Those who think of the Tar Heel State as a pure summer destination haven’t been snow tubing in North Carolina!
Whether you are a family, couple, or group of friends one of the best things to do in the winter in North Carolina is fly down a mountain or hill on a fast tube. There are plenty of places to get the thrill of cold air rushing your face as you glide down the snow – let’s dig in!
Where to Go Snow Tubing In North Carolina
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park
- Address: 9472 NC-181, Newland (GPS)
- Fees: 1 hour and 45 min Snow tubing: $35 per person, $30 -ages 6-under,1 hour Snow Tubing: $25, 6- under $20
- Website: Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park
North Carolina snow tubing doesn’t get much better than here. Set in Newland, North Carolina, the neighbor of bustling Banner Elk, this small snow park is perfect for the whole family. There are five lanes at Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park, for a fast and smooth ride every time.
They range from slow and steady to steep and fast, so pick your path wisely and get ready for the ride of a lifetime. They make their own snow, so feel free to visit regardless of the winter weather.
A conveyor will take you all the way to the top, and after you’ve ridden down enough times you can warm up by the fireside at their lodge on-site, or relax on the deck and watch your fellow tubers fly. It’s great fun and doesn’t require any lessons or skill learning. Stop by in the evening to enjoy the lit up lanes under a starry sky.
Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park
- Address: 5865 Willow Road, Hendersonville(GPS)
- Fees: $40 for 2 hours (for all ages)
- Website: Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park
Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park is the steepest snow tubing spot you can find in North Carolina. Located in Hendersonville, this is the place to create some lasting mountain memories.
They’ll even snap a picture for you that you can purchase later on. Go for a two hour session and you can slide down the hillsides as many times as you want. You can even link legs with companions and soar down the slopes together.
There’s over 500 feet of thrilling tube runs to try here. You can trek to the top or take a tow lift which will transport you effortlessly up the mountain. They have their own food truck on-site, to fill up on delicious German fares after a day of fun in the snow. There’s even an outdoor fire pit you can warm up next to with a hot chocolate after your stellar tubing session.
Tube World
- Address: 4821 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley (GPS)
- Fees: Weekdays 6 hours for $49, Weekends 6 hours for $79
- Website: Cataloochee Ski Area
Located in stunning Maggie Valley, this snow tubing destination is a few miles from the Cataloochee Ski Area. You can book a one hour and 45-minute block of time, which is plenty to play the day away in the fresh powder.
There are five lanes to try, and it usually opens around mid-December. They host some holiday events as well. Kids who don’t meet the height requirements can enjoy the Wee Bowl Snowplay place.
The slopes are perfectly groomed and the runs are designed for gliding down on the special inner tubes used here. Take the magic carpet lift to the top and take in the winter scenery as you fly back down. Weekdays are slightly cheaper and likely to be less packed. Everything here is clean and safe, and offers a great time to tubers of all ages.
Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center
- Address: 7420 Dillard Road, Scaly Mountain (GPS)
- Fees: 2 hours for $35
- Website: Scaly Mountain
Scaly Mountain does everything it can to take sledding, and other winter adventures, to the next level. The time-honored tradition is beloved in the area, and Scaly Mountain honors it well. They can make their own fresh snow, so don’t worry about weather conditions before heading out to this hill. There’s even a kiddle slope for the little ones.
If you’re finished sliding, try your hand at skating on the impressive ice rink at this outdoor center. Bartram Market is a charming shop on-site, for any and all souvenir shopping needs.Try some home made fudge or browse the local arts and crafts for sale. Annie’s Cafe is right inside, and a great way to warm up with some gourmet grub.
Hawksnest Snow Tubing
- Address: 2058 Skyland Dr, Seven Devils (GPS)
- Fees: Monday – Thursday: $35 // Saturday and Holidays: $45
- Website: Hawksnest Snow Tubing
Hawksnest Snow Tubing is the largest snow tubing park in the East. The runs are up to 1,000 feet long. There are three magic carpet lifts, and there is plenty of space for everyone so it never feels too crowded. There are an array of terrains to try out on these 30 routes made just for tubes. It’s located in Seven Devils, North Carolina right near Boone, which means you’ll find plenty of ways to spend the rest of your winter getaway here.
It’s best to buy tickets in advance, as they are sold on a first come first serve basis. They provide the occasional food truck, as well as a restaurant, cafe, and bar. The observation deck at the top of the hill has spectacular vistas and a cozy lodge for a hot drink by the fireplace. The ziplining is open year-round if you want to get a bird’s eye view above the pines you have already soared past in the snow.
Zip and Slip Snow Tubing Park
- Address: 10725 US-23, Mars Hill (GPS)
- Fees: $30 -for 1 hour, $45- for 2 hours, Groups: $22.50- for 1 hour, $37.50 – for 2 hours
- Website: Zip and Slip
This smaller tubing attraction helps to beat the crowds and enjoy uninterrupted winter fun. You can try out night tubing down the lit up runs as well. It’s family owned and offers three lanes and a magic carpet lift. The runs are fast enough for a thrill, but not too advanced if you don’t feel quite the need for speed as some other snow adventurers.
You’ll even end each session with marshmallows to roast over the open fire. There’s a food truck on-site if you work up an appetite from flying down the hillside. It’s set in scenic Mars Hill, and the solarium is a stunning way to experience the surroundings. Zip and Slip often gives you the most chances to slide down the mountainside, compared to some of the bigger sites of its kind.
Ski Resorts With Tube Parks
There are six main ski areas in North Carolina and most have them have tube parks in addition to ski runs! Those are:
- Sugar Mountain Ski Resort
- Beech Mountain Ski Resort
- Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
- Cataloochee Ski Area
- Sapphire Valley Ski Resort
