Snowcat Ridge: The #1 Place for Snowy Fun in Sunny Florida!
Being situated on the Gulf is a pretty good gig, but there’s a price the Sunshine State has to pay for the luxury of its tropical temperatures: No. Snow.
For decades, this predicament has plagued the people of our state. Want to build a snowman? Here, build a sandcastle instead. Dreaming of a white Christmas? Try singing “Mele Kalikimaka.” Wish you could catch snowflakes on your tongue? Have a snow-cone, buddy.
Okay, actually, a cherry snow-cone would kind of hit the spot right now. But that’s besides the point. You see, I’ve got some pretty exciting meteorological news to share with you. You might not see this forecast on your local television stations, but I’m here to assure you what was once a flurry of fanciful daydreams is now a reality: snow, real snow, is finally coming to Florida.
At Snowcat Ridge, The Cold Is “Snow” Joke!
Last year, thanks to Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park, Florida experienced the biggest (and basically only) snow since that wild January of 1977!1 This year, Snowcat Ridge is working their wintry magic once again and are open for another season of snowy fun.
Of course, the biggest question is, “how do they make it snow in Florida??”
Well, according to Snowcat Ridge’s website, there are only two ingredients: water and a whole lot of magic. Which still leaves us pretty curious.
They did report that over a million dollars were spent in snow-making research, so, we know they’re pretty serious about their business.2 And as the first and only snow-biz in Florida, I suppose a few trade secrets are understandable. (Though, if I had to hazard a guess, it’s probably something to do with compressed air, water, and a cooling system of some kind.3)
While we might not know the super-secret science behind Snowcat Ridge, we do know good, wholesome fun when we see it! Located in Dade City and open until late March, you simply have to throw on a coat and mittens and check it out for yourself! Perfect for a family fun day or Hallmark-level date night, Snowcat offers wintry wonders for all visitors.
Snowy Slopes – Snowcat’s Slip ‘n’ Slide
When you get to Snowcat Ridge Alpine Park, you’ll probably notice Snowy Slopes right away. They’re kind of hard to miss, towering 60-feet high like a snowcapped mountain. However, rather than skiing down this 400-foot-long summit, you’re invited to partake in some pretty radical snow tubing! (Which, for balance-challenged people like me, is much better than skiing any day, LOL!)
Tubing can be done individually, as a couple, or even as a family with Snowcat’s ginormous 10-person innertubes! With general admission, you’ll have a two-hour tubing session where you can rocket down the slopes over and over again. Best of all, there’s a conveyor lift to get you back to the top after every plummet. Phew!
Can’t get enough tubing? Snowcat’s got you covered with an all-day, unlimited tubing upgrade! If you’re a bit of a thrill-seeker, then this is how you’ll want to spend most of your snow day. After all, snowy slopes are basically nature’s roller coasters.
Arctic Igloo – Baby, It’s Cold Inside!
Ideal for kiddos and fun-loving adults, the Arctic Igloo at Snowcat Ridge gives you the chance to live out your snowiest dreams – whether that’s making a snow angel or building the cutest-ever snowman. While snowball fights aren’t allowed, there is a snowball target area so you can still lob a bunch of tightly-packed snow through the air. (C’mon, I know you want to!)
Filled to the brim with 10,000 square feet of snow, Arctic Igloo is open to visitors all day long with general admission. Kiddos will especially love the plastic toys Snowcat provides for ultimate snow-sculpting, as well as the small-scale “bunny slopes.”
Be sure to dress warm – the enclosed igloo environment is kept at a frigid 30 degrees! Oh, and so you know, you might have to pause your play now and then so the igloo can undergo a 5 to 10-minute “snow grooming” session; this just keeps the white stuff nice and fluffy! Lastly – and I know it’s tempting – Snowcat kindly asks that you don’t eat the snow. After all, that could cause supply issues since they’re making it from scratch. And people have been walking all over it. (That’s probably the real reason for the rule, now that I think about it…)
If the Arctic Igloo wasn’t cool enough, you can even rent your own private igloo at Eskimo Outpost! This is an awesome option for birthday parties or special get-togethers. Each private igloo is 500 square feet, festively decorated, and fitted with a fire pit that’s perfect for roasting s’mores. Now that’s what winter is all about!
Crystal Ribbon Ice Skating
Snowcat Ridge has a fantastic outdoor ice skating ribbon and beginner oval so you can glide away the day, no matter your skill level! Soak up the Florida sun while you slide, or enjoy the nightly music and light show as darkness falls across the Crystal Ribbon rink.
(Guests are welcome to bring their own skates, or you can rent a pair all day for $9.95, FYI!)
Even if you’re like me and fall down a lot when you skate, it’s still fun taking a turn or two around the ribbon – especially if you’re with friends who’ll help you back up! You might even find yourself getting the hang of it and really start flying!
Alpine Village – S’mores Roasting On An Open Fire
The Alpine Village has everything you need to make your Snowcat Ridge experience the best it can be. From delicious food to a fun gift shop, Alpine Village is definitely worth a visit in between the tubing and snowman building!
The Village’s food court is made up of an army of food trucks, and everyone knows food trucks have the best grub! There’s Vato’s Tacos, which serves authentic tacos, nachos, and quesadillas – including breakfast versions in the morning! Once you’ve tasted an authentic taco, Taco Bell will never be quite as satisfying. (Don’t say I didn’t warn you.)
You can also stop by Slices & Co. for New York style pizza or check out Oh My Grill! for juicy hamburgers, pulled pork, mac n cheese, and more!
Of course, dessert is the best part, so you’ll want to save room for Sunkissed Sweets. At this decadent food truck, they’re serving up s’mores campfire funnel cake fries, giant cinnamon rolls, and oreo-stuffed churros.
If that wasn’t enough, you can even roast your own s’mores at the Alpine Village campfire! And for adults, Snowcat Ridge also serves up some craft and seasonal beers to enjoy. (And “Decadent Drinks” is coming soon with deluxe hot cocoa, coffee, lattes, and tea!)
I don’t know about you, but I think I could spend all day here!
If you’re looking to enjoy a little winter in the warmth of Florida, Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park is the place to be! It’s a totally unique day trip that’s awesome for friend groups, dates, or a family outing. You’re sure to make some spectacular memories out on the slopes or while building a snowman!
Have you been to Snowcat Ridge? What was your favorite part?? Sprinkle some snow in the comments below!
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