Toboggan Chutes are Open for the Season

Cleveland Metroparks  have kicked off a winter season of icy fun. 

Riders climb aboard a traditional wooden toboggan, but that's where the tradition ends. The twin refrigerated ice chutes are approximately 700 feet long with an initial vertical drop of 70 feet for a fast, thrill-producing ride. 

The chutes operate with or without snow.

Tobogganing hours for this season are:

Thursdays - 6 to 10 p.m.  (in January and February 2012)                

Fridays - 6 to 10:30 p.m.                       

Saturdays - noon to 10:30 p.m.                       

Sundays - noon to 5 p.m.                                   

There are special holiday hours Dec. 21 through Jan. 1. Call 440-572-9990 for details.

Daily admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 11 and under, which inlcudes unlimited rides. One-time ride tickets are also available for $3.       

The season runs through March 11, weather permitting.      

Season Passes to the Chalet Toboggan Chutes are available for $35 for adults, $25 for kids 11 and under, and $100 for a family of up to four people. Buy a season pass before Dec. 24 and receive a  20 percent discount.

The Chalet Recreation Area, including the use of the toboggan chutes, can also be rented for private exclusive use during non-public hours.  Call 440-572-9990 for more information and to make reservations.

In addition to , the Chalet facility features two fireplaces (indoor and outdoor), a main gathering area with a large-screen television, a snack bar, a loft area with video games, and indoor restrooms.

All riders must wear gloves or mittens. Children must be at least 42 inches tall to ride, and must be accompanied by an adult. Personal toboggans are not allowed at the facility

The Chalet Recreation Area is at 16200 Valley Parkway in Mill Stream Run Reservation, between Routes 42 and 82 in Strongsville.