What happens when you cover a downtown side street with truckloads of snow, pack it down tight and then spray it with water from a nearby fire hydrant?

Three lanes of downhill, winter fun. 

The snow-tubing hill, also known as Third Street, is a highlight of downtown Rochester's Fire & Ice Festival, which starts Friday night. 

See the full schedule of Fire & Ice events.

New this year: three lanes of tubing, and double tubes, so two can ride together. The snow-tubing rides are free. Other attractions include ice-skating, dogsled rides and fireworks.

Patch brought a camera along for a sneak preview ride on the hill Friday morning. Are you planning to try the hill?