10 Best Places For Snow Tubing In The North Carolina Mountains

Debra and I drove up to Banner Elk this past week hoping to catch some early snow in the High Country, and we definitely picked the right time. We used Ski Sugar Resort as our base for a little snow hiking, and by Monday night the flakes were finally sticking. Within an hour the roads were covered, the wind was howling, and the 13-degree cold felt more like a 1-degree punch to the face. Brrrrrrr.

From our room’s balcony, you could hear the big snow machines covering the slopes on top of Sugar Mountain as the resort geared up for its season opener on Tuesday, November 11. There’s something about that sound—snow falling, machines roaring, winter waking up—that gets you in the mood to call your friends and head for the slopes… or grab a tube and go flying down a hill.

TL;DR: Quick Snow Tubing Highlights

• Snow tubing season runs roughly from late November through early March. Cold snaps and snowmaking keep the hills ready most of the winter.
• Top base towns include Boone, Banner Elk, Maggie Valley, Hendersonville, Sapphire, Mars Hill, and Scaly Mountain. These give you easy access to multiple tubing hills in one trip.
• Most parks use “magic carpet” lifts. That means less climbing and more sliding time for tired kids and parents.
• There are options for every budget. Smaller hills tend to cost less and still deliver big smiles.
• Great for both families and couples. You can spend the day tubing, then warm up with hot chocolate or a cozy dinner in town.
• Reservations are often required or strongly recommended. Popular weekend and holiday sessions fill up fast.
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Winter might be the most magical time to visit the North Carolina mountains. Crowds thin out, prices often drop, and the high peaks around the High Country and Smokies can be brushed with snow. For families and couples, snow tubing is one of the easiest ways to enjoy that winter fun without needing ski lessons or pricey gear.

All you really need is warm clothing, waterproof gloves, and a sense of adventure. The parks below all have snowmaking, so even on bluebird days the hills usually stay slick and ready.

Here are ten of the best spots for snow tubing in the North Carolina mountains and High Country, plus links so you can plan your trip.

1. Zip N Slip Snow Tubing Park – Mars Hill

Just north of Asheville, Zip N Slip in Mars Hill has up to 10 tubing lanes and a magic carpet lift, so you can ride more and walk less. Sessions are usually one or two hours, with daytime and night tubing available.

It is family owned, very kid friendly, and often a bit easier on the wallet than a big ski resort. There is even a warm viewing area with a fireplace for grandparents or little ones who just want to watch.

Official website: https://zipnslip.com

2. Frozen Falls Tube Park – Sapphire Valley

Frozen Falls Tube Park at Sapphire Valley Resort gives you a 500 foot run with a 60 foot drop and a magic carpet back to the top. Sessions are timed, and tickets are sold on site, so arriving early is smart.

Sapphire and nearby Cashiers are great for couples who want tubing by day and a quiet cabin by night, but families will love being close to waterfalls and Gorges State Park too.

Frozen Falls info: https://skisapphirevalley.com/snow-tubing-frozen-falls.html

3. Hawksnest Snow Tubing – Seven Devils (near Banner Elk)

Hawksnest is one of the largest tubing parks in the Southeast, with more than 30 lanes ranging from 400 to 1,000 feet. Four tubing areas give you everything from mild to wild.

There is a big lodge with snacks and hot drinks, plus ziplining when conditions allow. This is a fantastic pick for active families with older kids or teens who want speed and variety.

Official website: https://hawksnesttubing.com

4. Sugar Mountain Resort – Sugar Mountain

At Sugar Mountain Resort, the tubing park sits just below the main ski area and offers several 700 foot lanes with a magic carpet lift. Sessions run throughout the day and into the evening.

Because Sugar is a full resort, you can bundle tubing with skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating. Budget minded families often choose one “big” activity and then spend the rest of the trip exploring free overlooks and nearby Grandfather Mountain hikes.

Tubing info: https://skisugar.com/tubing/

5. Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park – Near Newland & Linville Falls

Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing offers about five lanes and a conveyor lift in a smaller, more relaxed setting. It is a favorite for families who want plenty of runs without huge crowds.

