St Joe Road Scenic Drive
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St Joe Road Scenic Drive

4
·5k reviews·Dade City, United States

Experience a magical winter wonderland in Florida with snow tubing, ice skating, and a real snow igloo!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, magical lights

CrowdLow
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St Joe Road Scenic Drive

St Joe Road Scenic Drive

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, magical lights

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience a magical winter wonderland in Florida with snow tubing, ice skating, and a real snow igloo!

4
(5k reviews)

"It is truly a winter wonderland. The tubing was amazing!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Fast Pass is Worth It

Consider the fast pass for quicker access to tubing, especially on busier days.

🧤 Bring or Buy Gloves

Essential for the snow igloo! You can buy them on-site if you forget.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Snow Tubing Thrills

Snow Tubing Thrills

Snow Tubing Lanes

Experience exhilarating rides down fast slopes, with minimal wait times during off-peak hours. A must-do for all ages!

Winter Wonderland Igloo

Winter Wonderland Igloo

Snow Globe

Step into a magical igloo filled with real snow for a unique Florida winter experience. Perfect for snowball fights and photos.

Ice Skating Rink

Ice Skating Rink

Ice Skating Area

Glide across a spacious ice rink, offering a classic winter activity for couples and families alike.

Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus

Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus

Santa's Village

Enjoy heartwarming interactions with Santa and Mrs. Claus, adding a festive touch to your visit.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Costs

Snowcat Ridge can get pricey, especially with parking and admission fees. Consider visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours to potentially save money and avoid longer lines for popular attractions like tubing. Some visitors suggest the fast pass is worth the extra cost for a smoother experience.

Dress for the Occasion

While tubing can be done in regular clothes, the snow igloo is where you'll want to be prepared for real snow. Bringing gloves is highly recommended, or you can purchase them on-site. Layers are key to staying comfortable in the chilly, snowy environment.

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, magical lights
Crowd
Low
When
Opening day, 5-7 PM
Why
Daylight to night transition
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends (off-peak hours)
Why
Experience snow without peak rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Snowcat Ridge: how's the snow?

🎟️ Fast Pass is Worth It

Consider the fast pass for quicker access to tubing, especially on busier days. Reddit

🧤 Bring or Buy Gloves

Essential for the snow igloo! You can buy them on-site if you forget. Reddit

💰 Consider Weekday Visits

Save money and avoid crowds by visiting on weekdays if possible. Reddit

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Take advantage of photo opportunities with staff and festive decorations. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Fast Pass is Worth It

Consider the fast pass for quicker access to tubing, especially on busier days. Reddit

🧤 Bring or Buy Gloves

Essential for the snow igloo! You can buy them on-site if you forget. Reddit

💰 Consider Weekday Visits

Save money and avoid crowds by visiting on weekdays if possible. Reddit

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Take advantage of photo opportunities with staff and festive decorations. Reddit

🧣 Dress in Layers

Stay comfortable in the cold by wearing layers, especially for the snow igloo. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Snowcat Ridge offers a unique winter wonderland experience in Florida, with highlights like thrilling snow tubing, a fun snow igloo, and an ice skating rink. Visitors consistently praise the friendly and energetic staff, who contribute significantly to the magical atmosphere. While the cost of admission and parking is a common point of concern, many find the experience to be a worthwhile splurge for a memorable holiday outing.

"Super awesome place to visit especially if your a Floridian and have never seen snow. The ice skating was great, The slopes are really fast with very little lines, and my kids absolutely loved playing in the snow inside the igloo. Would definitely visit again when we are in the area!"

pete koh

"We are originally from MN so to find somewhere with real snow was pretty cool! The staff was great, everyone was extremely helpful and friendly. We had a great time! It did get busier as the night went on, when it was dark out the wait times for tubing were longer.
We wish the igloo with snow was a bit larger although we can understand why it’s not!
We did think that it was a little costly having to pay for parking and admission. It’s definitely only going to be a once a year thing for us. We wouldn’t be able to justify admission and parking again. We also wished that the ice skating was included in admission.
We felt that the food was fairly priced and was pretty good! We were pleasantly surprised! We didn’t get any desserts, the s’mores felt a little high in price for us so we opted out!

The real cherry on the top was Mrs. Claus, she really is an outstanding person. We are still talking about our interaction with her.

Overall a great experience!!!"

Andrea Kalkbrenner

"We had a great time here. Was not too crowded. Yes it’s pricey but it’s the only snow tubing in Florida. Think what it would cost to go up further north to tube. The snow globe was was fun. Kids played there for a while. You can do the tubing in regular clothes. Only really need “snow clothes” for the globe. Lots of fun. Glad we went."

Danielle Castillo

What People Like

Friendly and energetic staff
Unique snow experience
Fun snow tubing

What People Dislike

High admission/parking cost
Ice skating extra cost

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Snowcat Ridge is located in Dade City, Florida. While specific public transport options are limited, driving is the most common way to access the attraction. Parking is available on-site, though it incurs an additional fee. Reddit

Yes, parking is available at Snowcat Ridge, but it comes with an extra charge. Visitors have noted this as part of the overall cost. Reddit

Driving is the most convenient method for most visitors. Plan your route in advance and be prepared for potential traffic, especially during peak seasons or weekends. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission can be considered pricey, with separate fees for parking and entry. Some reviews mention it's a 'once a year thing' due to the cost. Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to streamline the process. Reddit

Yes, there are options like a 'fast pass' which some visitors found to be worth the extra expense for quicker access to tubing. Reddit

Based on reviews, ice skating is often an additional cost and not included in the general admission. Reddit

Online ticket purchases are recommended and were described as 'no hassle' by one visitor. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current ticketing information and availability. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, especially between seasons and days of the week. Visitors have enjoyed the transition from daylight to night with lights and music during the 5-7 PM tubing time slot. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours. Reddit

🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience

Snowcat Ridge offers snow tubing, an ice skating rink, and a snow igloo for playing in real snow. They also have festive decorations, scavenger hunts, and opportunities to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Reddit

The snow igloo provides a real snow experience, perfect for snowball fights. While some visitors enjoyed it, one query mentioned concerns about the snow getting icy or dirty. It's a unique Florida attraction, but manage expectations regarding the snow's condition throughout the day. Reddit

Yes, you can do the tubing in regular clothes. However, for the snow igloo, 'snow clothes' are more appropriate, and gloves are highly recommended. Reddit

Yes, locker rentals are available. One visitor noted a minor issue with a specific locker but was provided with a working alternative. Reddit

Absolutely! Families with children rave about the snow igloo and tubing. The staff's energy and interactions, including photo opportunities, make it a memorable experience for all ages. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The food at Snowcat Ridge has been described as fairly priced and pretty good, with visitors pleasantly surprised. Reddit

Desserts are available, but some visitors found the s'mores to be a bit high in price and opted out. Reddit

While not explicitly detailed in reviews, the organized food process and availability of fire pits for roasting marshmallows suggest adequate dining arrangements. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The snow igloo, ice skating rink, and festive decorations offer great photo opportunities. Staff members have also been known to assist with taking memorable group photos, even suggesting fun poses. Reddit

Yes, meeting and taking photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus is a highlight for many visitors, adding to the festive atmosphere. Reddit

The attraction is beautifully lit with numerous lights, especially after dark, creating a magical ambiance perfect for evening photography. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Snowcat Ridge is a fantastic destination for families looking for a unique winter experience in Florida. The snow igloo is a huge hit with children, offering a chance to play in real snow, build snowmen, and have snowball fights. The snow tubing is also a major draw, with fast slopes that kids (and adults!) will love. Reddit

To make the most of your family visit, consider purchasing a fast pass to minimize wait times for tubing, especially if you have impatient little ones. Dressing in layers and bringing gloves for the snow igloo are essential tips. The friendly staff and opportunities to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus add an extra layer of magic for younger visitors. While it can be pricey, the joy and memories created often make it a worthwhile splurge for a special family outing. Reddit

💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers

For those mindful of their spending, Snowcat Ridge can be approached strategically. While admission and parking fees are noted as significant, visiting on weekdays can sometimes offer a slight reduction in crowds and potentially less pressure on pricing. Reddit

Focus on the core attractions like snow tubing and the snow igloo, which are the main draws. While ice skating and some food items might be pricier, the food that is available has been described as fairly priced and good. Consider packing your own snacks if allowed, or prioritize the activities that offer the most bang for your buck. The experience itself, being a unique snow attraction in Florida, can be seen as a valuable one-time adventure. Reddit

couples

Snowcat Ridge offers a charming and festive escape for couples looking for a unique date experience. Glide hand-in-hand on the ice skating rink, or share a thrilling ride down the snow tubing slopes. The magical ambiance, especially in the evening with all the lights, creates a romantic winter wonderland setting. Reddit

Don't miss the opportunity to capture memories with photos, perhaps even a playful snowball fight in the snow igloo. Enjoying a warm drink by the fire pits or sharing a treat adds to the cozy atmosphere. While it can be a bit of a splurge, the unique combination of winter activities and festive cheer makes it a memorable outing for couples seeking something different. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Snow Experience: Real Snow in Florida

Snowcat Ridge is a unique destination in Florida, offering a genuine snow experience that's a novelty for many residents. The snow igloo is a central attraction, allowing visitors to play in real snow, build snowmen, and even have snowball fights. While the idea of real snow in Florida is exciting, some reviews hint at potential concerns about the snow's consistency throughout the day, with one user questioning if it gets icy or dirty. However, the overall sentiment is positive, with many appreciating the chance to experience winter activities without traveling north. Reddit

For those planning to fully immerse themselves in the snow, bringing gloves is a highly recommended tip from visitors. While you can tube in regular clothes, the igloo is where you'll feel the chill and the texture of the snow. The staff's dedication to maintaining a fun atmosphere, even in the snow-filled areas, contributes to the magical winter wonderland feel that many visitors seek. Reddit

Navigating Costs and Value

A recurring theme in reviews for Snowcat Ridge is its perceived cost. Visitors often mention that admission, parking, and sometimes even extras like ice skating can add up, leading some to consider it a 'once a year thing.' This is understandable given that it's a specialized attraction offering a unique experience in a region not known for snow. Reddit

However, many visitors also find value in the experience, especially when comparing it to the cost of traveling further north for similar winter activities. The fast pass is frequently cited as a worthwhile investment for those who want to maximize their tubing time and minimize wait times. Additionally, the food has been surprisingly well-received, with fair pricing and good quality, which can help offset other expenses. Ultimately, the decision on whether it's 'worth it' often depends on individual priorities and expectations for a Florida-based snow attraction. Reddit

Staff and Atmosphere: The Human Touch

The staff at Snowcat Ridge consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, energy, and helpfulness. Visitors frequently highlight interactions with team members who go the extra mile to ensure everyone is having a fun time, from assisting with tubing to offering creative photo opportunities. This positive human element significantly enhances the overall guest experience and contributes to the attraction's reputation as a welcoming place. Reddit

Special mentions often go to characters like Mrs. Claus, who is described as an 'outstanding person' and a highlight of the visit. The overall atmosphere is described as a 'winter wonderland,' with well-decorated shops and an organized process for activities like tubing and food. This attention to detail, combined with the enthusiastic staff, creates a memorable and festive environment that makes visitors feel like they've stepped into a holiday dream. Reddit

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