MANSFIELD — For two days this week, Snow Trails will offer discounted tubing tickets for people who donate nonperishable foods. 

The resort will hold its 12th annual “Will Tube for Food” event from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25 and from 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, Jan. 26 at its Vertical Descent Tubing Park to benefit Catalyst Life Services. 

Marketing manager Nate Wolleson says it’s a win-win, explaining visitors get buy-one-get-one-free tubing passes and the resort is able to donate the collected food to the local nonprofit. 

“It has that atmosphere of a family fun activity, plus you’re helping out a local organization,” Wolleson said. 

In past years, Snow Trails has donated a “truckload” of food, and they hope to achieve that again this year. 

Melissa Drozda of Catalyst explains that the donations are used in the New Beginnings Alcohol & Drug Treatment Service’s residential in-patient recovery house.

“As part of their recovery, they all cook together as a family,” Drozda said. 

She added the donations make a significant impact and are appreciated.

The “Will Tube for Food” fundraiser was started during the 2006-2007 season, the same year that the Vertical Descent Tubing Park opened. 

“We wanted to offer a fun activity, but we also benefit the community,” Wolleson said about the first year. 

Since then, the tubing park has expanded with the addition of the park lodge and offered ways to purchase tickets up to two weeks in advance.

Tickets can be bought now at snowtrails.com for Jan. 25 and 26. Wolleson notes the buy-one-get-one tickets must be purchased in the same two-hour session and redeemed on the same day and time with a donation of nonperishable food items. There is no required amount — it’s left up to the generosity of the guests. 

People are urged to purchase their tickets now, as popular times may sell out. Tickets cost $25 per adult (age 6 and up) and $15 for anyone age 5 and under.

No experience is needed to tube at the Vertical Descent Park. Tubes are included in the price. 

Wolleson anticipates the park will be open despite uncontrollable circumstances like lack of snow fall. Snow Trails has already been making it’s own snow and will continue to throughout the season, which is at its halfway mark. A Mid-Season party is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 27.

Learn more about the fundraiser at snowtrails.com/willtubeforfood.