9 Essential Tips for Snow Tubing Near Blowing Rock with Young Kids

Our whole family had a great time snow tubing in the High Country. The Blue Ridge Parkway made for a scenic drive, and we loved stopping in Banner Elk for some ice skating before heading to our main event. Downtown Blowing Rock was charming, with plenty of spots to grab hot chocolate after a long day in the snow. We explored different snow tubing areas, but Hawksnest Tubing Park stood out as the best experience with its well-maintained base lodge and exciting lanes.

We planned our trip carefully to make sure we had the best possible conditions. We stayed in Seven Devils from January 29-31, 2024, and booked a pet-friendly Airbnb so our German Shepherd could join. Since Hawksnest is such a popular spot, we went tubing on a Tuesday to avoid the weekend crowds. The lines can get insane, so going on a weekday made the experience much more enjoyable.

Hawksnest Tubing Park is hands down the best place for snow tubing in the area. With multiple lanes, well-groomed runs, and plenty of space for the whole family, it offered everything we were looking for. The base lodge was a great place to warm up between sessions, and of course, we ended the day with steaming cups of hot chocolate. If you’re looking for a great experience for all ages, this is the place to be.

Why Blowing Rock is Perfect for Snow Tubing

Blowing Rock’s prime location in North Carolina’s High Country makes it one of the best destinations for snow tubing. The area receives a steady snowfall from late November to early March, providing excellent tubing conditions. Snow tubing parks here cater to all ages, offering a mix of gentle slopes for beginners and high-speed runs for thrill-seekers. Many locations also have snow-making capabilities, ensuring a fun experience even when natural snowfall is limited.

2023 Snow Tubing Trip – Learning from Last Year

Last year, we had our hearts set on snow tubing, but the weather had other plans. It was unseasonably warm, and most tubing parks weren’t open. The only option was the Beech Mountain Sledding Hill or maybe it was actually the Sugar Mountain snow tube hill now that I think about it… either way… a popular sledding hill that’s great for young kids. It wasn’t quite what we originally planned, but it was still a fun part of our winter fun guide. The sledding conditions were decent, and my daughters had a blast using their plastic sleds on the gentle slope.

Beech Mountain’s sledding hill is ideal for younger kids since it’s free and easy to access. There’s a designated area for children under 12, which gave us some peace of mind knowing it had approval for children. It was crowded, but we made the most of it. The biggest downside was that we didn’t get the full tubing experience we had hoped for.

This year, we knew Hawksnest was the best snow tubing option. The long lanes, fast runs, and organized sessions made a huge difference. We booked ahead to secure our tickets since we knew there were a limited number of tubing tickets per session. If you’re planning a trip and want the best snow tubing experience, Hawksnest is where it’s at!

Hawksnest Snow Tubing: The Best Place for Families

Hawksnest Snow Tubing is the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast, making it the premier destination for families. Here’s why it stands out:

• Multiple Lanes: With over 30 tubing lanes ranging from 400 to 1,000 feet in length, there’s a run for everyone.
• Magic Carpet Lift: No need to climb back up—just hop on the conveyor belt and enjoy the ride up.
• Night Tubing: Experience snow tubing under the stars with well-lit lanes.
• Additional Activities: Hawksnest also offers zipline tours for those looking for extra adventure.
• Tickets & Pricing: Sessions fill up quickly, so booking in advance is highly recommended. Prices range from $35-$50 per person, depending on the time and day.

9 Key Tips for a Successful Trip with Young Kids

1. Layer Up – The key to staying comfortable is layers. We dressed the girls in thermal base layers, fleece, and waterproof outerwear. It kept them warm without overheating once they started running around.
2. Pick the Right Day – Weekends get packed, and lines can be overwhelming with little ones. We went on a Tuesday, and it made all the difference. More tubing, less waiting.
3. Plan for Breaks – Tubing is non-stop excitement, but kids tire quickly. We took snack and warm-up breaks at the base lodge. Hot chocolate was a must!
4. Bring Extra Socks and Gloves – Snow gets inside boots and mittens, no matter how careful you are. Dry backups kept meltdowns at bay.
5. Keep the Schedule Loose – Overpacking the itinerary leads to stress. We kept things flexible, giving the girls plenty of time to enjoy each moment.
6. Arrive Early – We got there before our session started to grab rental gear and get settled. This helped us avoid last-minute rushes and tantrums.
7. Check the Weather – Snow tubing depends on conditions. We monitored reports leading up to our trip to make sure we’d have the best possible experience.
8. Pack Easy Snacks – Hunger strikes at the worst times. We had granola bars, fruit, and cheese sticks ready to go, so no one had to wait for food. (Although the lodge had some REALLY delicious looking hot chocolate and chocolate cookies!!)
9. Have a Backup Plan – If tubing tickets sell out or weather changes, options like ice skating, sledding, or exploring Blowing Rock give you plenty of fun alternatives.

Other Snow Tubing Spots in the High Country

Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing

A smaller, family-friendly park with fewer crowds and a cozy lodge. Ideal for families with younger kids.

Beech Mountain Resort

Offers both tubing and a free sledding hill for kids under 12. Perfect for a mix of activities.

Sugar Mountain Resort

Features long tubing lanes and a well-maintained tubing park with a magic carpet lift.

Appalachian Ski Mountain

Primarily known for skiing, but also offers a small tubing area for visitors looking for a mix of activities.

What to Pack and Expect for the Best Conditions

• Warm, Waterproof Clothing: Dress in layers, including insulated snow pants and waterproof gloves.
• Snow Boots: Avoid sneakers or regular boots, as they won’t provide enough warmth or traction.
• Goggles & Sunglasses: Protects against glare from the snow.
• Snacks & Drinks: Many parks have lodges, but bringing your own snacks can be convenient.
• Check Conditions Before You Go: Weather can impact tubing availability, so check the resort’s website for updates.

Where to Stay and Eat

• Lodging: Family-friendly cabins, hotels, and Airbnbs are available near the tubing parks.
  • In 2023 we stayed at The Chetola Resort
  • This trip in 2024, we stayed at an Airbnb IN Seven Devils. There are so many options, so just search “seven devils” in your airbnb search bar!
• Dining: Don’t miss out on a meal at the Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria after a day on the slopes.

FAQs

Q: When is the best time to go snow tubing in Blowing Rock?
A: Early morning or late afternoon sessions on weekdays are less crowded. Peak season runs from December to February.

Q: Do I need to book tickets in advance?
A: Yes! Most tubing parks require online reservations, especially on weekends and holidays.

Q: Is there a minimum age for tubing?
A: It depends on the park. Hawksnest requires children to be at least 3 years old, while others may have stricter height and age requirements.

Q: Can I rent snow tubes at the resorts?
A: Yes, all tubing parks provide tubes as part of your ticket price. Personal tubes are typically not allowed.

Snow tubing in Blowing Rock, NC, is a must-do winter activity for families looking for outdoor fun. With multiple tubing parks, breathtaking scenery, and plenty of activities to enjoy beyond the slopes, it’s the perfect destination for a snowy adventure. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, pack appropriately, and prepare for a day filled with laughter and excitement!