Snow-tubers living in the fast lane

Generations of snow sliders dreamed of a rope tow that would allow them to speed down hills in their sleds or inner tubes without having to trudge up the hill to repeat the thrill. Nowadays it's easy to live in the tubing fast lane at special tubing slopes such as those at Mt. Spokane and Silver Mountain ski areas.

Bear Creek Lodge on the way up to Mt. Spokane has an easy-access rope-tow supported groomed tubing hill that has a longer run-out this year. It's open weekends much of the winter, but open daily Dec. 18-Jan. 2. They can arrange special sessions for groups or parties. By the looks on their faces, these tubers were having a blast.

Section:Gallery

Sun., Dec. 25, 2011

Some people are cool and collected as they speed down the hill on the inner tubing hill at Bear Creek Lodge on Mount Spokane.

Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review
After a short rope tow to the top of the inner tubing hill at Bear Creek Lodge on Mount Spokane, patrons prepare for the downhill plunge.

Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review
Sometimes the inner tubers at Bear Creek Lodge get competitive.

Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review
Inner tubers enjoy the lift to the top of the inner tubing hill at Bear Creek Lodge on Mount Spokane.

Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review
Everybody has a personal style for zipping down the glazed slopes on the inner tubing hill at Bear Creek Lodge on Mount Spokane.

Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review
Billy "Bear" Morden hooks up tow ropes to give Bear Creek Lodge patrons a lift to the top of the inner tubing hill on Mount Spokane.

Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review
Many people think the inner tubing hill at Bear Creek Lodge is a scream.

Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review