Dreaming of a winter wonderland experience near Miami, Florida? While the Sunshine State might not be the first place that comes to mind for snow activities, there are options available for those seeking a taste of winter fun. Let's explore where you can enjoy snow tubing and other winter-themed attractions not far from Miami.
Snowcat Ridge: Florida's First Snow Park
Located in Dade City, which is a 40-minute drive north of Tampa, Snowcat Ridge is Florida's first snow park. This 58-acre venue offers a variety of winter activities, making it a unique destination in the Sunshine State.
CEO Benjamin Nagengast stated that Snowcat Ridge is "unlike anything anyone else has seen before in the Sunshine State."
Snowy Slopes: An Extreme Snow-Tubing Park
The highlight of Snowcat Ridge is Snowy Slopes, a 60-foot tall, 400-foot long snow tubing hill. Riders are transported to the top of the hill using a pair of moving sidewalk conveyor lifts. There are single, tandem, and 10-person snow tubes available.
Due to their popularity with guests, the number of available tandem tubes and 10-person tubes on Snowy Slopes has been increased.
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Snow Tubing Rules:
- Single tubes - Riders must be at least 42″ tall and weigh no more than 300 pounds.
- Tandem tubes - Both riders must be at least 42″ tall. The combined weight of both riders must not exceed 400 pounds.
- 10-Person tubes - Riders must be at least 32″ tall and each weigh no more than 300 pounds. 10-Person snow tubes have a minimum capacity of 8 riders and a maximum capacity of 10 riders. Smaller groups of riders will be combined with other groups to maximize 10-person snow tube capacity and minimize wait times.
Safety Guidelines:
- Loose clothing, long hair, necklaces, and other loose articles must be secured to prevent contact with conveyors and to prevent articles from coming off while riding down the hill.
- Guests are not allowed to retrieve lost articles dropped onto the face of Snowy Slopes.
- When the tube comes to a complete stop at the bottom of the hill, stay in your snow tubing lane and walk to the exit.
- Guests may not wait at the bottom of the hill.
Riders must wear appropriate clothing, including warm, water-resistant clothes, gloves, and boots. Layering is also recommended.
Ticket Information:
- Each General Admission ticket includes a 2-hour snow tubing session.
- The Unlimited Snow Tubing Upgrade includes all-day snow tubing until park closing.
- The VIP Fast Pass ticket upgrade includes access to the 10-person tube VIP Fast Pass lane, single & tandem tube VIP Fast Pass lane, and Crystal Ribbon ice skate rental pick-up VIP Fast Pass lane.
Arctic Igloo: A Snow-Filled Play Area
For younger children, the Arctic Igloo offers a 10,000 square foot play dome filled with real snow. Here, families can build snowmen and snow castles.
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Anyone with a general admissions ticket has all-day access to the Arctic Igloo.
Crystal Ribbon: Ice Skating Fun
Snowcat Ridge features the Crystal Ribbon, an outdoor ice skating ribbon that even boasts a nighttime light show. Anyone with a general admissions ticket has all-day access to the Crystal Ribbon skating rink.
Alpine Village: Après-Action
After enjoying the snow activities, relax at the Alpine Village. This area features a bonfire, hot chocolate, and fir trees, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Enjoy a few drinks at the Biergarten or have a bite to eat at the food court.
Holidays at Snowcat Ridge | 400' Snow Tubing Hill!
Eskimo Outpost: Private Igloo Rentals
Rent a private, festively decorated igloo at Eskimo Outpost for parties or get-togethers.
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Santa's Christmas Lane
Snowcat Ridge's popular Santa's Christmas Lane returns this year for the holidays! This festive section, open through December 24, features a magical mix of holiday attractions.
- Visit Santa's Cozy Cabin for a meet-and-greet and photo session with Santa himself.
- Storytime with Mrs.
Operating Schedule
This awesome winter attraction is open daily through January 5, 2026 (closed Christmas Day) and then select days January 9-March 1, 2026. Santa's Christmas Lane closes December 24, 2025.
Ticket Prices:
Advanced general admission tickets are now available and start at $29.95 when purchased in advance (depending on day). General admission includes a two-hour snow tubing session and all-day access to the Arctic Igloo, Alpine Village, Santa's Christmas Lane, and Crystal Ribbon. Ice skate rental and parking is extra. Children under two are free.
Other Winter Activities in Florida
While Snowcat Ridge offers a comprehensive snow park experience, there are other winter-themed events and attractions in Florida:
- Christmas at Gaylord Palms Resort: Features the ICE! attraction with a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer theme, an indoor snowy play area with an ice tubing slide, Snow Factory, and Snowball Build and Blast area.
- Disney Springs: Celebrate the season with the Disney Christmas Tree Stroll, nightly snow flurries, toy soldier stilt-walkers, and snowflake skaters. Event takes place daily through January 4, 2026.
- Celebration's Now Snowing event: Features snowfall nightly, a synthetic ice skating rink, strolling carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, train rides, and a Santa Snow Village through December 31, 2025.
- Mount Dora's Snow in the Park event: Includes snow sledding, Santa, and more fun festive activities.
- Southern Hill Farms: Experience snow showers, holiday movies, seasonal treats, and a Merry Market.
- Winterfest at Snow Mountain: Hit the ice slides.
- Christmas in the Cloud - St. Cloud: Enjoy artificial snow and animals at Amazing Animals Wildlife Preserve, with a petting zoo, Santa and Mrs.
Snow Mountain / Snow Tubing Rental in South Florida
If you are looking to bring the snow to your event, consider a snow slide rental. This is a unique option for events in the Miami/Ft Lauderdale area.
Snow slide rentals are available for large corporations, smaller community events, and even backyard parties. Delivery is available to Miami Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County and surrounding areas.
Planning Your Visit
When planning your snow tubing adventure in Florida, consider the following:
- Weather: Snowcat Ridge operates on a weather-dependent schedule.
- Clothing: Wear warm, water-resistant clothing, gloves, and boots.
- Tickets: Purchase tickets in advance to guarantee entry and potentially save money.
Table of Snow Tubing Locations Near Miami
| Location | Distance from Miami (approx.) | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Snowcat Ridge (Dade City) | 250 miles | Snow tubing, Arctic Igloo, Ice Skating, Alpine Village |
| Christmas at Gaylord Palms Resort (Orlando) | 235 miles | ICE! attraction, Indoor snow play area |
Enjoy your snow tubing experience in the Sunshine State!