Snow tubing is such a wonderfully easy sport to master that even your youngest family members can experience the thrill of sliding down a snow-covered hill. And with magic carpet rides back to the top, you won’t hear complaints about too much walking!
Look ma, no hands! Snow tubing is fun for all ages
When winter hits in North Carolina, locals split into two teams: those who are dreaming of a winter wonderland and those who hope never to see a single snowflake. While Carolina locals may be a house divided, there’s no question that a winter getaway and a snowy adventure can make the season special. For those seeking a family-friendly treat, snow tubing in NC is the way to go.
Whether your legs are a little too small to handle skis or you’d simply prefer to relax on your trip down the hill, there are plenty of thrilling tubing parks scattered across Western NC. If you’re ready to slip-slide your weekend away, check out our 8 recommended locales below.
You never know who you’ll meet (Sugar Mountain Resort – photo credit: BushPhoto.com)
Beech Mountain Resort Snow Tubing
Beech Mountain Snow Tubing offers slopes up to 700 feet in length. The snow tubing facility is adjacent to the Resort Village and includes a magic carpet conveyor belt, snow guns for the perfect amount of snowfall, and lights for nighttime fun. Since opening in 2015, Beech Mountain has been known as one of the best locations for snow tubing in NC.
The cozy winter adventures don’t have to stop when you’re snow tubed out. The Alpine Village is right next door with ice skating, shopping, and dining for the whole family.
Address: 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy., Beech Mountain, NC 28604
Dates: Early season is November 20-December 9; Late season March 13-27
Hawksnest Snow Tubing
With over 20 runs, Hawksnest Snow Tubing is a bustling winter wonderland and the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast. The lanes range from 400 to 1,000 feet in length, meaning no matter your family’s comfort level with tubing, you’re sure to find a lane to love. When it’s time for a break, the 1,500-foot viewing deck has tasty beverages to warm you up such as hot chocolate and coffee.
The enormous adventure park also offers ziplining year-round with 20 courses and is located conveniently between many popular mountain towns. If you’re searching for the best snow tubing in Boone, NC, Hawksnest is less than a 30-minute drive away!
Address: 2058 Skyland Dr., Seven Devils, NC 28604
Dates: Typically opens Thanksgiving weekend (Final dates to be determined by weather)
Do you dare to go headfirst? Hawksnest Tubing
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing
For more than 15 seasons, Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park has provided slippery thrills to Carolinians. Jonas Ridge is ideal for families that have varying levels of thrill-seekers. Offering five unique lanes, each with a distinctive speed, even the most fearless tuber can find their perfect slope.
The Jonas Ridge tubing slopes are lit for nighttime enjoyment. They utilize snow guns to keep the snowy adventures going no matter the weather. In recent years, the park added a magic carpet conveyor belt for quicker trips up the slopes.
Address: NC Hwy. 181 S., Jonas Ridge, NC 28641
Dates: (2021 dates to be determined)
Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park
With the steepest snow tubing in Western NC, Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park is supreme for the adventurous. This Hendersonville winter attraction has over 500 feet of slope and a snowless day won’t stop the fun — Moonshine Mountain makes their own flakes.
Unlike many of the other incredible locales for snow tubing in NC, Moonshine Mountain does not take reservations. Also unlike others, they do allow the tying together of tubes to create trains down the slopes with your family and friends. Hungry tubers can enjoy a bite to eat from a local food truck once they’re worn out from slippin’ away the day.
Address: Moonshine Mountain, 5865 Willow Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28739
Dates: Opens December 21
Some people hang on for dear life, and others go with “no hands” – Moonshine Mountain
Tube World in Cataloochee Ski Area
The ideal destination for the whole gang, Tube World offers fun for adults to the littlest family members. Those who can’t meet the height requirements of 42” can explore Tube World’s Wee Bowl Snowplay Area (on a limited basis, check availability prior to visiting).
Tube World is located in Maggie Valley across from Ghost in the Sky and a few miles away from the Cataloochee Ski Area. During the tubing season, guests can enjoy the groomed slopes with the ease of a magic carpet conveyor belt back to the top of the hill.
Address:4721 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751
Dates: (2021 dates to be determined)
Sugar Mountain Snow Tubing
When you’re in need of a break from the skip slopes, snow tubing at Sugar Mountain Resort is the perfect adventure. The tubing park can be found on the Sugar Mountain golf course where the lanes are regularly groomed and equipped for snowmaking. Sugar Mountain is another great option for those seeking snow tubing near Boone, NC.
A slide down one of the tubing lanes in Sugar Mountain Resort is sure to bring a thrill! These slippery lanes are a whopping 700 feet in length. Plus, the fun can last well into the night with lights set up for tubing until 10pm.
Address: 1009 Sugar Mountain Dr., Sugar Mountain, NC 28604
Dates: (2022 dates to be determined)
You’re not limited to snow tubing – there are plenty of options for skiing and snowboarding as well (Sugar Mountain Resort – photo credit: BushPhoto.com)
Wolf Ridge Tubing
While flocks of skiers and snowboarders get pumped to “ride the wolf” at Wolf Ridge in Mars Hill, NC each season, there’s a more hidden gem located just outside of the resort. Wolf Ridge Tubing offers one big slope without lanes. This means that snow tubers can link up and ride down with their friends or family. After riding up the magic carpet, you’ll enjoy 350 feet of snowy fun. With snacks, drinks, and lighting for nighttime rides, the fun never stops at Wolf Ridge!
Address: 3461 Puncheon Fork Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754
Dates: December 4-March 15
Don’t worry, you don’t have to climb the whole way back up – Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
Zip N Slip Tubing Park
Located in Mars Hill, this seasonal attraction includes a zip line and 3 snow tubing lanes. Zip N Slip offers a cozy solarium with a fireplace for those who want to host a special event or birthday party. The adventure doesn’t end when the sun goes down. The slope is lit with sparkling lights, allowing tubers to slip until 9:00 p.m. Hot chocolate and tasty treats are available to keep your energy up and a conveyor belt can help tired attendees make it back to the top of the slope.
Address: 10725 US-23, Mars Hill, NC 28754
Dates: Opening Day is December 16
Grab your friends and make some memories (Sugar Mountain Resort – photo credit: BushPhoto.com)
Tips for Snow Tubing in NC
No matter which tubing park you opt to visit, there are a few tips to keep in mind when planning your snowy adventure:
- No one wants wet, cold feet. Wear waterproof shoes and warm socks.
- Dress in layers. Weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to prepare to peel off a few layers throughout the day or add on as needed.
- Wear waterproof gloves to keep your hands toasty and dry all day long.
- You’re gonna do some walking…in snow boots. Thankfully many parks offer rides back to the top of the hill courtesy of a magic carpet — a conveyor that belt you stand on. At the end of your run, drag your tube over to the magic carpet and step on (with your tube). Little tubers will need help getting on and off the magic carpet the first time.
- Check the website of your ideal tubing park before visiting. Hours may vary and often large parties require a reservation.
- Most body heat is lost through the head, so be sure to cover that noggin’ with a warm hat.
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from the reflection off the snow.
Which of these locations do you think has the best snow tubing in NC? Let us know and tag @carolinatravelr in your tubing adventures on Instagram so that we can share in the fun!
Other things to do in Western NC:
Defy Gravity at Mystery Hill
Bryson City Moonlight Zip Lining
Day Trip to Blowing Rock