Vail Closes Tubing Hill Amid Staff Shortages

Aunika Skogen | | Post Tag for Industry NewsIndustry News
Tube Vail
Epic Discovery Tubing Hill Vail; image: vaildaily.com

Vail has officially announced that tubing will not be offered at the resort this year. After months of postponing an official 2021-2022 season-opening day for the hill, the resort finally announced it would not be opening the tubing hill or any other activities at the Epic Discovery area of the resort at all this season. 

As of 2014, the Vail Mountain tubing hill is the only one remaining in Eagle County. Tubing hills in both Minturn and Beaver Creek shut down years ago. The tubing hill in Vail offered a way for non-skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the snow and experience the Rockies. 

Located in the Eagle’s Nest area of Vail Mountain, the park was rebranded in 2015 from Adventure Ridge to Epic Discovery. The adventure park features a 500ft enclosed elevated conveyor lift that protects participants from the weather to access the tubing hill, a mountain roller coaster, ski biking, and kids snowmobiling. These amenities will remain closed this season as the resort continues to face ongoing staffing shortages.

After a record year in terms of ski pass sales, lack of staffing, and lack of snow, the resort continues to make do. The tubing hill was one of the sacrifices made to focus on maintaining a positive skiing and riding experience for visitors. 

“We’ve made the decision to focus staff and snowmaking on the core mountain experience — skiing and snowboarding,” Vail Resorts Spokesperson John Plack said in an interview.

For tourists who want to experience the mountains in ways besides skiing and snowboarding, scenic gondola rides to restaurants on the mountain will be offered. They can also visit other scenic viewpoints around the resort as well. Nordic skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing will continue to be offered and can be found in Vail Village. Guests have been refunded for prepaid reservations made ahead of the closing announcement. 

vail tubing hill
Vail Tubing Hill Will Be Closed 2021-2022 Season; image: sunkidworld.com

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