TUOLUMNE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, USA -- Looking for a memorable, fun and affordable activity the entire family will enjoy? Head on over to the Leland High Sierra Snow Play area.

Shrieks of excitement and joy fill the air as children of all ages whisk down the groomed, snow covered hill in cushy inner tubes or lightning fast saucers. You can bring your own sled or tube or rent them here for a modest $4.00 (as of this writing in winter 2004) for the entire day. All day admission to the snow play park is just $9.00 (just $4.50 for 5 and under). You can also get a half-price, half-day pass after 3 PM.

Best of all, only those playing in the snow need pay (for instance, if Dad and Grandpa opt to stay in the lodge and watch the game on TV in heated comfort, there's no charge). If you get hungry, you'll find a reasonably priced snack bar, but owner Lance Vetesy doesn't mind if you bring your own food. You'll find happy families having tailgate parties or enjoying a spectacular view of the tubing action while lounging on one of the many picnic tables provided.

Snow play at Leland provides a great workout as you must hike up the hill before tubing down -- but the ride is so much fun you won't mind. As the slope ends in a long flat terrain, completely cleared of any and all obstacles, snow play is here is incredibly safe -- no collisions with trees in this sledder's paradise. Just in case, all of Leland's attendants are certified emergency medical technicians, although owner Lance Vetesy says that Leland's safety record is so clean, they rarely have to use their skills.

Plans for next winter (2004/2005) include a lift so sledders don't have to hike up the hill. However, Lance says the lift will be optional -- you can still choose to get a workout and hoof it while paying a lower admission price.

So pack up a picnic, gather the family, and head for the mountains for a day of fun that will long live in everyone's memory.

Practicalities:

The rates in this article were current in winter 2004. Check for current rates.

Leland High Sierra Snow Park is located at 34033 Leland Rd. in Strawberry, CA. For more information call 209-965-4719 or visit www.SnowPlay.com.

You can learn more about visiting all the attractions in Tuolumne County by calling the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-446-1333 or 209-533-4420 or visit their website: www.tcvb.com.

Cheri Sicard, in addition to being the editor of FabulousTravel.com and its sister site, Fabulous Foods.com is the author of The Great American Handbook: What You Can Do For Your Country Today and Every Day and The Low Carb Restaurant Guide, and the co-author of US Citizenship for Dummies. To learn more about Cheri, click here.