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Snow report: Lathrop tubing season opens
SNOWTUBE3-11-22-09
Carlos Jimenez is all smiles going down Mt. Dell’Osso during a test run Friday. - photo by HIME ROMERO
LATHROP - It was tough to determine what was brighter - the twinkle in 4-year-old Carlos Jimenez’ eyes or the snow piled 18 inches deep on Mt. Dell’Osso.

The youngster, who had watched workers groom the winter paradise at Dell’Osso Farms, eagerly jumped into the red tube inscribed with the words “Holidays on the Farm” and crossed his legs as instructed without ever losing the Cheshire cat grin covering his face.

Just when it seemed impossible that Carlos couldn’t smile even more, he got the push needed to send him down the 100-foot long run with a 200-foot drop. His smile grew – with a slight hint of laughter – as the tube picked up speed hurling 25 mph down the 16 percent grade.

The verdict?

“Its fun!” was the reply.

Starting today at 10 a.m. the snow tubing hill at Dell’Oso Farms opens for its inaugural season. It’s $15 for a 90-minute session Daily snow tubing sessions are scheduled in two-hour blocks. with the last getting underway at 8 p.m. It’s recommended you show up 15 to 30 minutes ahead of time. Reservations can be made on-line by going to www.holidaysonthefarm.com or you can purchase onsite. There are, however, limited tickets that will be sold before each session making advance reservations the best way to go. Tubes are provided. It is open rain or shine thanks to the roof structure.

You must be 42 inches or taller to ride alone. Those between 36 inches and 42 inches must use the double tube with adults.

If you make it out over the next few days you can enjoy an additional treat for free. Since the 5,000-square-foot snow play area isn’t completed you can make snowmen, snow angels or whatever you like without charge. Once the roof is completed, though, it is a $5 charge for all day access on a first come, first served basis.

“People can come out here, bring their own picnic and drinks and enjoy the place without paying for anything,” Susan Dell’Osso said.

There are even a few free attractions such as the Dell’Osso pedal race cars. Other attractions opening today are the zip line the general store, the bouncing pits, pony rides, and concessions which includes hot chocolate and hot coffee. Opening on Friday are the rest of the Holidays on the Farms attractions including a hay ride with blankets to enjoy the 500 scenes that make up Lights on the Farm that also have a stay-in-your-car drive thru option, the Dell’Osso Express Train, four real reindeer, plus Santa who is leaving his fall home in Missouri to take Christmas wishes while sitting in an old-fashioned sleigh in the general store.

Crews will be making snow non-stop 24/7 between now and the start of March. The machines make 100 tons of snow in an hour. All of the snow melt is captured in French drains and recycled into making more snow. A people mover helps ferry riders back to the top.

“You can play in the snow without having to drive to the mountains and worry about chains,” Dell’Osso said.