LET IT SNOW

Ditch your ip ops and shorts—this winter, snow boots and scarves are in the forecast.

// BY MELISSA PETERSON

If you’ve been around awhile, you know that Christmas in Florida is anything but a winter wonderland. A new attraction in Dade City, Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park, aims to make that a thing of the past.

Snowcat Ridge opened its doors to the public on November 20, and we couldn’t be more excited for this new adventure.

“Snowcat Ridge will feature Snowy Slopes—a 60-foot-tall and 400-foot-long snow tubing hill— and the Arctic Igloo, which is a snow play dome lled with real snow for our guests to build snowmen and play,” says Jon Pianki, marketing director with Snowcat Ridge.

The 10,000-square-foot, snow-covered Arctic Igloo will include a child-sized snow hill for younger guests, while those brave enough can ride in a single, tandem or family-style tube down Snowy Slopes. There’s even a pair of Magic Carpet lifts that will whisk riders and their snow tubes to the top of the hill.

In the Alpine Village, guests can enjoy food, drinks and games in between rides down the tubing hill, as well as a holiday market. Each night at Snowcat Ridge, a magical music and light show will take place on Snowy Slopes that can also be seen from the Alpine Village.

So at this point, we know what you’re thinking: Snow? In Florida? We understand the skepticism, and although Jon won’t give up the secrets of how all that snow stays frosty, he does o er some reassurance.

“Yes, all of the snow at Snowcat Ridge is 100 percent real snow,” he says, “And our snow is only made of one ingredient, water. Making snow in Florida requires a lot of magic, but our elves have been hard at work to make sure you can enjoy fresh snow this winter season.”

And because this is real snow, warm, water-resistant clothing, including gloves and boots, are recommended. Closed-toe shoes are required on the slopes and in the igloo. The pros at Snowcat Ridge suggest layering, as you might start out cold and then gradually warm up as you play in the snow. A change of clothing is a good idea as well.

If you can’t make it down to Dade City— which is just a little under 90 minutes from Ocala—during the busy month of December, don’t worry. Snowcat Ridge will be a seasonal park opening in November and, weather permitting, closing late March. Tickets can be purchased on the attraction’s website, and all general admission tickets come with a two-hour time slot for tubing and all-day access for the Alpine Village and the Arctic Igloo. There is also an unlimited tubing ticket option. “Many Floridians have never experienced snow, and Floridians who moved to Florida from up north—like myself—miss the magic of snow but not the shoveling,” says Jon. “Snowcat Ridge is a bright spot in an otherwise challenging year, and we relish the ability to put a smile on our guests’ faces, enabling many children—and children at heart—to experience the magic of snow for the rst time.”

Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park // 27839 Saint Joe Rd., Dade City // Advance ticket purchases are recommended. Ticket prices start at $24.95 and vary depending on day. // Purchase tickets at snowcatridge.com.