Winter might be ending soon, but Midwestern weather is anything but predictable. Who knows for certain when the last snowfall will occur?
Weather permitting, there’s still opportunity to enjoy the snow – both real and man-made – at Alpine Hills Adventure Park, 4402 Larson Ave., Rockford.
“The park will be open as late in the season as we can with our snow stockpiles that we’ve built up,” says Braden Hacker, manager of the snow park at Alpine Hills.
“The Rockford Park District is happy to offer a great outdoor recreation option for individuals and families year-round, and at an affordable price,” he continues. “The snow park at Alpine Hills gives residents and visitors fun ways to enjoy the wintertime here in Rockford when other activities aren’t available.”
The snow hill has a designated area for snow tubing, which features four lanes for participants who are at least 36 inches tall. A separate terrain park has various features and obstacles that change throughout the season for beginner and intermediate snowboarders and skiers.
“We also have a carpet lift that takes tubers, skiers and snowboarders 400 feet from the bottom of the lift to the top for another run,” Hacker adds.
Beginner and novice snowboard lessons are available for $30 on Saturday and Sunday mornings, respectively, which consist of 2 hours of instruction followed by a free hour of time on the hill to practice skills.
“These lessons focus on understanding basics of how snowboarding works and how best to progress further,” Hacker says.
Snow park hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 4-8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tubing tickets cost $10 per person and are good for a 90-minute session on the hill. Tubers can reserve a time slot ahead of time at alpinehillsadventure.com/snowpark.
“Snow tubing may sell out and is not guaranteed without a reservation,” Hacker adds.
Terrain park tickets cost $14 and are good for an entire day. If needed, a snowboard rental package is available and includes a board, boots, bindings, helmet and lift ticket for $60.
“Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill like snowboarding or looking to have a fun winter outing with friends and family, the snow park at Alpine Hills is a great local and affordable option,” Hacker says.
Visitors can reserve a tubing slot, check on snow conditions or sign up for a lesson at alpinehillsadventure.com/snowpark. ❚