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Extreme Tubing at the Olympic Ski Jumps

Extreme Tubing at the Lake Placid Ski Jump Complex (Photo provided — Diane Chase)

I’m really not a daredevil. I just want to face a few of my fears without crying like a baby. I’ve gone on the Experience Outdoors zipline and repelled down treetop platforms. I’ve driven the Gabriel’s Farmhouse Go Karts and Snowmobile trails. I’ve learned that I’m a bit braver than I had thought. One thing I’ve always been satisfied to simply watch is other people ski jumping down the 120M. My brain understands that tubing down the Olympic Ski Jumping hill isn’t the same as jumping. It’s my stomach that I usually have to convince.

We arrive at the landing hill of the 90M ski jump and are fitted for helmets and a tube. No one rides together so there is an age restriction, a minimum 13 years of age. I am not sure if I want to go first and get it over with or watch a few people zoom over the plastic training mat down to the bottom of the hill. I graciously wave other people on before me.

The view is breathtaking so I manage to take some photos and use that as an excuse for holding up the line. The round tubes seem no different than the ones used during the winter on various ski hills. I’m told to tuck anything loose into the tube and take off any sandals that may fly off. Then I’m off. I think that I could have questioned that attendant for a few more minutes, but wasn’t given the option.

It’s fast and over before I can process what is happening. There is one brief moment when I reach the crest of the hill where it feels like I’m flying. Of course, I remain firmly on the ground. We regroup and watch other people laugh and hoot on the way down. I’m pretty sure I may have let out a scream, but no one commented. Yes, the repeat trips were just as exhilarating.

Normal hours for Extreme Tubing are Wednesday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3 to 4:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 3 to 4:30 p.m., Sundays noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $18 for one trip or $44 for three trips. The price does include venue admission, which allows access to the chairlift and elevator to the top of the 120M jump. Extreme tubing will close for the season Aug. 19 so get there while it’s still summer.

Diane Chase is the author of the “Adirondack Family Activities” guidebook series, “Adirondack Family Time: Your Four-Season Guide to Over 300 Activities.” For more family-friendly activities go to www.adirondackfamilytime.com.

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