Hansen's Snow Tube & Saucer Hill

If you are looking for the perfect spot for classic winter fun in South Lake Tahoe, the Tubing and Saucer Hill at Hansen's Resort is exactly what you need. This cozy family resort in the USA offers guests a chance to dive into an atmosphere of carefree joy on a specially prepared slope approximately 122 meters (400 feet) long.

The hill is designed with an emphasis on safety and comfort: it features high banks to control your path and a smooth braking zone at the bottom. The slope is groomed daily with specialized equipment to ensure perfect sliding conditions. The setting—surrounded by the dense pine forests of the Sierra Nevada—adds a special charm, creating the feeling of a fairy-tale winter journey away from the busy crowds.

Unlike massive ski centers, the atmosphere here is intimate and friendly. The two-acre property features not only the runs but also a cozy wooden lodge in a rustic style, where you can rest between descents. This spot is ideal for those who want to enjoy the snow without needing to master complex skis or snowboards.

To clarify trip details or check the condition of the slopes, you can use the following contact information:

The main reason tourists come here is the fast and exciting descent on tubes and special saucers. The track is built in a luge-style, adding dynamic twists and turns. After each run, an invigorating walk along the footpath back to the top awaits—a great way to warm up and admire the snow-covered trees.

This destination is perfect for a family vacation. Children under 4 can ride for free when accompanied by an adult, while older children quickly learn to handle the tubes on their own. While the kids conquer the slope, parents can watch from comfortable viewing areas or relax in the lodge. An important feature is that the equipment (tubes and saucers) is already included in the price of the hill rental, so you don't need to bring anything of your own.

Keep a few practical points in mind: payment here is cash only. Thanks to its proximity to the Heavenly resort, a visit here can easily be combined with skiing: while part of the group conquers the mountain peaks, others can have a blast on the tubing hill without being separated for long.

Getting to this snowy corner is easy, as it is located just a five-minute drive from the famous Heavenly Mountain Resort and the picturesque shores of Lake Tahoe. The most convenient way to reach it is by car. If you are starting from the city center, follow Ski Run Blvd or Needle Peak Rd, looking for signs for Hansen's Resort.

For those who prefer not to drive, a taxi or Uber ride from the central part of town will take about 10–15 minutes. Keep in mind that public transportation in this area is limited, so a private transfer is a more reliable option. Free parking is provided on-site, making a visit by car very convenient.

When planning your route during the winter months, it's important to remember road safety rules in the Sierra Nevada. In the event of heavy snowfall, snow chains may be required, although the main roads are cleared regularly. GPS coordinates will help you find the resort entrance without any trouble.

The history of this family-run destination, known as Hansen's Resort, began more than 70 years ago. Since the 1940s, it has served as a cozy sanctuary for those seeking a peaceful getaway surrounded by majestic pines. The resort has preserved the spirit of "Old California," offering guests accommodation in authentic rustic cabins—log houses that create a unique atmosphere of privacy.

The development of the tubing hill fit naturally into the winter recreation traditions of the Sierra Nevada region. While larger resorts transitioned to high-tech lifts, Hansen's consciously maintained the format of traditional snow play. To this day, walking back up to the top is the standard practice here, returning tourists to the roots of classic winter fun.

Over the decades, this place has become a true family heirloom for residents and visitors to the USA. Generations of families return year after year to pass on to their children a love for simple joys—laughter, speed, and clean mountain air. It is a living example of how a small family business can successfully compete with giant ski complexes thanks to its heart and loyalty to tradition.

To get your fill of sliding and enjoy the winter forest atmosphere, 1–2 hours is sufficient for most visitors. Since payment for the hill is typically hourly, one hour of active descents is usually enough to get plenty of thrills, especially if you are visiting with young children.

If you plan to take a break in the cozy lodge, have some hot cocoa, and enjoy the views, you should budget about 2–3 hours for your visit. This will give you enough time to change, rent equipment, and make dozens of fun runs with the whole family without feeling rushed.

The hill's operating hours depend directly on weather conditions and snow availability. Generally, the season begins in mid-December and lasts until the end of March. During this time, the attraction is typically open daily: Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The hill also frequently hosts guests on holidays such as Christmas and New Year's.

Because mountain weather is changeable and the site may be temporarily closed if snow levels are insufficient, we strongly recommend checking the current status on the official website or by phone before heading out.

The hill's location in one of California's most picturesque regions makes it easy to combine active snow fun with exploring other interesting sites. A walk around the area will reveal the rich historical heritage and natural beauty of Lake Tahoe.