Simply put, it’s just not winter without at least one snowy adventure-filled trip. Day trips are acceptable. And while Charlotte is not known for its blankets of snow and related activities, there’s plenty of places to go where you can get your winter on. We’ve put together a list of places for day trips (four hours or less from Charlotte!) where you can go for skiing, sledding, snow tubing, snow boarding, and snow shoeing.
- Hawksnest Tubing: Every person that I’ve spoken to has named Hawksnest as a great place to go for snow tubing with the family. I love that you can bring kids from ages 3+ to get on the tubes and have a good time. There’s snacks, drinks, and even craft beer onsite. Hawksnest is just under three hours from the Charlotte area. (2058 Skyland Drive, Seven Devils, NC 28604) 828-963-6561
- Highlands Outpost: There’s snow tubing, ice skating, and the Scaly Mountain Screamer, a roller coaster through the Appalachian Mountains! Highlands Outpost is just under 4 hours from the Charlotte area. (7420 Dillard Road, Scaly Mountain, NC 28755) 828-526-3737
- Beech Mountain Resort: You can ski and tube at Beech Mountain (there’s an activity called Cosmic Tubing which takes place at night!), and feel free to make it a weekend, as there’s several restaurants and places to stay. Beech Mountain is about 3 hours and 15 minutes from the Charlotte area. (1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC 28604) 1-800-438-2093
- Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park: The minimum height for tubing here is 36″, which allows for many little ones to hop on a tube. (Note: there’s a 300 lb weight limit on the snow tubes themselves, and a 250 lb weight limit on the tube lift.) There’s a food truck as well as snacks available for purchase. Moonshine Mountain is about 2 hours and 30 minutes from the Charlotte area. (5865 Willow Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739) 828-696-0333
- Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing: No need to rely on actual snow here! Jonas Ridge makes their own snow if Mother Nature isn’t footing the bill. Children under 3 are welcome to ride if they can sit up on their own (no lap riding allowed – adults hold the tube by the handle on the hill descent). Snacks and drinks are available for purchase. Jonas Ridge is about 2 hours and 15 minutes from the Charlotte area. (NC Highway 181 South, Jonas Ridge, NC 28641) 828-733-4155
- Sugar Mountain Resort: There’s a plethora of activities at Sugar Mountain, including ice skating, tubing, snowshoeing, and skiing. Skiing and snowboarding lessons are available for children of any age. Keep an eye out for the mascot, Sugar Bear, who roams around the resort interacting with the guests. Sugar Mountain is a little under 3 hours away from the Charlotte area. (1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Sugar Mountain, NC 28604) 828-898-4521
- Sapphire Valley Ski Area: This family-oriented resort amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains offers skiing, snow boarding, and snow tubing. All skill levels are welcomed. There’s also several restaurants on the property, including the Slopeside Tavern. Sapphire Valley is just under 3.5 hours from the Charlotte area. (127 Sapphire Valley Road, Sapphire, NC 28774) 828-743-7663
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