Ice skating, snow tubing, throwing snowballs in Florida? You can at Snowcat Ridge

Cheryl McCloud, Treasure Coast Newspapers
Updated ·6 min read

Snow? In Florida?

While North Florida has seen snow in the past, and there's even been snow reported in Miami — in 1977 — if you really want enough to play in, then Snowcat Ridge is the place to go.

Especially since current forecasts call for temperatures from the 60s into the 80s for Thanksgiving and a wet winter and normal temperatures ahead for Florida.

What is Snowcat Ridge?

"Snowcat Ridge is Florida's only snow park, offering a one-of-a-kind experience in the Sunshine State," said Chief Marketing Officer Jon Pianki.

"The park features a 60-foot-tall and 400-foot-long snow tubing hill, a 16,000-square-foot ice skating ribbon, an igloo filled with real snow and more. The park truly brings the holiday spirit to locals and Florida visitors."

Snowcat Ridge first opened in November 2020.

Where is Snowcat Ridge?

Snowcat Ridge is located in Dade City, northeast of Tampa. It's the only one in the U.S.

The attraction's address is 27839 Saint Joe Road, Dade City, 33525.

When will Snowcat Ridge open for the 2023 season?

Snowcat Ridge opens from November through February every season.

In 2023, it originally planned to open Nov. 17. The opening was delayed until Dec. 3 due to delays in construction of new restroom facilities.

The season will end at 8 p.m. Feb. 25, 2024.

Hours and days are listed on Snowcat's website.

The length of the season may change depending on weather conditions.

The park is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas but is open on New Year's Day.

Does Snowcat Ridge make 'real snow'?

Build a snowman or practice snowball throwing skills in the Arctic Igloo.
Build a snowman or practice snowball throwing skills in the Arctic Igloo.

It does, with "magic and water," Pianki said.

It also helps the park has "a lot of equipment designed specifically to freeze water from underneath the Snowy Slopes so we don't end up with a big water slide."

What is there to do at Snowcat Ridge?

Activities include:

How much are tickets for Snowcat Ridge?

Tickets range in price depending on the day. General admission tickets start at $19.95. Ice skate rental is not included in any of the ticket prices. Children under 2 are free.

Through Nov. 10, the park is offering 10 percent off the price of tickets if you use the promo code SNOW23.

You can bring your own ice skates, or rent them for $9.95.

Due limited capacity, the park recommends guests purchase their tickets online to guarantee admission. If a particular time slot sells out, tickets will not be available at the box office.

General admission: The general admission ticket includes a two-hour snow tubing session on Snowy Slopes and all-day access to the Arctic Igloo, Alpine Village, Santa's Christmas Lane, and Crystal Ribbon until park closing.

General Admission + Unlimited Snow Tubing: ticket includes unlimited snow tubing on Snowy Slopes and all-day access to the Arctic Igloo, Alpine Village, Santa’s Christmas Lane, and Crystal Ribbon until park closing.

General Admission + VIP Fast Pass ticket includes:

  • 2-hour snow tubing session on Snowy Slopes

  • Access to Snowy Slopes 10-person tube VIP Fast Pass lane

  • Access to Snowy Slopes single & tandem tube VIP Fast Pass lane

  • All-day access to the Arctic Igloo, Alpine Village, Santa’s Christmas Lane, and Crystal Ribbon until park closing

  • All-day access to Crystal Ribbon ice skate rental pick-up VIP Fast Pass lane

General Admission + VIP Fast Pass + Unlimited Snow Tubing ticket includes:

  • Unlimited snow tubing session on Snowy Slopes

  • Access to Snowy Slopes 10-person tube VIP Fast Pass lane

  • Access to Snowy Slopes single & tandem tube VIP Fast Pass lane

  • All-day access to the Arctic Igloo, Alpine Village, Santa’s Christmas Lane, and Crystal Ribbon until park closing

  • All-day access to Crystal Ribbon ice skate rental pick-up VIP Fast Pass lane

When are the busiest days at Snowcat Ridge?

Pianki said most guests visit in the weeks and days leading up to Christmas.

Is there a charge for parking at Snowcat Ridge?

Yes. Preferred parking is $21 per vehicle. Standard parking is $16 per vehicle.

Does Snowcat Ridge close if it rains? What about a refund?

Snowcat Ridge is open rain, snow or shine. The park does not offer refunds or rain checks to customers who do not attend due to weather.

If the park does close for safety considerations, customers will receive a full refund.

Waiver required for entry into Snowcat Ridge

The park requires all guests age 2 years old and older to complete a waiver before entering. Guests under 18 must have their parent’s or guardian’s signature on their waiver. Entry into the park without correctly completing a waiver will be considered trespassing.

Complete the waiver ahead of time at Waiver.SnowcatRidge.com.

It's Florida, at a snow park. What should you wear?

Closed toes secure shoes are required on Snowy Slopes and in the Arctic Igloo.

Socks are required to rent ice skates. Socks are available for purchase.

While inside the Arctic Igloo, the park recommends wearing warm, water-resistant clothing including gloves and boots since it is real snow.

Layering is recommended since some attractions are outdoors. Lockers are available to rent.

Snowcat Ridge sells hats, gloves and sweaters.

What is the coldest temperature on record for Florida?

On Feb. 13, 1899, temperatures fell to 2 degrees below zero in Tallahassee, according to the National Weather Service.

This occurred during the "Great Arctic Outbreak." Numerous all-time record low temperatures were set in several U.S. cities. Flurries were even reported from Tampa to New Orleans.

On Jan. 19, 1977, snow fell in South Florida for the first time in recorded history, according to the National Weather Service.

Snow was seen across all of Southeast Florida as far south as Homestead and even on Miami Beach.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Snowcat Ridge Florida alpine snow park season opening in November