Winter is here and chilly, snowy days are calling us outdoors. While skiing and snowboarding are certainly favorites in the mountains of North Carolina, this year we suggest bundling up the entire family to check out the ice rinks and snow tube parks of the High Country. No need to consult the ski report, fresh powder isn’t a prerequisite for fun.

Ice Skating

The 2018 Winter Olympic Games are quickly approaching and it is a great time to learn a little more about one of its most popular events—figure skating. There are a number of well-maintained ice rinks in the High Country that offer this fun, family-friendly activity. So lace up… the excitement awaits.

 

App Ski Mountain

App Ski Mountain offers an outdoor ice skating arena located in a spectacular scenic setting overlooking popular ski slopes on one side, and the Blue Ridge Mountains on the other. The arena is fully lighted for late night fun under the stars and there is a rinkside bonfire for warming up before or after hitting the ice.  

Beech Mountain

Beech Mountain Resort features an outdoor rink conveniently located in the center of the Beech Tree Village. Given its location within the resort there are several options for post-skating food and drink to continue the fun with friends and family.  

Sugar Mountain

Sugar Mountain Resort also offers an outdoor ice skating rink. The Dave Nixon Pro Shop is situated right next to the rink just in case you need any last minute items such as gloves and hats, or maybe a souvenir from the day.  

Snow Tubing

If you like sledding, you will love snow tubing—and it doesn’t require any training. There’s nothing better than gliding downhill in the fresh winter air. There are a number of places offering this family-friendly activity here in the High Country. We suggest getting tickets in advance and to wear layers for this snowy sport.

Beech Mountain

The Beech Mountain Resort tubing park is located adjacent to the Alpine Village at the base of the slopes and features chutes up to 700-ft in length. The tubing area is serviced by a Magic Carpet conveyor, which transports riders quickly to the top. All ages can enjoy an exhilarating ride.  

Hawksnest Snow Tubing

Hawksnest prides itself on being the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast, with over 30 lanes of snow tubing that span up to 1000-ft long. There are four different snow tubing areas with a variety of terrain that satisfies even the most advanced of tubers.

Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing

Jonas Ridge focuses all of their energy on snow tubing. Their snow guns ensure that lanes will be blanketed by a layer of fresh, powdery snow and the facility is fully lighted for hours of late night fun.  Conveyors easily take riders to the top the lanes.

Sugar Mountain

The tubing lanes at Sugar Mountain are located on the Sugar Mountain Golf Course and are serviced by a Magic Carpet lift for ease of effort.  Snowmaking, lights for night tubing and regularly groomed lanes complete their facility.

---

Ice skating and snow tubing make for a great seasonal activity the entire family can enjoy. Definitely plan on adding this to your vacation agenda during your next visit to the North Carolina High Country or if you want to really challenge your skillset, try snowboarding or skiing at the best slopes in the Appalachian Mountains. Find out which winter sport is for you here.