We'll never forget the look of startled pleasure on the snow-dusted face of our son, Abram, then three, when my husband and I first took him down a toboggan run. A classic winter thrill, a trip down one of these chutes--formed from wood, fiberglass or banked snow--provides a longer, faster ride than you're likely to find at your local sledding hill. Unlike skating or skiing, this sport requires no athletic ability or expensive equipment. And, because most toboggans accommodate four riders, it's truly an activity families can do together. So bundle up, sit back and enjoy the ride because at the Summit Tubing Center in Washington, it's all play and no work.

SNOQUALMIE PASS, WASHINGTON

SUMMIT TUBING CENTER
Talk about an easy ride. After sliding down one of Summit's snow lanes, you sit on your tube or plastic sled (no wooden toboggans allowed), grab the handle tow and get pulled uphill. Riders choose from 10 runs--all are straight, but some are steeper and others provide gentle bumps. You'll also find a warming lodge with a snack bar and an air hose for filling tubes. All-day tickets are $10-$13 for adults and $8-$11 for kids 12 and under, including tube rental. Kids under six may share a tube with an adult; all other guests must ride alone. Call 425-434-7669.

Joan Huyser-Honig is a freelance writer in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.