Can’t wait for some snow to go sledding? In South Carolina, you won’t find many places with snow for sledding, but sledding in NC is worth the day trip!South Carolina doesn’t frequently see a ton of snow, so if you’re looking to go sledding in South Carolina we recommend heading up to the mountains of Western North Carolina. So, grab those gloves and sleds and read on for sledding in NC. Enjoy some winter fun, for free!
*Distance – Approximately 1 Hour from the Upstate The Pisgah National Forest offers visitors plenty of space to play in the snow and pull sleds around.
One reader suggested the area behind Calvary Baptist Church for the perfect sledding hill.
Sledding off The Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
*Distance – Varies 1-3+ Hours from the Upstate Moses H. Cone Memorial Park Milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a safe spot for sledding, but getting to this spot might be tricky depending on the road conditions. The Parkway often closes during inclement weather, making reaching certain spots along this highway difficult to access. This is both a curse and a blessing. The Blue Ridge Parkway being shut down offers families a unique opportunity to sled right on the road.
*Distance – Approximately 2.5 Hours from the Upstate Just north of Banner Elk, The mountain town of Beech Mountain is most famous for being the home of The Land of Oz. In addition to the Beech Mountain Resort located off Beech Mountain Parkway, the city offers a free sledding hill located right behind the Brick Oven Pizzeria at 110 Bark Park Way, Beech Mountain. This sledding hill’s location is new for 2024, and is said to be much better than the original one that was once behind the visitors center. It is larger and much safer due to increased parking, fenced-in location, and no obstructions in the middle of the run. There is also a bathroom and a playground, so you can plan to stay a while!
The Beech Mountain Sledding Hill is open seven days a week, weather permitting, and requires the use of a plastic sled. If you don’t have one handy, you can purchase or rent one from several of the ski shops around the mountain.
There is so much to see and do in Beech Mountain, while this is close enough to be a day trip, you will want to stay and explore! It has one of the more visited ski resorts on the East Coast and is a popular destination for winter sports! Check out the live Beech Mountain webcam, and the Buckeye Lake webcam to see the local conditions before you head out.
Where to Go Sledding in Boone, North Carolina
*Distance – Approximately 2.5 Hours from the Upstate Near the eastern Tennesse border, Boone, North Carolina sees its fair share of snow. Depending on the driving conditions, this is an easy day trip to make for a day playing in the snow. Alternatively, you could plan a last-minute weekend getaway and stay overnight to play in the snow even longer. Head to The town of Boone’s webcam so you can check up on the snow status in real time!
Boone Jaycee Park & Strawberry Hill Overlook is a public park that offers sledding on Strawberry Hill. Be sure to stop for a bathroom break before you head to the park because the restrooms within walking distance are closed during the winter months.
Blowing Rock, North Carolina has several parks that offer a great opportunity for snow play! Blowing Rock Memorial Park has surfaces for older kids to slide down, as well as plenty of open flat areas for snow-play and building snow-folks. The Julian Price Memorial Park in Blowing Rock is also a great place for sledding.
*Approximate drive times are calculated from the Greenville/Spartanburg Airport and can vary based on road conditions. Please check for road closures and hazards before heading to a location listed here during or immediately after inclement weather.
If you’re out hiking with kids anywhere in the Upstate, SC – or anywhere actually – we’ve got a list of 10 things you may want to consider carrying with you.
Our area boasts hundreds of miles of trails, from an easy stroll to strenuous trails up mountaintops. Lots of these trails are perfect for kids! I’ve come to enjoy hiking with my family, rarely hitting the same trails twice because there are just so many to choose from.
I’ve been hiking with my youngest from the time she was just three months old and strapped to me in a baby carrier (she’s eight now) and time in nature is something that has become almost a weekly ritual for us. There has been a lot I’ve had to learn, including what to carry with me when we hike.
Nature Equals Adventure
I wasn’t always so interested in hiking with my kids though. Hiking with kids is an adventure in itself. I started hiking just a handful of times a year with my two kids. I then added more and more hikes every year, learning something new every time.
Now it’s an adventure I take with my two kids that we all enjoy and love. Remember to start with easy trails. Be careful not to overestimate your – and your kids’ – abilities and get in a situation that you aren’t prepared for. Older kids can typically handle more challenging hikes, plus they can help carry more items!
But what do you bring with you? That’s what I’m going to cover here. Most seasoned hikers will tell you to bring the “Ten Essentials” – wise advice, whether its a local trail or national park. These essentials vary a bit and I’ll add some to this list but will also incorporate what I’ve learned in my years of hiking experience as well.
