We tried Snowcat Ridge, Florida's human-made winter wonderland
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The Arctic Igloo at Snowcat Ridge. Photo: Kathryn Varn/Axios
We've braved bizarro fair food, literal fire and Tampa Bay's own uncanny valley-beach in the name of journalism.
- This week, we took on the most harrowing experience yet for a couple of thermally challenged Floridians: snow.
Why it matters: Now in its fifth year, Snowcat Ridge, has become a winter mainstay, boasting snow tubing, ice skating and a giant Fyre Festival-esque dome full of manufactured snow.
- Surely, even the gimmick haters among us are curious what the attraction 10 miles west of Dade City is like — and if it's worth it.
State of play: We, along with editor Jeff and bureau chief Kristen, ventured to the park on a sunny Wednesday morning with highs in the 70s.
- All the attractions are outside except for the Arctic Igloo, where a pile of snow made from "two parts magic, one part water" and 30ish-degree temps are maintained by the force of half a dozen cooling fans.
- That's the only time you'll need water-resistant layers and winter gear like gloves and hats. (Some gear is available for sale at the park, but keep reading for our notes on cost.)
- Otherwise, stick your gear and jacket in a rental locker ($5) or your car. The park allows reentry with your wristband.
Zoom in: Tubing happens on the Snowy Slopes, a series of 400-foot slides coated in ice and snow.
- The single-rider tube was bulky and heavy. We'd recommend the lighter — and, in our experience, faster — tandem tubes or the giant tubes that can fit up to 10 people and are handled only by park staff.
- Our rides down were fun! The slopes were melty and slick, so we picked up some serious speed. There's a reason the safety video says to secure loose items and keep your limbs in the tube.
Pro tip: We splurged for fast passes, but they weren't necessary during our daytime outing. We're told it gets packed at night.
Next up: The snow-filled dome.
- While the hard, icy snow was perfect for packing, DO NOT get in a snowball fight. That is NOT ALLOWED, which we definitely DID NOT learn the hard way.
- Instead, throw it at the yeti targets along the wall, or be wholesome and make a couple snow angels.
Friction point: The cost. General admission tickets range from $30-47 depending on the day and time. Buy them online. They're more expensive at the gate.
- They don't include parking (starting at $17), food (starting at $6 for a slice of cheese pizza), and add-ons like unlimited tubing, ice skating and fast passes. Souvenir magnets cost $12 a piece, for gosh sakes.
- Our outing — parking, tickets with fast passes, and lunch and beers (yes, there's a beer garden) for the four of us — totaled well over $400.
The verdict: How much a taste of winter is worth to you is a deeply personal decision, but we had a good time.