Now I realize that everyone has had it with our long, cold winter, but as they say…when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.

Keeping that attitude in mind, a few weeks ago, I drove up to Snow Valley, a ski resort located in Barrie, Ontario, after I learned about their snow tubing facilities.

Whether you are a first timer or an expert Snow Valley has suitable activities available for every person. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers a number of other activities including snow tubing and snow shoeing, or you can simply hang out in the cafeteria or the outside fire pit.

As mentioned above, the purpose of our visit was to check out the growing craze, known as snow tubing.

Snow tubing is one of the few snow activities where it is not necessary to purchase expensive equipment and gear, however, helmets are available to rent for both children and adults.

Depending on the hill you choose (there are about six different slopes), you can go down with two to five people all connected. I believe you have the option to chose one big tube or on this day, use individual tubes that become attached together.

The system is simple and after you obtain your tube, the staff hook you to a tow system that pulls you to the top of the hill. Once you get to the top, there are staff who set you up, and give you a push to send you on your way.

These aren’t your tiny bunny hills, so once you head down, it is a fast and exhilarating ride. In addition, the resort plays music in the background which just helps to add to the excitement and spirit. Once you get to the bottom, you stop on a rubber hill, pick up your tube, and head back to the tow system.

Prices vary depending on how many rides you choose to purchase, but are approximately: one ride for $6; five rides for $20, and 10 rides for $40. There are also deals for night season passes, night tubing and weekdays. Parking is also free, and the cafeteria prices were reasonable.

The facilities are very well operated, and I found that the staff were knowledgeable and friendly towards all of their guests.

The resort is now closed for the season, but I can’t wait to go back next year!
Snow Valley
2632 Vespra Valley Road
Minesing, ON L0L1Y3
705-721-7669
http://www.skisnowvalley.com

My first experience at the Sky Zone Trampoline Park was over March Break, when I went with my daughter.

My daughter and her friends love the place, so I decided to check out the place for myself.

In addition to individual trampolines for each person, Sky Zone includes a number of activities and programs including: long trampolines for jumps and tumbling, a basketball dunking area knowns as Sky Slam, a jumping pit known as Foam Zone, Ultimate Dodgeball, and Jumpapalooza, where guests can enjoy all-access to everything at the Sky Zone on Friday nights.

My daughters favourite room is the Foam Zone where she was able to jump off the trampoline runway into 10,000 cubes made of foam, but since it took me almost three minutes to get out of the pit, I stuck with the individual trampolines.

In addition to short term visits, this is a great place for birthday parties as they offer a package that includes pizza, drinks, ice cream, a private party room, birthday cake, and of course…trampolining. Group packages are also available for private events such as social, church, and youth gatherings, or even team building outings.

In addition to being fun, Sky Zone is a great alternative for exercising at a gym, with every activity resulting in you burning calories and improving your cardiovascular health. Some say trampoline is risky, but as long as you follow the rules, you will be safe

Reserving a time is fairly easy to do, by booking through their online system. Simply pick the date and time you would like to visit, the amount of time you would like to jump, and away you go!

Tickets are quite reasonable – it is $8 for a 30 minute jump, $12.50 for a 60 minute jump, $16 for a 90 minute jump, and $19.50 for a 120 minute jump. You must also purchase their socks with grips before heading off to the activities, however, they can be reused for your next visit.

It should be noted that all guests must fill out a waiver, online, prior to jumping, and it is suggested that you arrive half an hour early to change and store your shoes and other belongings in the lockers provided. Unfortunately, no outside food is aloud, however, the Sky Cafe offers snacks and drinks for guests.

Sky Zone is a fun place to spend a few hours and great place if you don’t mind bouncing off the walls… literally!

Sky Zone Toronto
45 Esandar Drive
Toronto, ON M4G 4C5
416-421-4567
http://www.skyzone.com