If you’re thinking of getting started hiking find more tips for hiking in our Newbie Guide to Hiking, which you may want to take a look at first.
10 Things to Take With You When Hiking with Kids for a Successful Hike
#1 Water
Don’t forget the water, especially in the summer. Getting dehydrated should not be on your to-do list. Make sure all the tops of the water bottles are closed tight and aren’t leaking into your backpack (I’ve learned the hard way on this one). There are also kid-friendly backpack style water bottles like this one. In cases of emergency, I also carry a LifeStraw, a straw with a personal water filter you can use and drink safely from streams or other water sources.
#2 Snacks
Snacks on hikes are vital. They almost made it to the top spot in this list. Kids are whining? Give them a snack. Kids complaining they are tired? Give them a snack. You want your kids to make it to the waterfall? Bribe them with a snack. Kids love a good snack after a long hike!
#3 First Aid Kit
I always have carried band-aids with me but have since added more to my little portable First Aid Kit – namely antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, Neosporin, and After Bite to deal with stings (this is the product I’ve used the most).
#4 Sunscreen
We do a lot of hiking and swimming in the summer and carrying extra sunscreen is important.
#5 Map
I always screenshot a map of the trail I’m planning to hike on my phone and then take a photo of the map, if available, at the trailhead, if I don’t have a hard copy. This is especially key in more remote places that are less traveled. I used the AllTrails app but love Gaia as it’s usually more accurate. Maybe even plan out a scavenger hunt along the trail for fun!
#6 Trash bag
I always carry a plastic grocery bag we use for trash, both ours and the trash we find on the trail. Pack out what you pack in – a big part of the Leave No Trace principles. If you have a kid in diapers, take those diapers out of the forest with you and dispose in a trash can. Same with dog waste – it’s not ok to leave waste on trails or in trash bags on trails.
#7 Flashlight or headlamp
I’ve never had to use this on a hike but always carry it just in case. In our area, it’s not uncommon to read local news stories about people getting lost in the woods, especially over the summer since more people are out on the trails then.
#8 Pepper spray or some kind of protection
I’ve never had to use this but after an alarming number of loose dog encounters, I now carry both pepper spray and a small, handheld zapper. A lot of people like to carry bear spray in the off chance of an encounter with aggressive wildlife.
#9 Rain poncho
Getting caught in the rain, especially if it’s cold or when a chance storm hits, isn’t fun. Keeping kids protected with lightweight rain gear is a good idea.
#10 Firestarter
Bring matches and something to use for tinder (dryer lint works great) in case you need it.
Some other suggestions that may be helpful are a knife, a plastic tarp you could use as a makeshift shelter, and extra socks. If you’ve got a baby with you, be sure to bring extra diapers and wipes.
Looking for an affordable place to ski with the family? KAG Contributor Lacey Keigley took her daughter to Appalachian Ski Mountain. While this review was written a few years ago, the post has been updated for the 2022-23 season.
Looking to hit the slopes this winter? Head north for skiing and snow tubing in North Carolina. You’ll find many great ski and snow tube options including huge North Carolina ski resorts and super family-friendly North Carolina snow tubing parks. Of course, there are some great spots throughout the mountains for skiing and snow tubing in Tennessee and Georiga, too. Use our guide to find the best snow tubing near you, or a great ski slope closest to you. We’ve visited lots of these ski and snow tube places and you’ll find our reviews linked in each listing.
Are there places to go snow tubing in South Carolina? Are there any South Carolina ski resorts? Where are the ski slopes near me?
The short answer is “No.” If you want to ski, snow tube, or snowboard you’ll need to head out of South Carolina. But, the good news is that there is most definitely skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing very near South Carolina. You’ll just need to head up to North Carolina for most of it.
There are some great spots just an hour or two from Upstate, SC, and two to three hours from the Midlands, SC.
Blackbear Snow Tubing
Snow Tubing North Carolina
Check out this video of our trip to Blackbear Snow Tubing.
Quick Guide: Ski and Snow Tube Near You!
Here’s a quick list of locations by activity. Scroll down for a description of each park and resort! *Tubing Only Parks
Some resorts have closings when the weather gets too warm. Be sure you check the resort website before planning your trip.
