Stevens Point with 40% steep slide.

Tubing is possible here all year round. On a kind of "free fall" tubing track with special sleds, riders race down a straight line that is over 40% steep. Stabilized by strong side walls, even two-seater sleds can use this track. 

The town of Stevens Point in the USA is also struggling with global warming and this winter season played it safe: plastic mats were laid in the sliding area  TubTrax and thus the track became independent of snow. In case of heavy snowfall, the track is cleared and riders can glide down on snow. In order to have enough speed at the start, an impressive start ramp was built, which makes some tubers take their breath away.

From February onwards the snow thaws, but on the Skitrax mats the fun continues - until next winter. It is now planned to keep the track open throughout the summer, allowing the whole family to enjoy tubing even when the sun is shining and temperatures are high.