is a family-friendly tubing business in South Lake Tahoe that opens up in the winter and features beautiful views of Mt. Tallac and Echo Summit.  Here you'll find nicely groomed lanes, friendly service, a grocery store and food truck next door, and lots of tubuler fun.  Equipment is included and tubing is on a first come, first-served basis.  This business stands out with their long lanes (around 500ft.), limited crowds (fees may have something to do with this), views, and rad service.  Workers help guests onto their tubes, making this spot ideal for families.  If you're looking for steeper runs, this may not be the place you're looking for.  They hold free days for special needs families. You can follow them on Instagram for updates.

Check in at this building.

VIT (very important tuber) Season Pass

Click on "Book Reservervations" on homepage and click on "purchase tickets" to see this option. Rates as of 1.2023 

During the pandemic, my family made a trip out to our usual tubing spot-Adventure Mountain, but they were at capacity.  

I asked the worker out on the road if he knew of another tubing place around and he referred me and my family to Tube Tahoe.  

I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was close by (12 minutes).  

I'm glad that Adventure Mountain was at capacity since we were presented with another place to explore and try out.  

The four slopes at Tube Tahoe were perfectly groomed, with kind workers at the top to help hold the tubes in place before take-off.  

This was extremely helpful, allowing for my two little ones to be able to go on their own without me and my husband's supervision.

Me and my family had a great time at TubeTahoe.  Though it was different from our usual snow adventure —less crowds and fewer slopes — it was a welcome change as me and my family love to discover and explore new places.

If you're wondering, Adventure Mountain is also a great tubing resort, with more lanes (18 in prime weather), a snow play area, and a building that has a small shop and eatery area that serves fast food.  This resort caters both to smaller children and adults as some of the slopes are on the steeper side.  If you plan on visiting this resort, make sure to get there a bit before they open to avoid crowds and to secure a parking spot. 

Free Fun Day for Special Needs Families, 2023


"We are excited to host a Free Fun Day for Special Needs Families from near and far. Come visit us this Sunday, January 22nd from 9am – 4pm and check-in at the ticket shop! We will have two tubing lanes designated for this event. We will also be hosting this event on February 12th and March 19th, 2023, if you can’t make it this Sunday!" -source

Thanks so much for being awesome, Tube Tahoe! 

They have a small shop just in case you forget something.  Snacks available for sale.

On A Budget?  No Problem.
There are plenty of areas around Lake Tahoe that are open to the public free of charge (snow permitting).  Check out this video made by YouTuber Gabriella, showing you where to find them. 


Notes
-50% discount for South Lake Tahoe locals with ID
-no magic carpet. must walk up to get to the top
-their tubes were so comfortable compared to the ones at Adventure Mountain
-Google maps brought me to the wrong address. Instead, use the Holiday Market grocery store address. 
-Check the weather ahead of time so that you can dress appropriately. Check road conditions to make sure they are clear for travel. 
-Tube Tahoe is conveniently located right next to a grocery Holiday Market, gas station, and Pretty Odd Weiners
-the views of the surrounding mountains were breathtaking
-their store has all of the essentials- sunblock, winter gear, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses
-outside sleds are not allowed for safety purposes
-there are no places to have picnics except for car or nearby places
-compared to Adventure Mountain, you are not allowed to play with snow in the surrounding areas
-there are a couple of mini slopes at the bottom that me and my kids had fun playing around
-walkway up to the slopes are not as steep as the ones at Adventure Mountain, making them more kid-friendly
-different rates for weekdays vs weekends. Check website for current rates. They charge per person
-first come first served
-helmets not required
-minors under 42" must ride with an adult
-can book for parties after the holidays
-if you're looking for another short road trip nearby, BOA Vista Orchards, a family favorite, is open year-round and the whole Apple Hill opens during Fall. One hour away. 


Pricing as of 1/9/2023
Please check website for current rates

Delicious dogs from Pretty Off Weiners next door after a full day of fun.

Pretty Odd Weiners 
from Website (as of 1/9/2023)

Monday 10:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday 10:00am - 6:00pm
Wednesday 10:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday 10:00am - 6:00pm
Friday 10:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday 9:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 9:00am - 6:00pm


*All opinions are my own.  Information subject to change.  Please check in with business for the latest information.

Photos
©Katherine Fung,
All Rights Reserved.