Our visit to Moonshine Mountain
Ski, Snowboard, and Snow Tube: North Carolina
Western North Carolina Ski Slopes and Best Snow Tubing in NC
Looking for the closest ski slopes to Greenville, SC? The ski resorts and slopes in Western North Carolina are nearest to Greenville, SC. You’ll find several options in the Asheville, Hendersonville, and Sapphire Valley areas. Here are the nearest ski slopes to Upstate, SC.
Hatley Pointe Resort
Hatley Pointe, formerly Wolf Ridge Snow Tubing Park and Ski Resort, in Mars Hill, NC brands itself as a boutique mountain resort with slopes, restaurants, and bars.
Hatley Pointe 578 Valley View Circle, Mars Hill, NC 828.689.4111
Moonshine Mountain
Moonshine Mountain in Hendersonville, NC was mentioned by several Kidding Around Greenville readers when we asked you where to go tubing. Located just over an hour from Greenville, this snow tubing-only park offers two hours of tubing for $40 per person. Be sure to check their current hours before making the trip. Minimum height is 36″.
Note: This is a cash-only business, with an ATM on site.
Read our Moonshine Mountain review for special tips on making the most of your time there. Target opening date is December 20, 2023.
Sapphire Valley, North Carolina was also mentioned as one reader’s go-to for fun in the snow. Sapphire Valley offers ski school, Frozen Falls Tube Park, The Vordach Zipline Experience, and, of course, snow skiing. Plus Sapphire Valley is under two hours from Greenville so it makes for an easy day trip. There are no height or weight restrictions.
Sapphire Valley 127 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire Valley, NC 828.743.7663
Our snow tubing trip to Sapphire Valley
Zip n Slip
Located just outside Asheville in Mars Hill, NC, Zip-n-Slip is open daily during mid-December-mid-January and then weekends through early March. They’ve got a fire pit, hot chocolate, nachos, and hot dogs on -site.
Prices start at $30/pp for an hour (it’s $22.50 for military, police, fire, and EMS persons) and go up to $45/pp for two hours. Unlike other snow tubing places, Zip-n-Slip allows kids ages 3-5 to ride in the same tube as an adult. Kids must be at least 3 years old for tubing. Kids 5 and under are free. The target open date is December 15th, 2023, and you can easily book your ticket online.
Check their website or Facebook page for the latest info on weather and hours.
Zip n Slip 10725 US Highway 23 North, Mars Hill, NC 828.689.8444
Tubing at Zip ‘N Slip
Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center
About two hours from the Upstate, the Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center has snow tubing all winter long for $35-40 per person for two hours for adults and kids. Snow tubing is open as of November 30, 2023.
Kids must be at least 4 years old and 42 inches tall to ride. Scaly Mountain has a kiddie snow tube area for two hours for $20. Scaly Mountain is near Highlands, NC and they also have ice skating available. A combo two-hour tubing ticket plus one hour of ice skating is $50/person. Snow tubing is open now.
Cataloochee Ski Area and Tube World in Maggie Valley, NC is another reader favorite. Also offering tubing, ski school, and skiing, this is a great option for families who don’t want to drive that far. Kids must be 42″ tall to snow tube. They do offer an area where kids under that height can pay to play with tubes but not go down the slopes.
Tubing costs $35/person on weekdays and $40/person on weekends.
Cataloochee 1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley, NC 828.926.0285
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing is also a two-hour drive from Greenville and offers snow tubing that even the little ones will love. This snow tubing destination has staff photographers to capture action shots of your family so you can remember your fun day long after it’s over. They open on December 18th, 2023, and require reservations.
Rates are $30/ages 7+ and $20/age 6 and under for an hour of tubing or $45/person and $30/age 6 and under for two hours of tubing. Kids must be able to sit up on their own to go down in a tube. No lap riding.
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing 9472 Highway 181, Jonas Ridge, NC 828.733.4155
Black Bear Snow Tubing
Black Bear Snow Tubing in Hendersonville is pretty close to home and a lot of fun. Check out our Black Bear Tubing review for all the details. Tickets are $40 per 2 hours of tubing or $30 for one hour. Children under 4 or under 40 lbs are not permitted to tube and kids ages 4-6 must be accompanied by an adult but every tuber gets their own tubes, even kids. They accept cash and credit cards and, to save time, sign your waiver online.
Check out our Kidding Around review of Black Bear Tubing for all the information.
Hours vary so check their Facebook page or website before you go. You can reserve tickets online (which we recommend).
Hear us out: this place has snowless snow tubing at their camp, which they call Chutes. It looks really fun and is only an hour and 20 minutes from Greenville. They have four lanes, which are 225 feet long and you can go pretty fast, up to 15 mph. You need to make reservations in advance, which you can do through their website. The tubing is all outdoors so dress accordingly.
