A snow tubing hill rising about 80 feet sits right next to a hotel. Riders can race down snowy lanes or try an ice slide that doesn’t even require snow, then ride a powered lift back to the top.
I love that this setup lives on a golf course in south-central Pennsylvania. In summer, people chase little white balls across the grass.
In winter, the same slopes turn into fast, snowy lanes.
There’s more than tubing, too. An ice slide, a skating rink, and crackling fire pits round out the day.
I like how one hillside can offer so many different ways to enjoy winter, from a fast tubing run to a quiet break beside the fire.
Seven Stories of Snow Is a Lot More Than It Sounds
Seven stories doesn’t sound huge until you’re perched at the top. AvalancheXpress, Heritage Hills Resort, York, PA, built its tubing hill to roughly that height on purpose.
The goal is simple: speed and giggles.
The hill rises about 80 feet and features multiple tubing lanes, giving riders plenty of room for a fast downhill adventure. The opening drop is where most of the screaming happens, and for good reason.
Multiple groomed lanes run side by side down the slope. That means you can race your cousin, your best friend, or that sibling who always claims they won.
Bragging rights are not included with admission, but they’re easy to earn.
The hill sits on the resort’s golf course, which explains the rolling shape. Grass and sand traps hide underneath all winter.
It’s a clever way to give a summer course a second job.
Snowmaking helps maintain the traditional tubing lanes, while the refrigerated ice slides can operate without natural snowfall. The ice slides can run in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, although weather conditions still affect operations.
Checking the official status before you leave home is always smart.
Dress in waterproof layers and gloves, since snow finds every gap. Boots with good grip help on the walk around the base.
Then all that’s left is holding on tight and letting gravity handle the rest.
Your Legs Will Thank You for the Tube Lift
Walking up a seven-story hill while dragging a tube gets old fast. Luckily, the park runs a lift that carries both riders and tubes up the slope.
Your calves get a break, and you get more runs.
The ride up is part of the fun for younger kids. They get a front-row view of everyone zooming down the lanes beside them.
It’s like a preview show before their own turn.
A walking path also leads up the hill for anyone who wants extra exercise. Staff direct the flow at the bottom, so follow their lead on where to line up.
Rules can shift depending on how busy the day is.
Busy weekends can mean a wait at the base. Arriving early in your session gives you a head start on the crowd.
Weekday sessions are often a calmer choice if your schedule allows it.
Here’s a practical tip for families. Sit together on the way up so you can plan your next race.
Who’s going backward this time, and who’s spinning?
Keep your tube handle close and listen to the attendants at the top. They space riders out so everyone gets a clean, safe run.
A little patience there means a much smoother trip to the bottom.
The Ice Slide Brings a Totally Different Kind of Fast
Snow is fun, but ice is slippery in a whole new way. Alongside the tubing hill, AvalancheXpress offers an ice slide with several lanes.
It adds a slick, zippy twist to the usual winter routine.
Lanes sit side by side, so friendly racing comes naturally. Line up next to your crew, wait for the signal, and go.
Somebody always ends up laughing too hard to steer.
Ice behaves differently than snow under a tube. It tends to feel quicker and smoother along the way.
Kids who like a little extra thrill usually head straight for it.
The slide also gives tubers a nice change of pace during a long session. Mixing activities keeps everyone from getting bored.
It also helps spread out the day so energy lasts longer.
Bundle up your hands, because ice is cold to touch. Thick gloves make grabbing the handles far more comfortable.
Waterproof pants are also a wise choice when frosty spray starts flying.
Follow posted rules and listen to staff about how to ride. Those instructions keep the lanes running safely for everyone.
Then just hang on and let the slick surface do its thing.
Lace Up for a Spin Around the Outdoor Rink
Not every winter thrill needs a hill. AvalancheXpress also has an ice skating rink for anyone who’d rather glide than slide.
It’s a sweet way to slow things down for a bit.
Skating gives the day a cozy, old-fashioned feel. Holding hands with a little one as they wobble forward is pretty adorable.
So is the moment they finally let go and push off alone.
Beginners should expect a few shaky laps at first. That’s totally normal, even for grown-ups who skated years ago.
Bent knees and small steps help you find your balance faster.
The rink sits close to the tubing action, so groups can split up easily. Speed lovers can hit the hill while others take a turn on the ice.
