The cold weather came in full force so now it’s officially time for some winter fun! Snow tubing is the perfect activity if you want something a little more low-key or don’t want to have a full-on snowboard/ski day. Camelback Ski Resort is located in the Poconos, PA about 2.5 hours away from the city. There’s a full lodge where you can stay overnight, but also can be easily done as a day trip.
My boyfriend and I visited Camelback on a Tuesday afternoon, booking our tickets for 3pm. Our tickets were $40/pp for 2 hours & we booked our tix on the drive over in the car. Super simple process. (Although I do recommend buying in advance because some of the cell service in PA can get a little spotty.) *Please note that according to their website: “prices are subject to change based on demand and availability.” However, lodge guests get exclusive pricing for lift & tubing tickets.
When we reached the Poconos we stopped at a local Wawa beforehand to get some sandwiches because we were hungry. Pro tip: Grab some large water bottles because you will be thirsty after snow tubing!
Things you’ll need: Waterproof & insulated gloves, hat, snow boots, neck warmer & layer up!
As someone who hasn’t participated in many snow sports, (I’ve skied ONCE in high school & gone snowtubing a few times.) I definitely needed to get some new gear to be prepared for the 12 degree weather we would soon embrace.
I desperately needed waterproof gloves & a neck warmer so we stopped at the Columbia Outlets right before our slotted time. Luckily, it’s only a 10 min drive away from Camelback!
Outfit details: (A lot of this particular outfit is past season but I found similar items or the same in a different color!)
Uniqlo Heat tech– (Aidan got these for me last christmas and they are soo warm & perfect for layering!) Get a full set.∙ Fabletics Fleece∙ Sweat Pants: Primark ∙Gloves: Columbia ∙Neck Gaiter: Columbia∙Hat: H&M∙Shoes: Moon Boots∙Jacket: Michael Kors
Pink Snowsuit: Arctix (We got them at a mom & pop shop called “Campmor” in NJ but you can also get them here: https://amzn.to/3qAZDiO for reference, I’m wearing a size Youth L)
Parking: When you arrive, the snow tubing parking lot will be on your right for $12. There’s a tunnel in the parking lot that you walk under so you don’t cross the street where cars are coming.
You check-in at the kiosks using the barcodes sent to your email; once you scan them your passes will pop out. You’ll use these to enter the snow tubing area & to go through each time you come back down the slope.
Once you enter: grab a snow tube, scan in & you’re ready to go! There are single and double snow tubes available.
Not gonna lie, I was low-key nervous because it had been years since I snow tubed, but once I saw this little girl going down the slope face first & spinning around–I knew I’d be just fine. She was killing it!
Me and Aidan went down by ourselves the first time around & it was so much fun! My tube immediately started spinning me around and I went down backwards! If that happens to you, no worries– there are bumpers at the end of the slope to slow you down. The next round we took a double tube. Of course, you don’t go as quickly, but it’s still thrilling & definitely very cute. After a few goes, I was flying down the slope face forward, feeling confident. One thing I was surprised to learn is how tired I would get taking the snow tubes up the hill (and yes, there’s a conveyor belt taking you up each time) but honestly, I just need to seriously work on my upper body strength 😂
I think we chose the perfect time to get there because there were fewer people & the lighting was gorgeous in the pics that we took. We definitely maximized the full 2 hours while we were there.
The rest area is cute with little fire pits on all the tables, plus you can order beer & waffles from the different stands. There are also lockers available if you need them. In the evening they have “Galactic snow tubing” where the lanes are lit up with colorful lights. I would love to come back and experience it at night.
I definitely recommend heading out to Camelback for a winter adventure!
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