Snow Tubing

If skiing is your thing, there are a few nice ski resorts in Virginia that you may want to visit during your vacation. I, however, won’t be there. I’ve been skiing once in my life and that was enough. I am much too practical to stand on slippery pieces of wood and throw myself down an icy mountain at a high rate of speed. The fact that I ended up off the snow and in the mud (three times) and crashed into an unsuspecting old man at the bottom of the slope may have also affected my decision to never ski again. That beginner slope is treacherous! However, I can be found sitting on my behind while sliding down a mountain in a large snow tube. That’s good quality family fun without the risk of injuring someone’s granddad. I highly recommend it.

Bryce Mountain Resort in Basye, Virginia

There are several places in Virginia to go snow tubing. Our most frequent stop, due to its proximity to our northern Virginia home is Bryce Mountain Resort. They have 800’ lanes and a moving carpet that takes you up the mountain conveyor belt style. There is a height requirement of 42” tall to go tubing at this location.

Tuesday – Friday: $18/person
Saturday & Sunday/Holiday: $22/person

Massanutten Resort in Massanutten, Virginia

Despite having an unfortunate mountain name and an odd catch phrase “Where the rubber hits the snow” Massanutten Resort is another popular snow tubing spot. They have 900’ lanes and a towrope that you attach to your tube and it pulls you up the hill. There is a 36” tall height requirement to go tubing at this site.

Mon.-Fri., Non-holiday: $18/person
Sat., Sun., Holiday: $22/person

Tubing Lanes at Bryce Mountain

Wintergreen Resort in Wintergreen, Virginia

I’ve never been to Wintergreen Resort but it sounds like fun.

“Imagine being on top of a ten story building and looking out over a hill that’s longer than three football fields. Now imagine going downhill on a tube at speeds reaching 30 mph.” – Quote from website

They have a 42” height requirement

mid-week, non-holiday: $18/person
weekends and holiday periods: $25/person

While searching for snow tubing sites I found a link to Whitetail Resort in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. I feel a road trip coming on. Here are a few tips about winter weather and road trips for me to read before we head out.

Note: All of the resorts listed above also offer snow skiing and snow boarding.

All photos by Sherry Roberts

Snow for Sleeping Beauty

When most people think of Disneyland Resort (that being the area containing the original Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the three Disney hotels) they tend to think of a summer destination for their family vacation.  Here’s something to consider, Disney for the holidays.

The entire area is transformed.

The hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier and Grand Californian) each have their own Christmas trees and holiday decorations, respectively, as well as daily winter-based activities for guests of all ages, including crafts, tours and workshops.

Downtown Disney takes on the festive feel of the season, complete with themed displays and a constant soundtrack of holiday tunes provided by live musicians, wandering carolers or piped through the speakers.

Disney’s California Adventure (DCA) sticks with its California motif and embraces Santa in a more relaxed mindset.  Here you will find sand instead of snow and the reindeer games consist of beach activities- even Santa opts for bermuda shorts and a Hawaiian print shirt rather than his traditional garb.

Winter in the 100 Acre Woods

Disneyland goes a more traditional route with its decorating.  The entire park is a holiday, evoking the likes of Norman Rockwell, Bing Crosby and Burl Ives.  There are special shows, parades, treats and merchandise (including a fantastic and large assortment of holiday decor and clothing).

The Disney characters are often dressed accordingly, especially Goofy that spends his days in Toon Town dressed as Santa and posing for pictures.

Mickey for the Holidays

Each night snow falls throughout Disneyland, from Main Street, U.S.A. to New Orleans Square.

The Small World and Haunted Mansion attractions have special holiday themes which are so well done that many, including my family, prefer the seasonal overlay to the original.

The winter weather in Anaheim is typically sunny with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s.  The nights cool down quite a bit and you should pack accordingly- especially since it can become chilly and wet without much warning.

If at all possible, try to arrange your vacation during the week to offset the crowds, but keep in mind that the closer you get to the holidays the more likely that local schools will be on break.

The Holiday festivities run from November 21, 2008 through January 4, 2009.

Photos by Whit Honea