Nothing says “winter” quite like a day of family fun out on the slopes – the snow tubing slopes, that is! While Cataloochee Ski Area offers everything you might want to go skiing in Maggie Valley, the resort’s Tube World provides hours of excitement that the entire family can enjoy.
Our guide will help you plan your perfect tubing trip, including when to visit, where to go, and what you’ll need to make the most of this thrilling activity. Book your stay with Carolina Vacations, and read on to learn everything you need to know about snow tubing in Maggie Valley.
Snow Tubing in Maggie Valley 101
Surrounded by the rolling Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina, Maggie Valley is one of the Southeast’s top destinations for year-round outdoor activities. Naturally, the town doesn’t go dormant when winter rolls around—in fact, the most wonderful time of the year only brings even more hustle and bustle to this beautiful, unique area.
That’s because Maggie Valley is one of the premier spots in the Southeast to experience a classic snow day, as the town’s high elevation and chilly winter temps bring us plenty of natural snowfall from November through March. One of the town’s main draws is Cataloochee Ski Area, an 18-run resort located on a picturesque peak a short drive from Maggie Valley.
But if you’re not sure whether skiing is for you or you’re traveling with little ones in need of a more laidback snow day, you’ll want to skip the ski slopes and opt for a snow tubing session instead.
Sure, a day of sledding on one of the local hills is never amiss, but Maggie Valley’s Tube World provides everything you’ll need for a stress-free trip—tube rentals, a Magic Carpet lift, and even hot cocoa to warm you up. We’ll get into some of the details below.
About Tube World
- cataloochee.com/tube-world
- 4721 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC
Access and Parking
Tube World is located near the Cataloochee Ski Area, across the street from the former Ghost Town in the Sky amusement park. While the ski area is perched on top of a mountain, accessible only via the narrow, winding Ski Lodge Road, you won’t have to go nearly as far to find the ski resort’s snow tubing park. Tube World is just a stone’s throw from downtown Maggie Valley and has plenty of parking to accommodate visitors, even on the busiest days of the tubing season.
Endless Snow
Tube World features several snowmaking machines to ensure you can go tubing all winter long, no matter what’s happening with our famously unpredictable weather. The well-groomed tubing hill and separate lanes get guests moving at a good clip, with no unexpected speed bumps to be seen. Attendants at the top of the hill will help you start sliding whichever way you choose—feet-first, spinning, or backward, you pick.
Conveyor Belt Lift
When you come to a stop, a handy conveyor belt lift will carry you, your travel companions, and your tubes back up after every run, so you won’t have to huff and puff your way uphill to take another ride.
Young Families
And if you’re wondering whether there’s anything you can do with kids who don’t meet the minimum height requirement, fret not. The Wee Bowl, a separate snow play area with inner tubes, allows even the littlest kids to get in on the action.
When to Go Snow Tubing
Naturally, winter will be the best time to go snow tubing in Maggie Valley. Tube World typically opens by mid-December and closes around early March. Temperatures might not be quite as cold down here as they are up on the mountain, but that only means a more comfortable trip for you and your group. Lows typically fall in the 20s, with highs in the 40s and 50s for much of the season. And if you get lucky, you could see a real snow day right here in town.
Reservations
Tube World accepts session reservations up to two weeks in advance, and you’ll definitely want to take advantage of this early access system. The tubing area is hugely popular and can get fairly crowded, especially on the days surrounding peak holidays like President’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Christmas, and New Year. So, to make sure you’ll be able to tube to your heart’s content, try to reserve your spot as early as possible.
Sessions
Sessions last an hour and 45 minutes, which should be plenty of time for most tubers. But if you want to extend your snow day, you can always book a second or third session (pending availability, of course).
Alternatively, those who don’t mind a drive can visit nearby cities in North Carolina and Tennessee to add several more tubing hills to the itinerary. Zip n Slip in Mars Hill, Moonshine Mountain in Hendersonville, and Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg all offer even more tubing entertainment.
Where to Get Your Gear for Tube World
One of the key advantages of tubing over skiing or snowboarding is that you don’t need to take any lessons or bring your own equipment. Simply show up (ideally with an advance reservation) and rent all the gear you’ll need for a day of sliding in the snow. Riders at Tube World must use the park’s rental tubes, so you can’t bring in your own tubes or sleds, but you won’t miss them. The rentals are clean and comfortable, providing the perfect ride.
What to Wear to Be Prepared
Of course, you’ll want to dress for the occasion. Tube World only rents tubes, so plan to bring all of your other snow gear from home. Anti-slip shoes—or better yet, snow-worthy winter boots—are highly recommended. You’ll also want to bundle up as much as possible with a hat, gloves, and beanie since it can get chilly out there on the slopes. But if you forget something at home, Tube World does sell gloves and hats.
If you need a little treat to warm up during your tubing session, you can purchase a variety of hot drinks, like hot cocoa and coffee, right on-site. Then, you can get back to tubing without missing a beat.
Time to Go Tubing in Maggie Valley
Now that you know everything you need to go snow tubing in Maggie Valley, what are you waiting for? Book your stay with Carolina Vacations, make your Tube World reservations, and pack your suitcases. You won’t want to miss out on this classic winter activity.
After your day of tubing, you’ll have even more to look forward to in the Maggie Valley area. Head out for a hike, or try to spot elk in nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The fun goes on all year long in Maggie Valley, so get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
