The Great Smoky Mountains transform into a magical winter wonderland when the cold weather moves in. Snow covers the peaks and the mountains become a cold weather playground filled with all sorts of exciting winter activities. One of those activities has become a season tradition for many families – snow tubing!
There’s nothing quite as thrilling as soaring down the slopes with the wind in your face and the snowy world at your feet. Squeals of delight fill the air as the whole family zooms through the snow and everyone collapses with peals of laughter at the bottom of the hill. Check out our top spots for snow tubing in the Smoky Mountains and plan your next winter adventure today.
Top Destinations for Snow Tubing in the Smoky Mountains
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Ober Gatlinburg Snow Tubing
Ober Gatlinburg is gorgeous any time of year, but it really comes alive during winter with skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and so much more. This Smoky Mountain ski resort and amusement park is packed with exciting snow-fueled fun, including, of course, snow tubing. Their tubing area features 10 lanes atop a 400-foot hill with a thrilling 50-foot drop. Sit back, hold on tight, and enjoy the ride. And when you get to the bottom of the hill, don’t worry about climbing back up for round two. Just hop on Ober Gatlinburg’s “Magic Carpet.” The outdoor escalator smoothly transports you to the top of the hill after every run. Take in the majestic mountain views with the kids before hitting the slopes for another epic slide!
1406 Tyrolea Ct, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | 800-251-9202
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Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge Snow is America’s first indoor snow park where you can enjoy snow tubing in the Smoky Mountains all year round! Don’t worry about checking the weather report because there will always be snow here. Made from 100% real water and a unique patented process, it’s just like the real white stuff. Plus the temps inside stay between 60 to 70 degrees, so you don’t have to worry about keeping up with hats and mittens. After several fun-filled hours of sliding down the park’s 15 lanes, make your way to the Snow Play area to build a snowman or challenge the kids in a snowball fight.
2533 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | 865-366-1334
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Cataloochee Ski Area
If you’re on the North Carolina side of the Smokies, then the Cataloochee Ski Area is the place to go for snow tubing in the Smoky Mountains. Their dedicated tubing area, Tube World, takes snow tubing to an entirely different level. Located right across from the entrance to the popular attraction, Ghost Town in the Sky, you’ll find endless hours of family-friendly fun. Five designated lanes on an expertly groomed slope take you flying down the steep hill one run after another. And you don’t even have to climb back up. Just hop onto the moving carpet, glide your way to the top, and get ready to go again! Just be sure to take a breather and enjoy the spectacular mountain views.
4821 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 | 828-926-0285
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
While not a designated snow tubing destination, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a couple of different spots where you can bring your own tube or sled and enjoy the winter splendor of Mother Nature. As soon as enough snow builds up, you’ll find families heading to Clingmans Dome for a snow tubing adventure with panoramic winter views that you won’t find anywhere else. The roads are usually closed due to snow, so you’ll have to hike. But an invigorating winter hike is a great way to start a fun-filled day of snow tubing in the Smoky Mountains!
Forneys Creek, NC 28713 | 865-436-1200