SNOWCAT RIDGE
CHILLIN’ AT FLORIDA’S WINTER WONDERLAND
Written by: Ava Grace
You don’t have to travel far to snow tube,
make a snowman, ice skate, sip on hot
chocolate and enjoy a cozy campfire.
Do all of this and much more at Snowcat
Ridge in Dade City, a day trip or
weekender between Tampa and Orlando, the “magic
of winter in the Sunshine State,” marketing director
Jon Pianki says.
While some transplants will miss Midwest and eastern
snows, others have never experienced the fun of such
things. Snowcat Ridge is great for both camps.
Snowcat Ridge features a giant tubing hill, with a
magic-carpet lift to the top. Slide down the slopes,
single, tandem or on a family tube for up to 10 riders.
At the 10,000-square-foot Arctic Igloo make snowballs,
snow angels, snowmen/women.
THE WINTERY
FUN GOES ON
DAY OR NIGHT.
There’s a bunny slope for the littles (3 and under),
and skate the Crystal Ribbon arena (rent or
bring your own). And there’s food to stoke empty
bellies at Alpine Village—tacos to pizza and
hamburgers and refreshments including beer and
wine. Plenty of shopping too. There is also the
new Eskimo Outpost for birthday parties, group
events and outings.
The wintery fun goes on day or night, as there’s
nightly music and a light show. And there are
three campfires to enjoy delicious s’mores in the
Snowy Slopes viewing area. “Last year we had
guests from all over Florida, as well as California,
Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, Maine,
Oklahoma, Illinois and Arkansas—just to name a
few,” says Pianki.
Snowcat Ridge has spent the last year updating
and expanding. “With nearly $6 million invested
between last year’s season and this year’s, we’ve
incorporated everything from brand new food
and beverage offerings to upgraded snow and ice
systems—all to create an even more immersive and
memorable experience for our guests,” adds Pianki.
Also expanded was Snowy Slopes for a better
tubing experience. Just updated was the chilling
and snow production in the Arctic Igloo.
Snowcat Ridge is open November through
March, so grab your winter clothes—gloves, hats,
pants and a light jacket—and hit the slopes! FCM
