Snow tubing is the one winter thrill ride near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and it has nothing to do with the river. It happens on a man-made snow hill run by the same company that runs summer river trips. Here is who runs it, where it really is, what the 2026–27 season looks like so far, and how to plan around the weather. It's part of our things to do in Harpers Ferry guide.
Know before you go
| Operator | Snow Riders, run by River Riders — snowriders.com |
| Where | 408 Alstadts Hill Rd, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 (River Riders property, not in Lower Town) |
| 2026–27 opening | Planned for November 20, 2026, as of November 2026. No closing date published |
| Session | 1.5 hours of unlimited riding; sessions start every 30 minutes |
| Price | Main hill from $34; kiddie hill $10 per child and $10 per supervising adult |
| Height | 36 in. minimum on the main hill; 36–42 in. ride tandem with a guardian |
| Tickets | Online, in advance only. No exchange or refund for unused tickets |
| Snow | Machine-made; runs rain or shine and doesn't close for cold |
| Phone | 304-535-2665 |
Who runs snow tubing in Harpers Ferry?
Snow tubing at Harpers Ferry is run by Snow Riders, part of River Riders, the outfitter best known for summer rafting, river tubing, ziplines and an aerial adventure park. River Riders describes its snow hill as "the longest in the East," and Snow Riders' own site says its longest hill runs "nearly 900 feet." Both are the operator's claims. Snow Riders says it runs up to 36 lanes depending on demand, with Magic Carpet conveyor lifts back to the top, and for the 2026–27 season it advertises "2 New Hills for 2026."
Where is the Harpers Ferry snow tubing hill?
The snow tubing hill is at 408 Alstadts Hill Road, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 25425, on the River Riders property. That is a Harpers Ferry mailing address, but it is not in Lower Town and not inside Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, so the park's entrance fee and shuttle don't apply. Plan to drive there and park on site; ask Snow Riders about parking when you book.
Restrooms, lockers and key check are in the River Riders main office. Snow Riders sells hot chocolate slopeside, and Alstadts Ale House on the same property serves burgers, beer and cocktails. Outside food is allowed at the outdoor picnic tables.
When does snow tubing open for 2026–27?
As of November 2026, Snow Riders says it started making snow on October 7 and plans to open on November 20, 2026. Its FAQ says snowmaking starts in early October so the hill can open around Thanksgiving. Snow Riders hasn't published a closing date, so check snowriders.com for the latest.
Two dates give a sense of the busiest stretches. Snow Riders' season passes are blacked out December 24, 2026 to January 1, 2027, January 16 to 18, 2027 and February 13 to 15, 2027, which line up with the winter holidays and the January and February long weekends. If you can, book a weekday.
How much does snow tubing cost?
As of November 2026, Snow Riders lists these prices. Book through the operator's site, where you'll see the exact price for your session.
| Ticket | Price (as of Nov 2026) | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Main hill ("Hour Glass") | From $34 | 1.5 hours of unlimited riding, tube and Magic Carpet lift |
| Kiddie hill, child under 36 in. | $10 | 1.5 hours on the kiddie lanes only |
| Kiddie hill, supervising adult | $10 | Required for each group of kids on the kiddie hill |
| Harpers Ferry Light Show | $17.99, ages 3+ | 60-minute evening walk on a lit trail |
| Season passes | Check with Snow Riders | Frosty, Blizzard and Eddy passes; blackout dates apply |
Snow Riders offers military and large-group discounts by phone. A parent who isn't tubing doesn't need a main-hill ticket, but every minor who rides does.
What are the age and height rules?
The main hill has a minimum height of 36 inches. Snow Riders sets these rules:
- Under 36 inches: kiddie hill only. It is about 50 feet long with gentler lanes and no conveyor, so kids walk back up. An adult with a ticket must stay with them.
- 36 to 42 inches: ride tandem with a guardian, each in their own tube, as conditions allow.
- Over 42 inches: ride in your own lane.
- Under 18: a parent or guardian must sign the release.
Everyone sits in the tube, bottom down. No kneeling, standing or riding face down, no skis, snowboards or sleds, and one rider per tube. Helmets are optional: bring your own or ask for one at check-in. Animals aren't allowed on the hill.
