If you were lucky enough to grow up anywhere near snow, you probably remember the excitement of rocketing down hills on a sled. Here in Park City, you can get the same kind of thrill (without the wearisome trudge up hill) while tubing at Gorgoza Park. Thanks to a timely snowstorm, Gorgoza opened for the 2016-17 winter season on Saturday, Dec. 3rd with seven tubing lanes and a whole lot of winter family fun. So when you need a day off the ski slopes or want to entertain the kids, here's what you need to know to make it a great day excursion.
Activities
Kids ages 6-12 can take a ride on mini-snowmobiles.
The main activity at Gorgoza is, of course, the tubing and while it may seem like an activity primarily geared for children, it's a whole lot of fun no matter what age your are. Anyone over the age of 5 can hop on any of the seven lanes, but even the tots can have fun on the three beginner lanes (ages 3-4). You can slide down on your own or string tubes together to go faster. Get back up the slope, you can use the magic carpet or lifts up to the top. Tickets are available for single rides or unlimited 2 and 4 hour passes.
Kids ages 6-12 can try a different type of racing with Gorgoza's mini-snowmobiles. For just $12 they can zoom around the groomed track for ten laps. All riders must wear the helmet included in the cost of the ride and need to have a waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian. Safety first!
Even the youngest guests who aren't quite ready for the tubing hills or snowmobiles, can have a good time at Gorgoza at Fort Frosty. Access to this kids playground (ages 1-6), complete with giant fort building blocks and tubing carousel is free with a two or four hour tubing ticket.
Warm Up + Snacks
To keep you and your family fueled for the entirety of your visit, Gorogoza has a couple yurts on site. When you find yourself getting a bit chilly, step inside the Warming Yurt or the Café Yurt when you need to munch on a treat or sip marshmallow-filled hot chocolate.
What to Wear
As you might imagine, tubing calls for gear similar to how you'd dress for a ski day. Dress in layers, with a warm jacket, waterproof pants, winter hat, gloves, and goggles or sun glasses. Snow boots are definitely preferred (no ski boots allowed!) and don't forget sunscreen and lip balm because sun and reflective snow are perfect combinations for sun burn.
Gorgoza Park is located just off of Interstate 80, less than 30 minutes from Salt Lake City and about 15 minutes from downtown Park City. Unfortunately, it's not accessible via the Park City bus route, but taxis and Ubers are plentiful in town. If you have access to a car, take the exit 141 on the I-80 for Jeremy Ranch and head to 3863 West Kilby Road.
When to Go
Gorogoza Park opens on Dec. 3rd with weekend hours from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. and weekdays from 1-8 p.m. with extended holiday hours. We would suggest heading out at nigh after a sunny day when temperatures drop and the lanes freeze up--making them way faster. While snowfall may seem picturesque for a day of tubing, it can slow down the lanes, making tubes stick rather than rocketing down the hill. Besides, powder days are for skiing and snowboarding!
