For a state that loves tubing its prolific lakes in the summertime, it makes sense that Michigan folks cruise the slopes in a similar fashion when the snow falls, too. Propelling down a hill in an air-filled donut might sound nuts, but at these Northern Michigan resorts, parks and ski areas, it’s downright exhilarating. Plus with supervision and professionally built courses, it’s a thrill for all ages.

Timberlee Hills, Traverse City

Say “wheeeeeeeeeee!” as you shoot down the hill, then sit back and enjoy the scenic ride back up to the top of the run on Timberlee’s tried and true towline. Warm-up by the fireside and refuel with hot cocoa and pizza inside the lodge—a perfect spot to host an outing or party. Tandem tubes available for small riders and their parents. Rates start at $14 for one hour and $24 for two hours. Here’s more hill info.

Mt. Holiday, Traverse City

Tucked into the back hills of Traverse City, the community non-profit recreation area known as Mt. Holiday features snow tubing rates as low as $11 for one hour on weekdays (view 2019 rates here). They even host tubing birthday parties!

Shanty Creek Resorts, Bellaire

At Shanty Creek, Alpine Tubing will send your spirit soaring at the multi-lane park. Rates start at $15 for an hour or $25 for two hours, and tubers must be at least 36″ tall to blaze the multi-lane tube park. Plan your visit.

Treetops Resort, Gaylord

Located right next to the ski slopes, Treetops’ tube park offers one-hour tubing sessions for $15 on Fridays and Sundays and $20 on Saturdays. Ski and snowboard boots are not permitted in the park, so don’t forget to bring your winter boots. Find out more about the extreme tubing park.

Need an excuse to come Up North? Check out these gorgeous outdoor winter getaways.

Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls

You don’t have to trek up the hill to get your kicks, simply clip your tube onto the conveyor and enjoy the ride to the top from the comfort of your tube. Choose from the one-hour pass for $25 or the two-hour pass for $35. Plan your trip with Boyne’s Tubing Park schedule.

Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs

Kids and adults alike love the 800-foot tubing run at Boyne Highlands. Purchase tubing tickets at the lift ticket windows Ages five and up. Find out more here.

Mt. Zion Recreational Complex, Ironwood

Mt. Zion is located in the Upper Peninsula on the campus of Gogebic Community College. Known for its reasonable rates, snow tubing park and its learn-to-ski and snowboard programs, Mt. Zion is a great place to plan a winter adventure. A two-hour snow tubing session costs $18 for adults and children. Check out Mt. Zion’s snow tubing schedule.

Ski Brule, Iron River

Located in the Upper Peninsula, Ski Brule offers two tubing areas—the Whitewater Snow Tubing Park and the Homestead Snow Tubing Park. For $6 you can hop on your tube for five exciting rides down the Whitewater Tubing Park, or for $5 get unlimited tubing at the Homestead Tubing Park. Details here.

Totally Tubular: Timberlee Hills

Hey fun-seekers, pull on that retro snowsuit and caravan out to Timberlee Hills, just 10 minutes outside of Traverse City. 

Timberlee supplies the goods: Snag up a tube—double tubes available for those with small children—from the collection at the base of the hill and pull it to the lift line. A tow rope will hoist you to the summit.

Once at the top, another staff member will give the go-ahead, and then it’s time to hang on for dear life! Get a running start and belly flop face-first, or get a push and coast down in luge position. As you near the end, it’s imperative to drag your feet to brake or you risk propelling into the parking lot. At the bottom, gather your wits and remaining courage and race back to the lift for another go.

Take a breather and warm up your frozen digits with some liquid courage inside the lodge. For those taking advantage of the two-hour ticket, Timberlee offers the option to split your time.

They will activate your second hour after your respite so you don’t have to worry about whiling away your tubing time indoors. Purchase tickets in the lodge—$14 for one hour or $24 for two. It’s first come, first serve, just call ahead for groups of 20 or more.

Photo(s) by Angela Brown