Does Harpers Ferry snow tubing need real snow?
No. Snow Riders makes its own snow, and its FAQ says its second snowmaking system doesn't need freezing temperatures. Natural snow is a bonus, not a requirement. The weather still matters, though:
- Warm or rainy days: the hill runs rain or shine. Rain and warmth make the snow slower; cold evenings make it faster.
- Cold: the hill doesn't close for cold, so dress for it.
- Not enough snow: Snow Riders may run fewer lanes or suspend operations, and says it will notify guests.
- Storms: closures in a blizzard are a safety call. Check road conditions before you drive, and call 304-535-2665 or check Snow Riders' social media for updates.
The kiddie hill is a separate case. Snow Riders says it opens only when conditions and snow allow, sometimes decided day by day.
Do you need to buy snow tubing tickets in advance?
Yes. Snow Riders sells tickets in advance and online only, with full payment at booking. There's no pay-on-arrival option. Each session has a limited number of tickets, sold first come, first served.
A few booking rules to know:
- Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to check in and sign the waiver.
- Late arrivals lose time. Missed time can't be moved to another session.
- Refunds: the ticket page says "No Exchange or Refund for Unused Tickets." The FAQ mentions optional cancellation protection and a 3-day cancellation window, so read the terms at checkout.
- To reschedule for weather, call the office.
What should you wear snow tubing?
Wear waterproof layers. Snow Riders recommends a waterproof jacket and pants, a hat, gloves, glasses and boots. Its weather page adds moisture-wicking base layers instead of cotton, warm socks, waterproof gloves or mittens and a neck gaiter or face covering.
Also bring:
- Dry clothes and socks for the drive home.
- A card or phone for food. Outside food is fine at the picnic tables.
- Your own helmet if you want one, though you can ask for one there.
Leave valuables in the car or a locker. Snow Riders says it isn't liable for broken or lost items.
How is snow tubing different from summer river tubing?
Snow tubing and river tubing share a name and, in River Riders' case, a company, but they are different trips in different seasons. Our tubing and rafting guide covers the river side.
| Snow tubing (Snow Riders) | River tubing | |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter; planned to open Nov 20, 2026 | Mainly Memorial Day to Labor Day |
| Where | Groomed hill, 408 Alstadts Hill Rd | Shenandoah or Potomac, depending on outfitter |
| Time | 1.5-hour session, about 6–12 runs | About 1–2.5 hours on the water (Harpers Ferry Adventure Center) |
| Getting back up | Magic Carpet conveyor lift | Outfitter bus or shuttle |
| What stops it | Not enough snow, or blizzards | High water: no tubing at 6–10 ft on River Riders' scale |
| Minimum | 36 in. tall for the main hill | Varies by outfitter and trip, e.g. River Riders says river tubing generally suits ages 6–8 (50 lb) and up |
| Wear | Waterproof winter layers | Swimsuit, strap-on shoes, a life jacket |
Can you combine snow tubing with Lower Town?
Yes, but watch the park's winter hours. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is open year-round except Thanksgiving, December 25 and January 1. The Lower Town museums are open daily 9am to 5pm, and in standard time the last shuttle from Lower Town to the Visitor Center leaves at 5:30pm. A good winter plan is Lower Town in the morning and an afternoon or evening tubing session. Evening sessions include "Downhill Disco," with LED lights and music, and Wednesday "Hump Day" tubing runs 5pm to 9pm.
In December, Olde Tyme Christmas fills Harpers Ferry and Bolivar on the weekends of December 5 to 6 and 12 to 13, 2026, after an opening night on December 4. See our Christmas in Harpers Ferry guide and the seasons hub, plus parking, fees and the shuttle for the park side of the day.
Where to stay for a snow tubing trip
River Riders offers cabins and rentals on its property, and there are hotels in Harpers Ferry, Charles Town and Shepherdstown. See where to stay near Harpers Ferry and camping and cabins. For a summer return trip, see the Harpers Ferry waterpark and Adventure Center guide.
