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Snow tubing at Mountain Creek is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a snowy hill in Sussex County without skis, at the resort’s tubing park near Cobblestone Village at 200 Route 94 in Vernon. The tubing hill runs in winter once there is enough snow, with two hour sessions sold online only, and our team rounded up the hours, tickets, rules and tips you need before the 2026-27 season starts.
Mountain Creek had not yet posted its 2026-27 tubing opening date or prices when we checked in late October, so we note below which details come from last winter’s schedule. Always confirm on the resort’s snowtubing page before you book.
- What: Snow tubing in two hour sessions with a magic carpet ride back to the top
- Where: Mountain Creek snowtubing hill, entrance in the Vernon General Parking Lot near Cobblestone Village, 200 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462
- When: Winter 2026-27; opening date not yet announced (last season opened Saturday, December 13, 2025)
- Cost: 2026-27 prices not yet posted; last season sessions were $49.99 for two hours
- Link: mountaincreek.com snowtubing
What snow tubing at Mountain Creek is like
Mountain Creek sums it up well: snow tubing is like sledding, only easier, with no hiking back up the hill. You grab a tube, race down a groomed lane, then ride a magic carpet back to the top and do it again. No experience is needed, which makes it one of the best family activities in Sussex County once the snow arrives.
The tubing area sits near Cobblestone Village, the cluster of colorful buildings at the Vernon base of the resort, across the street from The Appalachian hotel. Fire pits stay lit during operating hours so you can warm up between runs, and a concession style food truck serves snacks at the hill.
Snow tubing hours
Every tubing visit is a two hour session, and your time starts when your QR code is scanned. Mountain Creek has not yet posted its 2026-27 hours, but last winter’s schedule gives a good idea of what to expect:
- Monday to Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: Sessions ran between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., with the first session at 4 p.m. and the last at 6 p.m.
- Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Sessions ran between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., with the first session at 10 a.m. and the last at 6 p.m.
The resort notes that session times vary, can sell out, and that daily operations may be delayed or suspended at any time because of weather or snow conditions. Arrive at least 10 minutes before your start time. For the latest hours, check the Mountain Report.
Snow tubing tickets and prices
Tickets are sold online only, and every rider needs one. There are no on-site ticket sales, so book ahead, especially for weekends and school breaks. Last season, Mountain Creek listed snowtubing at $49.99 for a two hour session; watch the snowtubing page for 2026-27 pricing.
Plan carefully, because snowtubing tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Mountain Creek has a 72 hour cancellation policy: if you need to cancel inside that 72 hour window, you get a 75 percent off discount to book another session on a different day and time. Tickets cannot be rescheduled on site, a reservation not rescheduled before its date and time is forfeited, and late arrivals do not get extra time.
Season pass holders get a bonus. Mountain Creek’s 2026-27 season pass page lists free snowtubing on Thursday and Friday nights, except holidays and holiday weeks, subject to availability. Pass holders check in with a team member in a green jacket near the snowtubing picnic table area and need to bring their access card. Our Mountain Creek ski resort guide breaks down the All Access and Value passes and the Triple Play Card.
Planning a party, team or youth group outing? Mountain Creek offers semi-private and private snow tubing dates through its groups page, and advance booking is required.
Height requirements and riding rules
Before you bring little ones, know the size rules. Per Mountain Creek’s snowtubing page:
- Riders must be at least 42 inches tall to ride alone.
- Riders between 36 and 42 inches must ride in a tandem tube or chain link with a responsible adult. Tandem tubes are first come, first served.
- Only one guest per tube, and lap riding is not allowed.
- Ride seated, never on your stomach or head first.
- You can link tubes together with your group, but not after dark.
- Everyone needs a valid snowtubing ticket to get on the magic carpet.
- Proper footwear is required, and ski boots are not allowed.
Staff are on site to help and explain the riding guidelines, and the resort warns that lanes can be slow or the hill can close when conditions change.
Where to park and how to find the hill
Tubing guests should park in North General Parking or the Sandhill Lot. The tubing entrance is in the Vernon General Parking Lot, the big lot across the street from The Appalachian. If you end up in the overflow lot down the road, follow the pathway up toward Cobblestone Village and into the General Parking Lot. Coming from the Red Tail Lodge, cross the footbridge and keep heading toward the General Parking Lot.
Have your QR code ready on your phone or printed out. A team member will scan it at the entrance to the tubing hill, and again at the lift to let you know how much time you have left.
For driving directions, Mountain Creek’s directions page suggests Route 23 North to Route 515 North, then Route 94 South to the resort.
What to wear and bring
You will be outside for two hours on a snowy hill, so dress like it. Mountain Creek suggests a winter jacket, hat, gloves, snow pants, snow boots, warm socks and layers under your outerwear. The resort’s beginner’s guide adds tips like a sweat-wicking base layer and a neck gaiter.
A few more things to know:
- There are no lockers at the tubing hill. If you bring a backpack, you can ride with it in your lap.
- Mountain Creek is cashless, so bring a debit or credit card. A reverse ATM on the first floor of the Red Tail Lodge turns cash into a card.
- Forgot gloves? Monkey Trails at the Red Tail Lodge sells hats, gloves, hand warmers and lip balm, but it is about a 10 to 15 minute walk from the tubing hill, so plan around your session time.
- Food is available from the tubing food truck and at the Red Tail Lodge.
Make a winter day of it in Vernon
Tubing pairs perfectly with a full winter weekend in Vernon. Skiers and snowboarders in your group can hit the slopes while the rest of the crew tubes; see our Mountain Creek ski resort guide for lessons, rentals and lift tickets. For an overnight, our Crystal Springs Resort guide covers the hotels, pools and dining a few minutes away.
Hungry after your session? Our list of the best restaurants in Vernon has plenty of warm-up spots, and our things to do in Vernon NJ guide covers farms, hikes and more. Looking for more winter fun? Try our ice skating in Sussex County guide and our roundup of Christmas events in Sussex County.
Tip from our team: Book your session online as soon as dates are posted, since sessions can sell out, and plan to arrive early enough to park, find the entrance and be there 10 minutes before your start time. Then warm up by the fire pits after your last run. If you have a season pass, save your tubing for a Thursday or Friday night, when pass holders tube for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does snow tubing at Mountain Creek open for 2026-27?
Mountain Creek has not announced its 2026-27 tubing opening date yet. Last season, tubing opened on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Watch the snowtubing page and Mountain Report for updates.
How much is snow tubing at Mountain Creek?
Prices for 2026-27 were not posted yet when we checked. Last season, a two hour session was $49.99. Tickets are sold online only and are non-refundable.
How old do kids have to be to go snow tubing?
Mountain Creek uses height, not age. Riders must be at least 42 inches tall to ride alone, and riders between 36 and 42 inches must ride in a tandem tube or chain link with a responsible adult.
Can I buy snow tubing tickets at the hill?
No. Mountain Creek requires advance online reservations and does not sell tubing tickets on site.
Is snow tubing free with a Mountain Creek season pass?
Season pass holders can tube free on non-holiday Thursday and Friday nights, subject to availability. Bring your access card and check in with a team member at the tubing entrance.
Primary sources: Mountain Creek snowtubing, Mountain Creek season passes, groups, beginner’s guide and directions.
Featured photo: Mountain Creek Resort via mountaincreek.com.
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