Snowplay / Sledding and Sliding at Mt. Rainier National Park

The snowplay area is immediately north of the upper parking lot at Paradise. Sliding and sledding in the park is permitted ONLY in this designated area. Snowplay runs are supervised daily by Park Rangers from December 18 through January 2, then on weekends and holidays from January 8 through March 27. Visitors may use the sled runs when the area is not staffed, but the runs are not groomed during the week. For current snowplay status, contact the Longmire Museum at 360-569-2211 ext. 3314 (9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily).

Because of the high potential for personal injury and frequency of accidents, no other park areas are open to sliding activities. Serious injuries have occurred when people mistakenly slid over waterfalls, into trees, down slopes that were too steep, broke through thin snow into stream gorges, or slammed into other people. Skiing and snowboarding are permitted in other areas, outside of the snowplay area. For your enjoyment and safety, these few guidelines apply:

• Use only inner tubes, plastic sleds, saucers, or other soft sliding devices. No wooden toboggans, runner sleds with metal edges, or other hard devices are permitted.
• Compressed air is available at the rock restroom tunnel across the plaza from the new Jackson Visitor Center when snowplay rangers are present.
• Be sure the run is clear before starting your slide. Collisions may cause serious injury.
• Dress warmly and in layers with a wicking fabric such as wool or polypropylene next to the skin and a waterproof outer layer. Wear hats, gloves, and snow-sealed boots. Do not wear lightweight blue jeans and t-shirts. They get wet easily and will not keep you warm.
• Rest, re-warm, and snack frequently to help keep you comfortable and alert. Take a warm-up break at the Jackson Visitor Center before feet, hands, noses, or ears feel numb. Food service is available from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. when the visitor center is open.
• The snowplay area is usually closed by 4:30 p.m. nightly.
• Check 1610 on your car radio while in the park, for updates on current road conditions.