There is a cozy viewing area and fire pit, and you are a short drive from Linville Falls and other High Country attractions, which makes it easy to pair a tubing session with a low cost hike or picnic.

Official website: https://jonasridgesnowtube.com

6. Beech Mountain Resort – Beech Mountain

High above Banner Elk, Beech Mountain Resort has a tubing hill around 700 feet long, with a magic carpet, lights, and usually 6–8 lanes in operation.

Beech also offers skiing, snowboarding, a brewery in the village, and the 5,506’ Skybar with sweeping views, which makes it a fun date spot once the kids are worn out.

Resort website: https://www.beechmountainresort.com

7. Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park – Hendersonville

Moonshine Mountain is known for steep, fast runs that thrill older kids and adults. Group “trains” of linked tubes are allowed, which is a blast for families and friend groups.

There is a lodge, a BBQ food truck, and hot drinks on site. Stay in or near Hendersonville for budget friendly hotels, apple orchards, and nearby DuPont State Recreational Forest.

Official website: https://www.themoonshinemountain.com

8. Black Bear Snow Tubing – Hendersonville

Family owned Black Bear Snow Tubing offers a slope over 500–600 feet long, a lift to the top, and a heated lodge with snacks. They even run “summer tubing,” so you can slide when there is no natural snow.
Black Bear Snow Tubing

Runs are a bit shorter here, which can be perfect for younger kids or anyone trying tubing for the first time.

Winter tubing info: https://blackbearsnowtubing.com/winter-tubing/

9. Tube World – Maggie Valley (Cataloochee Ski Area)

Operated by Cataloochee Ski Area, Tube World in Maggie Valley offers up to 12 well groomed lanes, a magic carpet lift, and a separate play area for smaller children.

You are close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Soco Falls, and plenty of affordable motels and cabins, which makes Maggie Valley a strong choice for family budgets.

Tube World info: https://cataloochee.com/tube-world/

10. Highlands Outpost – Scaly Mountain

Highlands Outpost near the Georgia line offers multiple tubing lanes, night tubing, a kiddie slope, ice skating, trout fishing, and the Scaly Mountain Screamer mountain coaster.

Crowds are often lighter than at the big ski resorts, and nearby Highlands and Cashiers give couples plenty of options for romantic dinners and boutique stays.

Snow tubing info: https://www.highlandsoutpost.com/snow-tubing/

Simple Snow Tubing Tips For Families And Couples

Planning a snow tubing day in the North Carolina mountains? These easy tips help keep it fun, safe, and budget friendly.

• Dress in warm, waterproof layers. Layers and waterproof gloves, boots, and pants keep everyone dry and happy longer.
• Bring a change of clothes for the kids. Extra socks and pants are a lifesaver after a few spills in the snow.
• Check age, height, and weight rules before you go. Each park has its own guidelines, so it is good to know what your kids can ride.
• Book tickets early, especially on weekends and holidays. Many parks sell out, and early booking helps you lock in your ideal time slot.
• Plan shorter sessions for younger children. A one hour session is often plenty for little legs and helps avoid meltdowns later in the day.
• Set a budget before you arrive. Decide ahead of time how much you will spend on tickets, snacks, and extras so there are no surprises.
• Pack your own snacks and water when allowed. Bringing a small bag with snacks can keep costs down and kids energized between runs.
• Turn it into a full family day. Pair tubing with a free or low cost stop like a nearby waterfall, Blue Ridge Parkway overlook, or town playground.
• For couples, plan a “warm up” date after tubing. Book a cozy dinner, share hot chocolate in a local café, or relax in a cabin hot tub to keep the day feeling special.
• Take breaks and listen to your body. Most injuries happen when people are tired, so it is smart to rest, warm up, and then head back out.

Whether you are planning a budget friendly family trip or a cozy winter weekend for two, snow tubing in the North Carolina mountains is an easy way to make memories together.

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