Frequently Asked Questions
Have a different question? Contact our staff.
Mountain Information
What are the requirements for summer zip lining?
Are there age requirements for tubing ?
We do not have an age requirement. They must be able to go down in the tube on their own. You can not be in a tube hanging on to them. Helmets are required and provided. Slide the slope is the newest slide. It is a water slide.
What are the elevation and vertical drop at Powder Ridge?
The peak elevation at Powder Ridge is about 720 feet above sea level, with the base located at about 170 feet, for a total vertical drop of 550 feet.
How much snow does Powder Ridge get each year?
For natural snow, Powder Ridge gets an average of 38 inches of snowfall per year. To supplement the natural snowfall, we have snowmaking on 90 percent of our trails.
How much snow can you make at Powder Ridge?
It all depends on the weather. We have snow-making hydrants and piping for water and air covering about 90 percent of the trails. We have 10 high-output fan snowguns that are portable, plus more than 40 lances that can be re-positioned as necessary. Creating man-made snow is an important part of our operation, and we’re committed to making snow when conditions permit.
To make snow, we need low temperatures and low humidity. To make the best quality and volume of snow, we need temperatures to be lower than 26° and humidity lower than 35 percent. We can make snow in higher temperatures if needed, but it becomes more difficult when the temperatures are above 29°.
How many trails do you have? Are they appropriate for beginner skiers?
Powder Ridge features a total of 22 trails, with terrain park features located throughout the mountain. We feature more than 80 skiable acres with 42 percent of the mountain rated for beginners (Easy). About 37 percent is rated Intermediate, and 21 percent Advanced. About 20 percent of the mountain is dedicated to or includes terrain park features.
Do you have a trail map online?
Yes, the Trail Map is right here.
Do you have night skiing?
Yes. We have lights available covering about 80 percent of the mountain.
Do you have terrain parks and a pipe?
Yes. Terrain parks of every level are located throughout the mountain. Skiers and riders are allowed in all our parks and the pipe.
How many lifts do you have?
We have five lifts. This includes Festival (double), Middlefield (triple), Mini Field (double), the Wonder Carpet and the Tubing lift. The 747 lift (triple) is scheduled for renovation in the future. Lifts are opened during the day as needed.
Slide the Slopes summer tubing
Ages 4+, Max weight 280 lbs. Shoes need to have a back strap, water shoes or sneakers. No flip flops or bare feet. Everyone needs to go down in the tube on their own. Small children may stop in the middle (due to lack of weight) and will need to re-start themselves. Bathing suits or shorts can be worn. The longer runs use the chair lift to take you up. there are shorter runs that you walk up to.
Tubing is sold in sessions. Time slots sell out, Pre-purchase on line. Slides & Ziplining closes at 6 pm.
Snow Tubing
What is the youngest age recommended for tubing?
Should I make a reservation for tubing?
Reservations are required and must be made online. After your purchase you will receive a confirmation email with a link to sign the waiver. Send the email to each person in your party to complete a waiver online. Make reservations online
Can I go down in the tube with my child?
Sorry no! Everyone must go down in their own tube
Do you have to walk up?
You will use a surface lift to bring you to the top. It’s similar to a escalator.
Are tubes & helmets included?
Yes, we provide everything you need. Do not bring tubes or sleds from home. You may use your own helmet.
Do parents need a pass?
Only those tubing require a pass. Family & friends can watch from the bottom observation area. You are not allowed on lanes.
What is interstellar tubing?
When the sun goes down the colored lights go up. Choose the sessions starting at 5 pm.
Can I share my tubing pass?
No, each pass will be assigned to one rider, and they must complete a waiver. We do not allow passes to be passed back and forth.
What should I wear?
We suggest wearing full snow gear; snow pants, jacket, gloves, boots, winter hat, etc. You should dress as you would if you were going to play in the snow. Keep in mind that you will be wearing a helmet so a beanie with a pom-pom on top is not recommended.
Waivers
Everyone in your party must have a signed waiver. You will receive a link to the waivers after purchasing in an email. You can forward that to others in your party to complete. Parents will sign for anyone under the age of 18.
If you choose not to fill out ahead of time and wait until you are here, it will take up your tubing session time.
Lessons at Powder Ridge
Do you offer ski and snowboard instruction?
Absolutely! We offer a variety of group and private lessons here at Powder Ridge.
Powder Ridge’s history includes hundreds of stories about the place I learned to ski or ride. Our instructors work with kids as young as 3-years-old.
Should I make a reservation for your lesson programs?
Reservations are made online. Weekend lessons do sell out. All group programs must be used within the season they are purchased
Additional Information
Does Powder Ridge mandate helmets for all skiers and riders?
Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort is taking a strong stand on safety by mandating helmets for all skier and snowboarders on the mountain. Although wearing a helmet will not eliminate head or neck injuries, wearing one can reduce severity of many direct injuries such as skull fractures, abrasions, lacerations, and bruises. When it comes to more significant brain injuries including concussions, wearing a helmet offers protection.
You can learn more about the benefits of helmets at the National Ski Area Association’s website.
Can I bring in food and drinks into the ski lodge?
Outside food and drinks are not allowed. There are concession & snack shacks on property. Fire at The Ridge Restaurant is open from Wed. – Sunday
Do you have a place where I can store my valuables?
We suggest you leave valuables at home or hidden and locked in your vehicle, but we do have lockers at Powder Ridge in the rental building.
What credit cards do you accept?
We accept Master Card, Visa, American Express, and Discover.
Do you offer discounts for Middlefield & Durham residents?
Yes. Middlefield and Durham residents receive 30 percent off the 8 hour Winter Park Passes. Passes must be purchased at Powder Ridge and discounts can not be combined with any other offer. Proof of residency must be provided
What’s happening with the mountain bike trails?
Trails are now open with lift service. There is also a skills park for those just starting.
Upon the purchase of passes to Powder ridge participant hereby grants to the Host, its representatives, and employees the right to take photographs and video of Participant in connection with Participant’s participation in the Programs. Participant hereby authorizes the Host to copyright, use, and publish the same in print and/or electronically. Participant hereby agrees that the Host may use such photographs and video of Participant for any lawful purpose, including but not limited to publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content. If you would prefer not to be filmed, please let photographers know.