Snow Tubing in the Carolinas: A Winter Wonderland

Are you prepared to enjoy the Carolinas’ winter wonderland? Regardless of age or ability, snow tubing is an exciting and enjoyable way to enjoy the winter months. This is a thorough guide to some of the area’s top snow tubing locations:

For Those Who Love Excitement:

• 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.

Fun at Night:

• 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 Choices:

• 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.

Cost-effective Choice:

• 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).

Other Choices:

• 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.

Extra Advice:

• 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.

You can have an unforgettable snow tubing adventure in the Carolinas if you prepare ahead of time and pick the ideal site for your family.