Seven stories of snow and nearly 900 feet of downhill sliding turn an ordinary winter afternoon into something much more exciting. Riders climb into inflatable tubes, race down groomed lanes, and let a mechanical lift handle the uphill journey.
What makes this Pennsylvania attraction especially appealing is its setting. Instead of traveling deep into the mountains, visitors find a full-scale tubing hill beside a golf resort, with winter scenery and places to warm up between runs.
I love the idea of spending an afternoon racing friends downhill without needing skis, special training, or a complicated itinerary. The long lanes offer plenty of excitement, while the lift makes it easier to enjoy repeated rides.
Cold-weather adventures don’t always require a remote destination. Sometimes a surprisingly steep hill, a few layers of warm clothing, and a group of friends are enough to make winter memorable.
Seven Stories of Snow and Nowhere to Go but Down
Seven stories sounds like a building, not a snow hill. At AvalancheXpress at Heritage Hills, that height turns into a long, speedy ride on a tube.
The tubing runs stretch around 900 feet from top to bottom. That gives you plenty of time to spin, laugh, and wonder why you thought this was a calm activity.
Lanes are groomed side by side, so friends can race each other down. Bragging rights are not officially awarded, but everyone claims them anyway.
The first drop is where your stomach does a little flip. After that, the ride settles into a smooth glide toward the bottom.
Snow conditions depend on Pennsylvania weather, which loves to change its mind. The park makes snow when temperatures allow, so cold snaps usually mean better runs.
Warm spells can soften the snow and slow things down. Checking conditions before you leave home is a smart move.
Wear waterproof gloves and boots with good grip. Snow has a sneaky habit of finding bare wrists and ankles.
Goggles or sunglasses help on bright days too. Glare off fresh snow can be surprisingly strong.
Above all, follow the staff instructions at the top. They keep lanes clear so every rider gets a safe launch.
Listen for your turn, hold your handles tight, and enjoy the drop. It’s over quickly, which is exactly why you’ll want to go again.
Your Legs Will Thank You for That Lift
Walking up a snow hill while dragging a tube is a workout nobody signed up for. Luckily, AvalancheXpress has upgraded its uphill transportation for the new winter season.
The Xpressway is a moving-carpet lift that carries visitors uphill on a conveyor-style belt. According to the park, the redesigned system can handle three times as many riders as before, helping reduce congestion between downhill runs.
Think of it as a free escalator with a much better view. You can catch your breath and plan your next spin on the way up.
Staff members guide riders on and off the lift. Paying attention matters here, because quick, clear steps keep the line moving for everyone.
There’s also a walking path for folks who like the hike. Some people enjoy stretching their legs between runs.
Busy sessions can mean waiting in the lift corral. Arriving early in your session often helps you squeeze in extra rides.
Keep small kids close while you wait in line. A quick chat about lift rules before you arrive makes the first ride much smoother.
Hats should be snug and phones zipped away. Dropping something on a moving lift turns into a sad goodbye.
Once you reach the top, step out where staff point. Then grab your tube, pick a lane, and get ready for the fun part.
Honestly, that ride up is half the charm. Few things feel as relaxing as being hauled uphill while others do the screaming.
Slippery Speed on One of Pennsylvania’s Most Unusual Ice Slides
Snow is great, but ice is faster. The ice slide at AvalancheXpress gives riders a slick, zippy alternative to the main tubing lanes.
Several lanes line up next to each other. That setup makes it easy for siblings and friends to have a friendly showdown.
Ice tends to hold up better than soft snow on milder days. That makes the slide a nice backup when the hill gets slushy.
Riders zip down quickly, so the trip feels short and thrilling. Most people pop up at the bottom grinning and ready for another lap.
Younger kids often love this part because the ride is quick. Nervous riders can try it before tackling the taller hill.
Hold your handles and keep arms and legs inside. Ice moves fast, and staying tucked keeps the ride smooth.
Gloves are a must here too. Brushing a bare hand on frozen ground is a cold surprise you won’t forget.
Watch the lane ahead before you go. Wait until the rider in front has cleared the bottom.
Families with mixed ages will appreciate having choices. Older riders can chase speed while little ones take the slide again and again.
Before you leave, give every lane a try. Each one might feel a little different, and comparing them becomes its own silly game.
Lace Up and Glide Under the Open Sky
Tubing gets the headlines, but skating deserves a shout too. AvalancheXpress has an outdoor ice skating rink right there on the property.
Skating outside feels different than skating in an indoor arena. Cold air on your face makes every lap feel a little more like winter.
Skate rentals are available, so you don’t need your own pair. That’s handy for families who skate once a year at most.
Beginners should expect a few wobbly moments. Nobody looks graceful on the first lap, and that’s completely fine.
Hold the rail if you need it and take short, steady steps. Bending your knees a little helps you keep your balance.
