11 Best Places for Snow Tubing in North Carolina

Looking for the Best Places for Snow Tubing in North Carolina?

Winter is right around the corner, but that doesn’t mean the outdoor fun has to stop! Snow is uncommon around the southern states; however, the North Carolina mountains are the place for winter activities!

After a good snowfall, and with some help from the snow-making machines, this is an excellent time of year to get out with the whole family and go snow tubing in North Carolina.

What are the best places for snow tubing in North Carolina? Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll dive into the 11 best places to go snow tubing, how to prepare, and more; you’ll want to keep reading below.

Snow Tubing in North Carolina

1. Hawksnest Snow Tubing (Seven Devils, NC)

Across the board, Hawknest Tubing in Seven Devils, NC, is a family favorite for snow tubing in North Carolina. Hawksnest is one of the largest tubing places on the East Coast, with up to 30 lanes that span from 400-1,000 feet long.

There is so much to do here, and they have a friendly staff. All are welcome; ages three and up are allowed to snow tube. Otherwise, you can watch from the sidelines. The scenery is beautiful, and the lanes are perfect. Don’t worry about crowds; since there are so many lanes, you’ll rarely have to wait a very long time in line.

Tickets: Pre-ticket sales have already started for the upcoming 2023 season. Monday-Thursday tickets are $35, Friday they are $40, Saturdays-Sundays and holidays are $49.

All tickets are for one person, which includes one hour and 45 minutes of snow tubing fun! They are planning to open on November 24, 2023, weather permitting. We would highly recommend you book your ticket in advance for the snow tubing; they book up quickly for certain dates!

Directions: Hawksnest Snow Tubing is at the end of Skyland Drive, Seven Devils, NC. The road is normally fine unless there is intense weather; if so, drive with caution. 4WD is recommended, but it is not necessary. The address is 2058 Skyland Dr, Seven Devils, NC 28604.

Hawksnest Snow Tubing is located about a 1 hour and 40 minutes drive from Asheville, NC. Hawksnest is closer to Blowing Rock and Boone, NC.

Lodging: The closest places to stay near Hawksnest Snow Tubing Resort are Boxwood Lodge, Hidden Valley Motel, and House Rentals.

2. Sugar Mountain Resort (Sugar Mountain, NC)

Sugar Mountain is known for being a wonderful resort with all of your favorite activities. Skiing is a popular sport at Sugar Mountain, along with ice skating, snowshoeing, and snow tubing!

Here, the snow tubing lanes are 700ft long and are regularly groomed. They are open for tubing from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., so you can also get some super fun night tubing in.

Tickets: Ages 3 and 4 can tube for free, with adult supervision. Anyone younger than eight must be under adult supervision. Kids younger than 11 must have a waiver signed by a parent at ticket purchase.

Tickets are $36 every day except weekends and holidays when they are $45. Tickets are good for a one-hour and 45-minute session on the lanes.

Directions: Sugar Mountain Resort is located at 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Sugar Mountain, NC. It is on the main road, and you shouldn’t have any problem arriving. It is 2 hours and 30 minutes from places like Greensboro, NC, and Charlotte, NC.

One hour and 30 minutes from Asheville, NC, about 30 minutes from Boone, NC. If you are looking for things to do in Boone, NC, for winter, this is the closest resort.

Lodging: Resort Real Estate and Rentals are located just 200 yards from the entrance to Sugar Mountain. They offer log cabins, mountain homes, townhomes, and condos. For something a little more simple, there is a Super 8, or a Best Western just a short drive away.

3. Jonas Ridge (Burke County, NC)

At Jonas Ridge, they pride themselves on having the fastest and steepest slopes out of any snow tubing place in the area! They also have a fun viewing pad for parents and friends to watch as you fly down the mountain.

At this viewing pad, photographers take your photo as you fly down the mountain, which is available to purchase there or online. There is also a small, cozy lodge where you can sip hot chocolate and stand by the fire.

Tickets: Tickets should be purchased online and picked up in person. Be sure to sign the waiver form before arrival. It is for ages three and up; everyone must ride in their tubes. Parents are allowed to hold onto ages 3-6 tube handles if needed. Regular tickets start at $30.00 for 1 hour and $45.00 for 2 hours during the week. Opening day for 2023 is December 18th.

Directions: Getting to Jonas Ridge is easy. The Address is 9472 NC HWY, 181 Newland, NC. Jonas Ridge is located just north of the city of Morganton, NC, and south of Boone, NC.

Lodging: Skyline Village Inn is the closest place to stay near Jonas Ridge. Linville Falls Lodges and Cottages and The Pineola are nearby as well.

4. Moonshine Mountain (Hendersonville, NC)

Moonshine Mountain is the best snow tubing place for large groups of people! They can accommodate large groups to have fun and form tube chains as they ride down the 500-foot tubing lanes.

Moonshine Mountain is a simple but great place for people of all ages to enjoy. Varies per day, but they open as early as 10 am and close at 9 pm on select nights; this is another great place for night tubing. Be sure to check out their food truck for all your food and drink needs.

