Snow tubing in Colorado - and Pikes Peak driving. (Denver: where to stay, ski resorts)

[CherryMagic]

We are not skiers, I thought I would like to learn how to snowboard, but I think I'm safer sliding down the runs on my butt, LOL...so I decided we would go spend one day snow tubing.
Does anyone have a recommendation on the best and longest runs?
I've searched A-Basin, Copper Mountain, and a few others. I generally want to stay away from Denver area altogether. (And unfortunately left my Co. map at work - so I can't refer to it right now)

I like to base myself in the Pueblo West area - as I always do.
Are there good areas within 1-2 hour drive (or make a good "day trip")?

The bad thing is, I have not made any reservations yet on where to stay, and I may not be able to find a sitter for my dog - so I may have to bring her with us. May possibly need to find a doggie day care for 1 day. (Just during the day)

I'm not sure this next adventure is going to be feasible this time: I would like to drive back up to Pikes Peak. I've done it once - May 07 (lots of snow - roads were clear). Next visit we took the Cog in Oct 07 (no snow)
IIRC at around the 7 (?) mile marker, the road became unpaved, and there was a gate, limiting access if the road was too trecherous.
I do not have snow chains, but do have a 4x4 truck. I guess if all else fails, plan B to take the Cog will be what we have to do.

Sorry for my ramblings - I should of posted this weeks ago - been working too hard - and my brain is really fried. LOL

Any advise will be appreciated! Thanks!

[froggin4colorado]

Frasier Hill is definite must! It is essentially next to Winter Park (like Pueblo and Pueblo West). Bring the dog to this one. Essentially this is a hill behind the ALCO where you rent the tube and fly down the hill and then a pully rope drags your butt back up the hill for round two. You park right there so Max can hang out in the car and you can check on him off and on. It is a bit of a drive though, about 3 hours I think. So, definitely plan on making a day of it. Otherwise, book a cheapy room and do it that way. I believe there are some places in Winter Park or Idaho Springs that will take Max too. Great experience!!

[SparkyElectro]

It's not easy from the Pueblo area. but go to Winter Parks and on the north side is Frazier Valley and they pull you back up. Worth the trip

[CherryMagic]

Thanks froggin & sparky for that info. I do remember seeing on one or maybe 2 websites about "pulling you back up". I've surfed so much in the past month, I forgot where I've been. Oy! Has anyone ever tubbed in Keystone? It's further than I want to go - but I may just have to venture out of my norm for a change and stay further north for a night or 2. As soon as the clients leave the office - I'll start maximizing the printers, hehehe.

[Fuzz]

At the ski resorts, I believe they all pull you up the slope. I remember seeing the Copper tubers being pulled up on a magic carpet type thingy (at the base of the Super Bee if I remember correctly). Keystone has tubing at the top of the mountain (you take the gondola up) -- nice views up there.