EAGLE, Idaho — The tubing hill at Eagle Island State Park is bigger and better than ever as Gateway Parks took advantage of an early cold spell to make a mountain out of snow.
"We were able to open on Thanksgiving Day," said Ryan Neptune of Gateway Parks. "We have made more snow than we made the last two seasons combined this year."
The tubing hill gives families easy access to recreation, Eagle Island State Park is located just west of Eagle, and when observed from above, it resembles an oasis of human-made snow.
"It's challenging to build this facility in this climate down in the valley," said Neptune. "It's close, it is super fun and something we want to continue growing."
Gateway Parks has also implemented COVID-19 protocols, including sanitizing the tubes, creating different time slots so the hill doesn't get overcrowded, asking people to space out, wearing hats, gloves, and masks not only because of the pandemic but also to stay warm.
But for the families that showed up, it was pretty evident by the screams and noises coming from the riders that people were having a pretty good time while taking advantage of a way to get outdoors.
"It's really cool that it has all these different courses, and I really like it," said a boy named Shire. "I think it is kind of nice to be out here in the snow and finally be outside for once."
Gateway Parks is open seven days a week, guests can purchase day passes or season passes, and it is a good idea to order those online in advance.
This weekend will mark the last weekend that families can get their picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
