EAGLE, Idaho — The Good Morning Idaho crew took on a slippery--and snowy--challenge: the tubing hill at Gateway Parks!
Situated inside Eagle Island State Park, Gateway Parks is now in its seventh season of operation. Ryan Neptune started the hill as a way to get his own children interested in snowboarding and skiing.
Neptune says the family-friendly atmosphere is something they put an emphasis on to keep families heading back up the hill each season.
"We tried to kind of create this experience that it's not a one-and-done situation. We want you to be able to come back and come back and come back," said Neptune.
Neptune says they try to add a little extra fun to the experience for each person, giving them spins and allowing them to try tubing trains while heading down the hill. Neptune also offers his skills by giving free snowboarding and skiing lessons during the week.
Gateway Parks is open each day, usually from November to the end of March. The Park is able to create its own snow, and Neptune is normally on-site every day to monitor conditions.
"I mean, I love coming here. I'm here every single day, nearly 24 hours a day, and we love seeing the families come here," explained Neptune. "It's usually the adults that are kind of, tentative, like 'I don't want to do it. It won't be fun for me.' and then they're the ones that end up having the most fun."
Neptune's family-focused approach seems to be working. We spoke with one couple who decided to skip the drive to McCall and enjoy tubing in their own backyard with visiting family members.
"Our friends and family...that's the most important part of it. To have fun with our friends and family, and that's the most important part of it. And to enjoy the snow!," said Shirley.
For more information on everything Gateway Parks, click here. You can also follow along on social media for the latest: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
