By Karen D. Lorentz
Spins and doubles and lots of giggles.
That was the fun of tubing at Okemo’s Jackson Gore Tubing Park, and even though it was single-digits cold and the wind blew her over occasionally, Calen never complained and kept going back for another ride.
She and her twin Elana were on the last day of their school break so Grandma Karen took them for another “adventure” at Okemo. (Their first was the summer chairlift ride and Mountain Coaster.)
The park wasn’t open last winter and in prior years had single lanes.
This year double lanes allow two tubers to go down in their individual tubes while holding on the handles of the other tube, i.e. double riding. (Three or more in a chain are also usually allowed.)
I had been trying to take photos at the top after my first ride, but even though I had secured my tube to me, a gust of wind took it down the hill without me. That same wind had wind-packed the lanes hard fast and the sun had also iced the snow up some. So the four lanes were not open, only two. Then the wind reduced the riding to one lane which meant there was a longer wait.
Elana reported that attendant said he was sorry they could only operate one lane due to the windy conditions but folks could get a refund if they wanted to. She was impressed by that!
That and the cold and wait chased some folks away so soon there were just a few riders left so the girls just kept going up again and again.
After the wind died down, the option to ridge double was offered. The girls thought it meant riding together in one tube and were about to decline, but the attendant explained how it worked and their vociferus “Yes !” clearly signaled another adventure for the 9-year-olds!
Two of the attendants walked up and came down together to be sure it would be safe for them. It was and as they say, the girls had a blast. Since they do so many things together as twins, this was a natural for them and they loved it.
Equally fun was the attendant at the top giving a spin option. The girls told me it could be low, medium or high. They did them all while riding single, and when the base attendant asked Elana how her spin ride rated, she gave a thumbs-up 10.
The attendants are very attentive — they compliment kids on their runs or spins and make sure they get out of their tubes correctly after they stop and walk on the mats so they don’t fall. They also don’t let the next riders go until the lane is cleared.
They judge safety by how far up the steepish base the stop-hill big guys get. They put down black mats to slow riders down so they don’t hit the fence at the top. The fence separates the area from skiers.
The hill itself is not too steep but has enough pitch at the top to get you going fast. You can find yourself turning around and riding backwards without even having a spin push-off.
After walking down a closed lane, I tried taking photos and chatted with several park attendants at the base area. They would spot the girls before I could and that was my signal to get mitts off and try to catch them coming down or riding the carpet.
For close to two hours, the girls had a great time and interestingly told me, “They liked us,” explaining how nice all the park attendants were to make sure they had a good time.
Good to know
Okemo’s Tubing Park is located adjacent to the Stargazer carpet lift at Jackson Gore. There are two sizes with smaller tubes for children.
One-hour tickets (sessions run on the hour) can be purchased at least one day ahead online or same day at the ticket window; you have to pick up printed tickets at a ticket window (turn left after entering the courtyard).
Check the website for availability of dates and times and cost. Tubing is not included on the Epic Pass.
A child must be 42 inches to ride a tube (no age restrictions). There is no allowance for a child under 42 inches to ride in a parent’s tube (for safety reasons) or double.
Ski boots are not allowed.
Current operating hours are Thursday– Friday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For snacks, lunch, or hot chocolate, the Round House Café is close by.
