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

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Adventure Mountain - Premier Tubing Destination in South Lake Tahoe

***Updated 3/1/2024
 *Base Elevation:
7,400 Feet at the top of Echo Summit

*40 Acres

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

Location:

*My Instagram REEL of Adventure Mountain & Pretty Odd Wieners

Adventure Mountain is a premier tubing resort in South Lake Tahoe that my family and I have been enjoying for years.

Picture a day filled with laughter as you zip down massive snow slides, feeling the crisp wind against your face & your spirits soaring.

There are plenty of lanes for tubing, including a gentle section for the little ones, making it fun for the whole family.

With ample snowfall, it's the ideal spot for snow play, surrounded by a picturesque winter landscape.

The mountain has a cafe for dining & a store stocked with essentials, from bibs to snow boots.

Just a ten-minute drive away lies Pretty Odd Wieners, a beloved local hot dog food truck (located in the Shell gas station parking lot) that's been around for ten years. Every visit to the area warrants a stop here for some of the most delicious and unique hot dogs around.

I was fortunate to encounter the owner of the truck, Brian (featured in my reel), who was as cool as his creations (thanks for entertaining my kids' craziness).

What sets his hot dogs apart?
*Unconventional toppings - pork belly, Mac n cheese, & cream cheese.
*Fusion styles - Hawaiian, Chicago, Mexican, Cali, & Seattle influences.
*Alternatives - elk, boar, bison, Italian sausages, & vegan choices available.

You really can't go wrong with anything you choose.

Tubing is always a blast. Pair that with delicious food made with care, & you've got yourself the makings of a perfect day.

Snow tubing not only provides a thrilling outdoor adventure but also encourages everyone to embrace and appreciate the wonders of winter, fostering a lifelong love for outdoor activities in the snow and creating cherished memories amidst a winter wonderland.

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 off, it means Adventure Mountain is at capacity. They periodically open up access every hour, but entry is not guaranteed. Standing by the blocked roads is not permitted as it's located next to a busy highway.  Tube Tahoe is a nearby alternative if Adventure Mountain is unavailable.

-Per vehicle fees 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.

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.  Consider the needs of yourself and everyone in your party.
-Slopes cater to various skill levels, with gentler runs near 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 convenice, 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.  I'm guessing they won't mind those that bring in food for special dietary needs.
-Purchase tickets & sign waivers at gift shop. Collect tubes at the slopes.
-Food available for purchase at the resort
-Feel free to pass over at the top to the line of your desired slope.
-Snow gear is essential for staying dry & warm.  Sometimes, snow may get caught in the tubes and melt.
-Eye protection and sunblock (especially on a sunny day) are essential
-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.

Nearby Trips
-BOA Vista Orchards, open year-round, is a genuine 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.

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

Gabriella Viola is a Lake Tahoe content creator who produced a fantastic video showcasing free tubing spots.

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

Photography
©Katherine Fung,
All Rights Reserved.

*All opinions are my own
*Information subject to change

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.