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 opportunities for snow tubing in NC. If you’re ready to slip-slide your weekend away, check out our recommended locales below.
Beech Mountain Resort Snow Tubing
Beech Mountain Snow Tubing offers slopes up to 700 feet in length, with the 2023 snow tubing in NC season opening November 19. 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.
Hawksnest Snow Tubing
With over 20 runs, Hawksnest Snow Tubing in NC 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 zip lining year-round with 20 courses and is located conveniently between many popular mountain towns. If you’re searching for the best snow tubing in NC, Hawksnest is less than a 30-minute drive away and the 2023 snow tubing season commences November 24.
Not far from Charlotte, your family will have a blast racing down the best snow tube runs (photo: Hawksnest Snowtubing and Zipline)
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 snowguns 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. Check their website to see when the 2023 snow tubing in NC season begins!
Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park
With the steepest snow tubing in NC, Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park is ideal 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. Visit their website to see when the 2023 snow tubing in NC season starts up!
Sugar Mountain Snow Tubing
When you’re in need of a break from the ski slopes, snow tubing at Sugar Mountain Resort is the ideal adventure. The tubing park is open December 14 to January 1 and 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 in 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.
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 snow tubing in NC season, guests can enjoy the groomed slopes with the ease of a magic carpet conveyor belt back to the top of the hill. Check the website for their holiday dates of availability.
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! Dates of availability will be viewable to the public closer by late November 2023.
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 stop when the sun goes down. The slope is lit with sparkling lights allowing tubers to slip until 9pm. 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. Opening day for the 2023 snow tubing in NC season is December 15!
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 snow tubing in NC 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.
- 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!