Tickets: All tickets are $40.00 for full 2-hour sessions. Tickets must be bought in person at the Moonshine Mountain front desk in cash. Everyone must ride in their tube. However, all children under eight must have adult supervision. All riders must be 36” or taller. They do not take reservations, first come, first serve.

Directions: Very easy to drive to. The Address is 5865 Willow Road, Hendersonville, NC.

Lodging: There are many hotels near Moonshine Mountain. Favorites to stay at are Kanuga Inn and Lodging, which is only a little over a mile to the mountain, and The Lodge at Flat Rock.

5. Beech Mountain Tubing (Beech Mountain, NC)

Beech Mountain Resort is known for its excellent terrain park, including skiing and snowboarding. Adjacent to the village resort, they have included a super fun tubing hill with 700-foot-long lanes! Beech Mountain Ski Resort is the highest ski area on the east coast at a 5,506-foot peak elevation.

The tubing area is right by the hub of the resort, where they offer lots of dining places, shops, and access to Beech Mountain Brewery. Beech Mountain tubing opens on November 18, 2023. They usually close sometime in early March. If you are looking for things to do in Boone, NC, winter, Beech Mountain is one of the closest areas to travel to.

Tickets: Tickets can only be bought in person, and tubing is only open when the weather is permitting. Each session is an hour and 45 minutes. Tickets are $34 per person during weekdays and $42 during weekends and holidays. Everyone going tubing must be 42” or taller.

Directions: Beech Mountain is located in the northeast corner of North Carolina. It is easily accessible from many interstate systems, I-77, I-81, I-26, and I-40. Most cars should have no problem arriving there. The address is 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Sugar Mountain, NC 28604.

Lodging: Beech Alpen Inn is the closest hotel to the tubing mountain, at only 0.8 miles away. You can check out this beautiful home to rent or this cozy mountain-top ski studio.

6. Frozen Falls Tube Park (Sapphire, NC)

Frozen Falls Tube Park is another great place for groups and families! Frozen Falls is part of Ski Sapphire Valley Resort. They have a 500-foot run with a 60-foot drop! This is a very popular place, so you will want to book your tickets in advance for snow tubing.

Frozen Falls also offers skiing, ski school, other snow activities, and lodging. So not only can you experience a thrilling tubing drop, but there are also plenty of other things to do here. Before tubing at this facility, you must have a waiver form signed. You can find the form on their website or at the front desk.

Tickets: It gets very busy, so you will want to get your tickets beforehand, either on their website or as early as you can during the day. You can get tickets as soon as the weekend before you go.

For a 1-hour and 45-minute session, tickets are $35.00. This tubing has no age or weight restriction, which is a bonus for many families! However, only one person can ride in the tube at a time. Parents are allowed to hold onto the tube handles if they choose.

Directions: One Hour and 20 minutes from Asheville is where you’ll find Frozen Falls Tube Park. The Address is 127 Cherokee Traill, Sapphire, NC.

Lodging: Since Frozen Falls is part of Sapphire Valley Resort, it would be ideal to get a vacation rental from Sapphire Valley itself! They offer beautiful vacation rentals, both big and small. You’ll also find a Hampton Inn & Suites and 5-Star Accommodations at The Wells Cashiers nearby.

7. Zip n Slip Snow Tube Park (Mars Hill, NC)

Zip n Slip is popular because of its location. This tube park is only about 20 minutes from Asheville, making it one of the closest parks to the city. Here, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets beforehand since they usually sell out every year! Opening Day for 2023 is December 15th.

Recently, they have doubled their size, so now, instead of 4 lanes, there are 10. The longest lanes reach up to 800 feet! Zip n Slip Tube Park is a great place for younger children, and they also offer school group tickets.

Tickets: Ages 3 and up are allowed to snow tube. Younger children can ride in the same tube as a parent, but adults cannot ride together. Children under five ride for free. Group tickets can be as low as $22.50 for a 1-hour session. 1-hour sessions for one person are $30.00, and 2- hours are $45.00. They also offer military and emergency responder discounts.

Directions: Zip n Slip is near the Pisgah National Forest and I-26. It is about 30 minutes north of Asheville. The Address is 10725 US-23, Mars Hill, NC.

Lodging: There are not a whole lot of hotel options in Mars Hill. The Comfort Inn North of Asheville is your closest option; there are also some fantastic houses to rent nearby too!

8. Black Bear Snow Tubing (Hendersonville, NC)

Black Bear Tubing has been around for generations, and not only do they offer snow tubing, but they also have summer tubing! During the summer, there is a large mat with special tubes that slide you down the 600-foot-long slope.

This slope also includes an 80-foot drop! During the winter, snow is made to cover the slopes with fresh snow. For those who are not Into tubing or a place to relax after, there is a heated lodge that offers hot chocolate, other drinks, and a few snacks. There is also a small playground for the younger kids to play.

Tickets: A single one-person tubing ticket is $30.00 per 1-hour. For 2-hours, tickets are $40.00 per person. Children under four are not allowed on the slopes but can enjoy the lodge. Children 4-6 years old must be accompanied by an adult; however, only one person is allowed to ride in one tube. Opening day for 2023 is December 16th.