Thick socks make rental skates more comfortable. Lace them snugly so your ankles feel supported.
The rink makes a great break between tubing runs. It gives your tube-riding muscles a rest while you work on different ones.
Kids who love speed can practice gliding in circles. Parents can enjoy a calmer pace with a warm drink waiting afterward.
Weather plays a role here as well. Very warm days can soften the surface, so cold afternoons are often best.
Bring a phone for photos, but keep it zipped while skating. A dropped phone on ice slides farther than you’d ever expect.
Hungry Riders Have Options Nearby
Tubing burns more energy than you’d guess. All that laughing and climbing builds an appetite fast.
Food is available on site at AvalancheXpress, with concessions near the tubing area. Some days also bring food trucks to the park.
Hot cocoa is a classic winter pick. Wrapping cold hands around a warm cup feels like a reward for every run.
The park sits at Heritage Hills, which includes a hotel and dining. That gives families a sit-down option when snacks won’t cut it.
Plan your meal around your tubing session. Eating halfway through helps keep energy steady for the second half.
Bring a card or some cash just in case. Payment needs can vary, so being prepared saves headaches.
Covered seating near the base offers a place to eat out of the wind. It’s also a handy spot to regroup and plan your next move.
Kids with picky taste buds should eat a little before leaving home. A small snack in the car prevents the dreaded hungry meltdown.
Hydration matters in cold weather too. People forget to drink water when it isn’t hot outside.
Think of your meal as halftime. Fuel up, warm up, and head back out for another round on the hill.
Turn a Day Trip Into a Snowy Sleepover
Driving home soggy and tired is nobody’s favorite part. Staying overnight at the resort makes that problem disappear.
AvalancheXpress sits on the grounds of Heritage Hills Golf Resort. The tubing hill shares space with a golf course that rests under snow each winter.
A hotel stay lets you tube, warm up, and crash in a real bed. No icy highway drives required.
Couples can treat it as a short winter getaway. Families can turn it into a mini vacation without leaving south-central Pennsylvania.
Booking ahead is wise during peak winter weekends. Popular dates can fill up quickly.
Pack extra dry clothes for everyone. A second set of socks feels like luxury after a long session.
Hanging wet gear in your room helps it dry overnight. Bring a plastic bag for anything too soaked to deal with right away.
Staying nearby also means you can arrive early for your session. That head start can mean more runs before lines grow.
The resort setting adds a calm feel after all the excitement. Quiet evenings balance out the noisy, happy chaos of the hill.
Wake up, grab breakfast, and decide if one more ride sounds good. Spoiler alert: it usually does.
Book Smart Before the Snow Flies
A little planning saves a lot of standing around. Tubing at AvalancheXpress runs in timed sessions, so buying tickets ahead is a smart call.
Online booking helps you lock in your preferred time. Busy weekends and holidays can sell out.
Waivers are part of the process too. Filling them out before you arrive speeds things up at check-in.
Arrive a bit early for your session. Parking, gearing up, and finding the line all take time.
Weather can shake up plans in Pennsylvania. Warm stretches sometimes affect snow conditions or operations.
Check the park’s updates before you leave the house. A quick look can save a wasted drive.
Height and age rules may apply to some activities. Reviewing them ahead of time avoids disappointed little riders.
Weekday sessions may feel calmer than Saturday afternoons. If your schedule allows, that can mean more time sliding and less time waiting.
Dress in layers you can peel off. Riding, climbing, and laughing warm you up faster than you’d think.
Bring a small bag with snacks, tissues, and spare gloves. Leave valuables in the car or at home.
Plan well, and the day feels easy. The only thing left to figure out is who goes down first.
Finding the Fun Is Easier Than Steering a Tube
Some winter parks hide deep in the mountains. AvalancheXpress sits right on the edge of town, which makes it refreshingly easy to reach.
You’ll find it at 2700 Mt Rose Ave, York, PA 17402. The park shares the Heritage Hills property just east of downtown York.
That location is a big win for quick trips. You can spend a few hours tubing and still be home for dinner.
York sits in south-central Pennsylvania, within reach of several nearby cities. Families from the region can turn a free afternoon into a snowy adventure.
Roads leading in are part of everyday town traffic. Still, winter weather can slow things down, so leave a little extra time.
Plan to park and walk a short distance to the tubing area. Sturdy boots help on snowy or slushy paths.
After tubing, York offers plenty to explore. Local shops, cozy cafés, and family-friendly eateries make easy additions to your winter outing.
Combining stops turns one outing into a full winter itinerary. Tired kids might fall asleep on the drive home, which is a bonus for parents.
Keep your car stocked with towels and a change of clothes. Snow tends to travel home with you.
Big thrills, short drive, and a cozy town nearby. That’s a pretty sweet trade for a winter day.
