Snowcat Ridge: A Floridian’s Winter Paradise!

As a native Floridian, I have vivid childhood memories of the realization that it doesn’t snow in my home state. While I’ve made peace with the disappointment, there’s always a little twinge of jealousy when my Northern family members post social media pictures of themselves sledding, snowman building, and ice skating to their heart’s delight. But thanks to Snowcat Ridge – a real Alpine snow park in the middle of Dade City – Floridians can have all the fun of an afternoon in the snow without the shoveling! With a total of four general admission attractions, Snowcat Ridge offers several ways to experience winter fun. Last night, Orlando Decoded was invited to experience this awesome snow park first hand- and it was such a blast! A big THANK YOU to Snowcat Ridge for having us out. Now, let’s take a look at all there is to see and do at Snowcat Ridge in Dade City!

Snowy Slopes 

By far our favorite part of the evening, Snowy Slopes is a 60 feet tall, 400 feet long snow tubing hill featuring single, tandem, or family-style sliding options. Each general admission ticket to Snowcat Ridge includes a two-hour window to enjoy as many tube rides as possible (or you can purchase an upgraded ticket for unlimited rides throughout the day).

Due to weather conditions, individual tubing was unavailable during our visit (though single riders could use a double tube if necessary), but we were able to try both the tandem and family-style options. Oh my goodness! We had such a blast! I highly recommend trying all the available tubing options during your visit as each style offers a fun and unique experience. I can understand why Snowcat Ridge needs to put the two-hour time limit on most tickets, as we truly could have spent all night on these slopes!

Tandem Tubing

For tandem (and individual) sliders, you need to grab your own tube and take it with you to the slope’s summit. While that might sound intimidating, don’t get too nervous. Using the tube’s attached handle and the hill’s moving sidewalk, the journey was actually pretty quick and simple. My only caution is to carefully watch any children as they enter and exit the moving walkway. My kids had a bit of trouble keeping their balance.

Once you’re at the top, an employee will put your tube on a short conveyor belt and ask you to climb inside. Larger riders must sit in the back with the smaller tuber up front. Tuck your feet in and hold on to the handles! When everyone is safely seated and the slide is cleared, employees will activate the conveyor belt and send you on your way!

Family-Style Tubing

The Family-Style tubing option was a completely different experience from the tandem rides. Instead of carting your own tube up the mountain, family rafts are already waiting for you at the summit. You’ll still need to walk up the hill (or take the moving sidewalk) and then get into the appropriate queue.

Once it’s your turn, you’ll be seated in a large, circular raft with handles on the outside. Be aware that parties of less than 10 might be paired with another family or group. It’s all dependent on crowds, safety concerns, and other measures – so don’t be surprised if you end up sharing your ride!

Unlike the tandem tubing (a straight shot down the hill), the circular raft offered the opportunity for spinning and a little bit of unpredictability – plus, it was a lot of fun for all four of us to share the same tube!

Pro Tip: Use your Snowy Slopes time wisely. While two hours sounds like plenty of time, it goes by fast; and you’ll want to enjoy as many rides in as many variations as possible!

Arctic Igloo

Inside the Arctic Igloo you’ll find 100+ tons of REAL SNOW – ready to play! Snowcat Ridge has even provided lots of great tools and toys to help create the perfect snowman, snow castle, and more!

Of course, snowball fights are prohibited for safety reasons – but you can still satisfy your snowball throwing fantasies at these cute targets!

Lastly, in this area you’ll find the Bunny Slopes – a toddler friendly version of the Snowy Slopes for those too tiny to participate in the traditional tubing.

Be prepared! Snow requires temperatures at or near freezing. It’s a chilly 30-40 degrees inside the Arctic Igloo, and the snow is COLD! Bring gloves and dress in layers for the most effective experience.

Crystal Ribbon

New for 2021, general admission tickets include unlimited access to Crystal Ribbon – a massive combination ice skating rink and “ribbon” (or trail) surrounding the rink’s border.

While access to Crystal Ribbon is included in your ticket, skate and helmet rentals are only available with an additional fee. You can also rent something called an Ice Skating Training Aid – which is like a combination seat/handlebar set up to help kids gain courage on the ice.

We really enjoyed this part of Snowcat Ridge! My kids had never been ice skating before, but the mixture of the aids and constantly available handrails made them comfortable enough to take some risks. By the end of the night, my daughter was (slowly) skating without assistance!

Alpine Village

All of this winter play is bound to make you and your family super hungry! In the Alpine Village, you can find a variety of food for purchase – including pizza, tacos, desserts, and more!

Eskimo Outpost

For private celebrations – check out the VIP igloos at the Eskimo Outpost! Starting at $149, igloo rentals include 2.5 hours in your party’s exclusive 500 square foot, festively decorated unit. Guests will also enjoy beautiful views of Snowy Slopes and unlimited bottled water during their rental.

Igloo rentals do not include admission to Snowcat Ridge. Tickets must be purchased separately. Check out Snowcat Ridge’s website for more information about Eskimo Outpost!

Whether kid or adult, every member of my family had an AMAZING time at Snowcat Ridge! I highly recommend this day of snowy fun for literally any group – families, friends, co-workers – anyone can have a great time at this winter-themed attraction. With places like Snowcat Ridge, Floridians finally get the chance to play in the snow and experience real, cold-weather fun! Snowcat Ridge can sell out, so don’t wait to plan your visit! Buy your tickets today!