Directions: About 45 minutes southeast of Asheville, the address is 373 Kerr Road, Hendersonville, NC.

Lodging: Hendersonville is packed full of resorts, inns, spas, and hotels! Not to mention the many campgrounds, Hipcamps, or Airbnbs in the area. The Esmeralda Inn is one of the closest and best places to stay near Black Bear (currently under renovation). Other good options include The Chimney Rock Inn & Cottages and The Lodge at Flat Rock.

Use the link above for HipCamp and you can get $10 credit towards your first trip. There is no cost to join. This is a referral link, we only get credit towards using the site if you book your first trip through this link.

9. Tube World (Maggie Valley, NC)

Just four miles from the Cataloochee ski area, you will find Tube World! Tube World is a favorite for families with younger children since they offer Wee Bowl, which is a snow play area for those not tall enough (anyone under 42”) for the big slopes.

Tube World’s slopes are much smaller than other places, and it does get very busy; wait times in line tend to be around 15-20 minutes, so keep these things in mind when visiting.

Tickets: Tube World offers 1 hour and 45-minute sessions for anyone 42” and taller. All tickets are $35.00 per person and $40.00 on weekends and holidays. Everyone riding must be in their own tube.

Directions: To find Tube World, find your way to the Cataloochee ski area. Cataloochee Ski Resort is just 4 miles off of US. 19, above Maggie Valley. It can also be accessed from I-40. The address is 4821 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC.

Lodging: Cataloochee ski area has many nearby hotels and vacation rentals.

10. Highlands Outpost (Scaly Mountain, NC)

Highlands Outpost is an outdoor experience that offers many different activities throughout the year. In the summer, a water slide is turned into a snow tube slide for the winter months! During the cold months, there is also ice skating available.

Similar to Tube World, all tube riders must be 42” or taller. They have a kiddie snow hill for all kids eight years old and under. There is a small cafe with plenty of delicious food and drinks to enjoy after the fun.

Tickets: Tickets can be bought in person or online. Tubing sales are $35.00 per person for full 2-hour sessions. Group rates are available for 20 people or more. Kiddie Hill tickets are just $15.00.

The address is 7420 Dillard Road, Scaly Mountain, NC.

Lodging: I couldn’t list all the options you have for staying near Highlands Outpost! Accommodations nearby include Raven’s Nest, Rockwall,

11. Hatley Pointe Mountain Resort ( Previously Wolf Ridge)

Updated for the 2023/2024 season, Wolf Ridge has new owners and has rebranded to the name Hatley Pointe Mountain Resort. So far we haven’t found any details if they are offering snow tubing. Will update you when we can. Mars Hill, NC.

Tips for Snow Tubing in North Carolina

It is always better to be prepared for outdoor activities. Here are some things you should think of before you head out on a snow tubing in North Carolina adventure.

Bring a Change of Clothes

Even under all your waterproof clothing, your clothes may still get damp or wet from the snow. It is always a good idea to bring an extra pair of socks, warm pants, a sweatshirt, and a regular or long-sleeve shirt, just in case.

Bring Hats, Gloves, and Warm Socks

It is going to get very cold, very fast! Rolling around in all the wet snow is bound to get your ears, fingers, and toes pretty chilly. Don’t forget hats, gloves, and a couple of pairs of socks.

Wear Waterproof Clothing and Shoes

Even though it may be sunny, with no snow everywhere else in North Carolina, these snow tubing places make their own snow that actually looks and feels just like the real thing! You can expect to get pretty soaked and pretty chilly. Proper winter gear, like winter pants, snow boots, and a proper winter jacket, are the best things to wear.

Don’t Wear Ski Boots

Lots of these places are tied into ski resorts. Even though it may seem easy to go from skiing to tubing, ski boots often tear or damage the tubes and are usually not allowed in the tubing zones. Make sure you have your regular snow boots on.

Check on Park Waivers

Park waivers are very important, and lots of times must be signed before you enter the park! Before going anywhere, look online and see if the place you are going has any waiver forms that must be signed before entering. Otherwise, you may not be allowed in upon arrival.

Know Park Rules and Age requirements

Before going to a snow tubing place, it is important to recognize the rules and requirements of each facility. For the best experience and for the most fun, it is only right to abide by the rules. It is also important to know age and weight requirements so no one in the family is left out.

Bring Snacks and Drinks

With most of these places, there will be a few snacks and maybe a few drinks offered at the facility. Restaurants may be nearby; however, it is a good idea to bring along a few things from home just in case!

Check the Weather

At almost any snow tubing place, snow tubing will only carry on if the weather is fit. When there is bad weather, they will close the slides, so check the weather before you go! Call ahead if you are curious.

Helmet Safety

Helmets are not usually a requirement in many places. However, they are strongly encouraged. Smaller children should definitely be wearing a helmet. Many places offer helmet rentals, or you can bring your own.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let being in the South dampen your winter! Although there isn’t snow falling all the time, there are plenty of places that create snow for you to enjoy all your favorite winter activities, like snow tubing.

Snow tubing in North Carolina has become very popular in recent years, and if you are looking for something fun to do in the cold, consider that to be your next family outing!