Pigeon Forge Snow — Attraction in Pigeon Forge

We can check this off that we did it, but would we come back during our next visit...if things don't improve, most likely NOT. We went on a Thursday the week of New Years. We drove by about 11am and the line was out the door way down the sidewalk. We came back by about 645pm and there was barely anyone waiting (maybe bc of dinner time??) so we were able to walk right in. There was only 3 lanes (out of 7) going when we got there, but a 4th lane opened up while we were there. My husband and 2 older daughters (9 & 11) tubed while my 4 yr old played in the play area. They were able to make it down the slope about 4 times in the hour that they had (and it didn't seem very crowded at the time so if nothing changes with more lanes being opened at a time, an average of 4 times down will most likely be a "normal" amount of times for this activity. I did speak to a worker there and he said they usually have more lanes opened on the weekend bc it's busier). The play area was pretty much crushed up ice...was very slippery in some areas. This area was not manned nor supervised in any way so it's a free for all. I'm not sure how they keep track of who should still be in there and whose times up bc NO ONE checked my 4 yr olds arm band or even came in to the area to check on anything. You want to have waterproof pants/gloves/coats in this area if possible...you can get by with jeans/long sleeve shirt/no gloves, BUT you will be miserable sooner rather than later bc you will get wet and cold quick. It's a bit nippy in the place so wearing a jacket/coat is definitely recommended (unless you're a hot natured person!) There was no food/snacks...only drinks. Coffee came from a kuerig. They did have kid hats and gloves for sale there if you need them. The massage chairs are for paying customers so don't try to sit in them while you are waiting for your tubers to finish tubing...the chair will have an ALARM go off!

Here's my take on the whole experience and things that could be changed/improved on: -this is a good option when the weather doesn't allow for ideal snow tubing conditions out in nature (raining or summer time with no snow on the ground) -maybe offer time slots that people can sign up and pay for online ahead of time (you'll still get your money even if they don't show if they have to pay when reserving the time). Give a scheduled time they have to arrive by or they forfeit their time slot(s) with no refunds -maybe have some kind of snackage for those there observing their family/friends (or those with toddlers who get finished playing in the "snow" before their party is done tubing who are restless and need food to distract them!) -I know it's a staffing issue, but OPEN UP MORE LANES PLEASE! Even during the week! This is a tourist town...it's always busy here...not just on...

Definitely a cool first time. The kids really enjoyed the experience. Just a couple tips.. definitely come early if coming on the weekend. We came on a Sunday around 11A, waited in line to buy tickets for about 15min. (And that was lucky considering after us, a rush of people came and the line was out the door down the parking lot).

Definitely complete your waiver ahead of time, it's required to buy tickets as they ask for your phone # to verify your waiver on file. Online you can find $2 off coupons for admission or at any hotel/restaurant/tourist stop. If you are military, show your ID and get 10% off your entire order (worth it!).

You can purchase the combo which includes 1hr unlimited tubing and 30min snow play or you can do one or the other. For the tubing, just know that during busy times, you may only get 2-3 rides in that hour. The lines getting tubes + the wait up the motorized ramp + the winding lines up at the top. It took my girls almost 20 min to get their first tube ride in. They only had one person at the bottom of the hill adjusting traction mats and moving used tubes to the line for use. That held up time as well and many times people are just sitting at the top waiting to go and until that person clears out, no one can move.

For parents who don't want to tube, or anyone else, there is an upper viewing deck with seating and massage chairs and an arcade. Down below there are snacks and goodies.

The snow play area is pretty cool. Definitely come equipped with snow gear. We were hoping for snow for our visit outdoors but this was as close as we could get, lol. Also, kids must be 38" to ride and they no longer have double tubes, single riders only!

My feedback for things that could help is having more than one staff member doing tickets up front. Having online tickets to expedite process and having more than one person manage the area at the bottom of the hill. I get staffing may be an issue more than logistics. Not sure we would do this again considering the steep price tag but for what it is, it is a pretty cool, at least try once...

Safety, cleaning, and presentation problems.

It could be worth the price and awesome, but it was kind of so so for a couple of reasons.

The free play area was so hard packed that the kids couldn’t really do much except just walk across it; they couldn’t really play in it. It needed to be more powdery. So it was a bit of a waste. The interior needed some TLC and organization. Many sheetrock holes/dents needed to be fixed, some walls and the metal guard rails need a coat of paint, a large pile of cardboard boxes stacked in multiple areas of the building needed to be put away where the customers aren’t seeing them. The bathrooms were a little bit dirty with toilet paper and paper towels scattered around on the flooring, and the doors to the employees’ closets and cleaning closet were open so all their stuff and the cleaning supplies was visible and accessible to everyone, including the kids. What if a kid ran in the cleaning closet and grabbed Clorox or something? Not smart and not safe. The fire extinguishers’ cases were also unlocked and opened. Also, in my opinion, the tube lanes would look better/feel cooler if all the lines had lights going down them, not just half of them. It just seemed that whoever runs the place doesn’t care about first impressions or going the extra mile.

Pros: Great concept Good location Short wait time Fun, bright colors inside Some fun decorations like the Christmas type lights and polar bears in tubes Observation area for kids

All in all in was fun and OK, but with a little extra effort in safety, cleaning, presentation, and creativity I feel like it could be amazing and that my money would have been well spent. As it is, I feel like it’s about twice as much as it should be, and I live close by, and have been looking forward to taking my family here. Also, the safety factors with the cleaning supplies and fire...