Everyone meets back up without a long walk.
Bring thick socks for comfort inside skates. A snug fit helps your ankles feel steady and supported.
Mittens are handy too, since falling is part of learning.
Check current details on skate options before your trip. Packages can change from season to season.
Planning ahead means more time spent skating and less time sorting out gear at the counter.
Snacks and Hot Cocoa Keep the Fun Going
Tubing burns more energy than you’d guess. All that climbing, laughing, and screaming adds up quickly.
Luckily, food options are available right on site.
A concession area serves up quick bites during your session. On some days, food trucks also join the lineup near the hill.
Either way, hungry riders don’t have to leave to refuel.
Hot cocoa is the classic choice on a frosty afternoon. Wrapping cold hands around a warm cup feels like a reward.
Pair it with a seat by the fire and the scene is complete.
Heritage Hills Resort also has a restaurant inside the main building. That’s handy if your group wants a sit-down meal before or after tubing.
It turns a quick outing into a fuller day.
Bringing a wallet or phone for purchases is a good idea. Snacks may not be included with your tubing ticket.
Planning a little budget for treats keeps surprises away.
Timing your break matters too. Eating halfway through a session gives everyone fresh energy for the final runs.
Tired, hungry kids on a snowy hill are nobody’s idea of fun, so a well-timed snack can save the whole afternoon.
A Hotel Next Door Turns Tubing Into a Getaway
Most tubing parks send you home sore and sleepy. At Heritage Hills Resort, a bed sits just steps from the snow.
That makes an overnight winter escape surprisingly easy.
The resort combines a hotel, a golf course, and dining in one spot. AvalancheXpress simply takes over the slopes once the weather turns cold.
It’s a smart use of space that families can enjoy.
Staying overnight means you can ride, rest, and ride again. No long drive at the end of a tiring day.
Just a warm room waiting nearby.
Couples can make it a mini getaway too. Tube in the afternoon, enjoy dinner at the resort, and relax afterward.
It feels like a vacation without traveling far.
Check resort packages before booking, since bundles may include tubing. Deals can change by season, so look for current offers.
A little research can stretch your budget.
Plan your session times around check-in and check-out. That way nobody misses a run because of luggage.
With a little planning, a simple tubing trip in Pennsylvania becomes a weekend everyone remembers, complete with a comfy bed at the end.
Smart Planning Saves You Time at the Ticket Window
Timed sessions run the show here. Tubing tickets cover a set block of time on the hill.
Knowing that ahead of time helps you squeeze in more runs.
Buying tickets online in advance is a smart move. It can save time at the counter and secure your spot.
Popular weekends and holidays can fill up fast.
Waivers are part of the process too. Filling them out before you arrive helps everyone get moving sooner.
Nobody wants to spend tubing time doing paperwork.
Weather matters a lot for a snow park in Pennsylvania. Warm spells can affect conditions or even close the hill.
Check the official updates before heading out the door.
Arrive early so you’re ready when your session starts. The first stretch is often the best time to get runs in.
Parking, gear, and bathroom stops always take longer than planned.
There is no general age or height restriction for tubing, but every rider must use their own tube and be able to get in and out independently. Parents should review the current rules before bringing younger children.
Clear expectations make for happier kids and calmer parents, which might be the real secret to a great winter day.
Getting There Is Easier Than Steering a Tube
Some winter fun requires a mountain trek. This hill doesn’t.
AvalancheXpress sits right on the edge of York, close to town conveniences.
You’ll find it at 2700 Mt Rose Ave, York, PA 17402. The address belongs to Heritage Hills Resort, so look for the resort entrance.
The tubing area is part of the property.
York is easy to reach from several nearby cities. Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Baltimore are all within driving range.
That makes it a handy day trip for many families.
Being near town also means extra options after tubing. Restaurants, shops, and gas stations are close by.
Forgot gloves? A quick store run won’t eat up your whole day.
York also offers plenty of history and a lively downtown market scene, making it easy to add another stop to your winter outing. Pairing tubing with a city visit makes for a full weekend.
Leave a little extra time for winter roads. Snow and ice can slow travel even on short drives.
Once you arrive, though, an 80-foot hill, snowy tubing lanes, and an ice slide are waiting to make the winter drive worthwhile.
