Ready to embrace the winter wonderland of the Carolinas? Snow tubing offers a fun and exciting way to experience the winter season, regardless of your age or skill level. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best snow tubing destinations in the region:
For the Thrill Seeker:
- Hawksnest Snow Tubing (Seven Devils, NC):
- Why Go: This massive park boasts the title of largest on the East Coast, with over 30 lanes spread across four sections.
- Highlights: Challenge yourself on long runs (up to 1,000 feet!), enjoy the convenience of conveyor belt lifts, and even try a winter zipline tour for an extra dose of adrenaline.
- Number of Lanes: 30, ranging from 400 to 1,000 feet.
- Conveyor Lifts: 3 conveyor-style lifts for easy access to the top.
- Extras: Winter zipline tour soaring above the tubing lanes.
- Session Times:
- Monday – Thursday: 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM
- Friday: 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM
- Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM
- Costs:
- Weekdays: $38 per person
- Fridays: $45 per person
- Weekends & Holidays: $52 per person
- Session Length: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Holiday Dates:
- Nov 29, Dec 16 – Jan 3, Jan 19 & 20, Feb 16 & 17
- Closed on Christmas Day.
Nighttime Fun:
- Beech Mountain Resort (Beech Mountain, NC):
- Why Go: Experience the thrill of cosmic snow tubing under the stars with vibrant lights and music during select evening sessions.
- Highlights: Multiple session times throughout the week, state-of-the-art facilities, and a variety of other winter activities.
- Number of Lanes: 8 extra-long lanes with small moguls.
- Extras: Magic Carpet conveyor lift, ice skating, shopping, and Cosmic Snow Tubing (evening sessions with lights and music).
- Session Times:
- Regular Season (Dec 6 – Dec 18):
- Monday – Thursday: 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM
- Friday – Sunday: 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM, 8 PM
- Holiday Period (Dec 19 – Jan 3):
- 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM, 8 PM (7 days a week)
- Late Season (Mar 10 – Mar 22):
- 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM
- Costs:
- Weekdays: $37
- Weekends & Holidays: $45
- Session Length: 1.5 hours
Family-Friendly Options:
- Sugar Mountain Resort (Sugar Mountain, NC):
- Why Go: This resort offers several 700-foot tubing lanes serviced by a magic carpet lift.
- Highlights: Session lengths are 1 hour and 45 minutes, and there are dedicated staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
- Number of Lanes: 6, each 700 feet long.
- Extras: Magic Carpet lift, lights for night tubing, and adjacent skating rink.
- Session Times:
- 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM, 8 PM.
- Additional 8 AM session: During holidays, MLK, and Presidents’ Day weekends.
- Costs:
- Weekdays: $40 per session
- Weekends & Holidays: $50 per session
- March Madness Rates (starting March 10): $30 weekdays, $38 weekends
- Session Length: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Zip N Slip Snow Tubing Park (Mars Hill, NC):
- Why Go: Great runs, a magic carpet lift, and a cozy solarium with a fireplace make this park a perfect choice for families.
- Highlights: Shorter session lengths (as short as one hour), ideal for younger children.
- Number of Lanes: Multiple runs tailored for all skill levels.
- Extras: Magic Carpet lift for effortless access to the top, a solarium with a cozy fireplace for viewing, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Ages: 3+ (Kids 5 and under are free).
- Session Times:
- Dec 13 – Jan 12: Open 7 days a week from 9 AM – 9 PM (Closed on Christmas).
- After Jan 12:
- Fridays & Saturdays: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Sundays: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Costs:
- 1 Hour: From $22.50
- 2 Hours: Pricing varies, inquire directly for details.
Budget-Friendly Option:
- The Chutes at Crowders Mountain (Gastonia, NC):
- Why Go: This unique option offers snowless tubing fun on three 200-foot lanes.
- Highlights: It’s a fundraiser for a children’s camp, so you can enjoy a fun activity while contributing to a good cause. Open Fridays and Saturdays only during evenings.
- Number of Lanes: 3, each 200 feet long.
- Extras: Short wait lines, Towpro lift, campfire, and concessions.
- Session Times:
- Fridays & Saturdays: 6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM.
- Costs:
- $12 per session (1 hour).
Additional Options:
- Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing (Morganton, NC): Smaller operation with five lanes and a conveyor lift.
- Location: Jonas Ridge, NC
- Number of Lanes: 5 steep, fast runs.
- Extras: Professional photography, cozy lodge, observation deck, and conveyor carpet lift.
- Open daily 9 AM – 5 PM.
- Closed on Christmas Day.
- Saturday Hours: 1 PM – 5 PM.
- Rates vary; inquire directly with Jonas Ridge for specific pricing.
- Black Bear Snow Tubing (Hendersonville, NC): Over 600 feet of tubing slope with tube-tugging equipment.
- Number of Lanes: 600 feet long with tube tugging equipment.
- Extras: Heated lodge, concessions, and a playground.
- Open daily; check for availability.
- 1 Hour: $30 per person
- 2 Hours: $40 per person
- Group Discount: $5 off per ticket for groups of 20+.
- Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park (Hendersonville, NC): Over 500 feet of snowy, steep fun.
- Number of Lanes: Over 500 feet of steep runs.
- Extras: Cash-only operation with an on-site ATM.
- Session Times:
- Friday: 4 PM – 9 PM.
- Saturday: 10 AM – 9 PM.
- Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM.
- Costs: $40 per session (1 hour 45 minutes).
- Cataloochee Ski Area Tube World (Maggie Valley, NC): Well-maintained slope, conveyor lift, and a “Wee Bowl” for younger children.
- Number of Lanes: Well-groomed tubing hill.
- Extras: Wee Bowl play area for younger children, conveyor lift, and online reservation system.
- Session Times: Daily: 12 PM – 7:45 PM.
- Costs: Tubing: $40 per person (1 hour 45 minutes)
- Wee Bowl: $10 per child
- Highlands Outpost (Scaly Mountain, NC): Magic carpet lift, snowmaking equipment, and a kids’ snow play area.
- Number of Lanes: Multiple, serviced by Magic Carpet lifts.
- Extras: Kids’ snow play area, tubing/ice skating combo tickets.
- Session Times: Open daily; inquire for specific times.
- Costs: Tubing Only: $35 (green days), $40 (red days).
- Kids Snow Play: $20 (ages 5 and under).
- Combo Ticket: $50 (tubing + ice skating).
- Sapphire Valley Ski Area Frozen Falls Tubing (Sapphire, NC): 500-foot run with a vertical drop of 60 feet.
- Number of Lanes: 500 feet long with a 60-foot vertical drop.
- Extras: Magic Carpet lift, easy ticketing system.
- Session Times: 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM.
- Public Rate: $35 per session (1 hour 45 minutes).
- Amenity Rate: $26 per session.
Additional Tips:
- Make Reservations: Many tubing parks recommend or require reservations, especially during peak times.
- Check the Weather: Snow tubing is an outdoor winter activity, so be sure to check the forecast before you go.
- Dress Warmly: Layer up in warm clothing, including a hat, gloves/mittens, and waterproof boots.
- Age Requirements: Minimum age requirements vary by location, so check before you go.
- Safety First: Always follow the park’s safety rules and guidelines.
By planning ahead and choosing the right park for your family, you can enjoy a memorable snow tubing experience in the Carolinas.
