The Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex has constructed a tubing hill along the drive to the Olympic ski lift leading to the K-120 jump. If we need an excuse for having fun we can tell everyone that every tubing ticket bought goes to support USA Ski Jumping. We don't need the excuse but it is certainly an added bonus. There is something freeing about sliding down the ice.

The 1,000 foot long ice slide directs the tube to the lower level and we make a smooth stop with the ski jumps looming overhead. It's night time so there is also an element of the unknown. An attendant is there to load the tubes onto a truck and deliver them back to the top of the hill. My kids race to the end of the chute and race back up to the top of the hill. The adults take a more civilized approach and walk up the drive to take another run. 

There is even a warming tent, benches and fire pit. Refreshments can be purchased or most likely brought, if you have the energy. A cup of hot chocolate warms us up for the last run. An hour passes quickly and we call it quits after my daughter is intent on lobbing snowballs at the rest of us.

For us, tubing is a fun way to blow off some steam so we can work up an appetite for

dinner in Lake Placid or get the wiggles out before seeing a play. I watch my seven-year-old giggle as she ricochets off icy walls and I realize that hearing her laugh is worth an hour stop.

After a while racing to the top loses its appeal and the kids drag their feet on the short up hill climb. I remind my children that in the "olden days" I had to carry my own sled and walk the whole way uphill. It is all fine. Our hour is up anyway. 

 

The Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex Tubing Hill is open from Thursday – Saturday from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m. The cost is $8.00/hour or $15/two hours. Make sure to check for any schedule changes.

Adirondack Family Time Tip: Helmets are not required for this activity but some parents (especially of really young children) may opt to bring their own. 

all photos and content © Diane Chase, Adirondack Family Time™. Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Time™ guidebook series and co-owner of the the young adult wilderness adventure program, Adirondack Outdoor Expeditions.