Snow Tubing at Sunridge

The final spot of snow in our yard melted away today. Spring has now sprung...or at least a dusty wasteland of brown and grey. It's my least favorite time of year on the prairies.

So...I will take this time to instead call back to one final fun Winter experience that Chrissy and I had this year: Snow Tubing at Sunridge.

On a mid March afternoon with the temperature peaking at a +8 degrees we headed out to the hill to ride Northern Alberta's only dedicated winter tubing park. Before paying ($20 each) we were warned that the runs that day were exceedingly fast from early morning melt on the east facing slope. Of course that only got us more excited as we headed out  to the tube run overlooking the North Saskatchewan River.

Our first couple of runs went well as we got adjusted to the bumps and unstoppable tube rotation. The runs were fast and to keep us from hitting the river they inserted a burlap snow cover and a a couple of crash pad bumpers. 

From the end of the run it was only a short 50 meter walk to the special lift/ride where we hooked up our tubes for a slow ride back up the hill.  I think Chrissy enjoyed the leisurely ride up the hill as much as the quick ride down.

As we arrived early it was only a short queue before it was our turn again. Either way we wouldn't have minded too much as you have your own seat for the wait.

The tubing park had a large cross section of riders on the day we attended. There were of course a lot of kids, but also quite a few 20 somethings and at least 2 other couples on a 'date'. Without sounding too much of a cliche it really is great fun for the whole family.

We'll be back next year!