Each ticket includes 3 hours of tubing time and proceeds support the camp. There is no official age limit but they suggest kids need to be at least five years old (younger kids can tube at the discretion of their parents). Tickets are $25/person. Hours are Friday & Saturday nights with slots at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 pm.
Skiing and Snow Tubing in North Carolina High Country
Looking for a great ski resort in North Carolina? Head to the North Carolina High Country where you’ll find a variety of resorts offering all kinds of winter fun. You will have no trouble finding someplace great to ski, tube or even ice skate. If you’re ambitious, you could even hit more than one ski resort in a single weekend.
Appalachian Ski Mountain
Appalachian Ski Mountain is located just outside downtown Blowing Rock and offers a little bit of everything. Not only can you ski or snowboard, but you can also ice skate too! They are open for the 2022-23 season now and reservations are required.
Appalachian Ski offers three different ski school options for kids. Choose either Ski Wee for kids as young as 4 or Cruiser Camp for kids 7 – 12 who want to give snowboarding a try. Both of these camps offer 2 and 4-hour sessions. The newest program, Mountain Challengers, is for kids who are a bit more experienced and want to try intermediate terrain.
While App Ski Mountain has a rustic lodge with dining and shopping inside, there is no inn so you’ll have to head down the mountain after your day on the slopes is over. The slopes end very close to the ski school area so parents can check in on kids at ski school every so often.
Hawksnest Snow Tubing is 2.5 hours from Greenville and worth the drive. There is no hiking up the slopes here as they have magic carpets that allow you to save your energy for the tubing. The opening date is December 1, 2023.
Hawksnest is the largest snow tubing park in the east with 30 lanes of fun. You can make online reservations here and they are open now. Tubers must be at least three years old and tickets are $35/person on weekdays and $40-47/person on weekends and holidays for an hour and 45 minutes of tubing.
Hawksnest Tubing Park 2058 Skyland Drive, Seven Devils, NC 828.963.6561
Sugar Mountain
With 20 slopes and trails, plus four tubing runs many think of Sugar Mountainfirst when planning a ski trip close to home. Sugar Mountain also offers multiple lodging options, some slope side, so you don’t have to pack up the car when you’re done skiing for the day.
Tickets are $34-50 per person during weekdays and weekends are $34-84 per person. Ages three and four are free with a ticketed adult. Sessions are an hour and 45 minutes long. Kids must be ages 3 and up to tube. Tickets are sold first come first serve and will likely sell out.
They also offer half or full-day ski or snowboard school for kids as young as five years old. Kidding Around Greenville reader Kim warned that holiday weekends can get pretty crowded so be prepared if you’re planning a trip to Sugar over Presidents’ Day Weekend this year. They are currently open.
Sugar Mountain Resort is just 10 minutes from Banner Elk, NC.
Just up the road from Sugar Mountain is Beech Mountain Resort, the highest ski resort in the Eastern United States. Beech Mountain Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, a terrain park, tubing, and ice skating.
Little ones as young as 3 can get in on ski school at Beech so the whole family can ski! Ski school students are placed into groups based on age and skill levels. Like Sugar, Beech Mountain offers multiple lodging options if you prefer to ski right out the door and onto the slopes.
Tubing guests must be at least 42″ tall and tickets are $34/weekdays and $42/weekends and holidays. Tickets are sold the day of starting at 9 am on a first come first serve basis.
There is also a free sledding hill right in the center of town. You can’t miss it as it’s on the main road that goes through the small town.
Margaritaville at Lanier Islandsin Georgia has fast and high runs on Parrot Mountain for snow tubing. The slide is eight stories high and 575 feet long. The minimum height for snow tubing is 42″ inches tall and one person per tube is allowed.
Tickets are sold to the entire “License to Chill” area which includes snow tubing, ice skating, the snow play area, and amusement rides. They offer day and winter passes. There are also discounts when purchasing online.
This snow tubing place is open all year round because it’s indoors! This place has real snow for the tubing lanes plus a snow area where kids can build forts and snowmen. Plus, it’s always around 60-70 degrees inside so you aren’t freezing. Kids must be 38″ tall to tube. If not, you can buy them a ticket just to play in the snow.
Tickets start at $29.99 for an hour of snow tubing and at $36.99 for tubing plus 30 minutes of snow play. No reservations are needed.
Ober is one of the oldest entertainment areas in Gatlinburg that gets mixed reviews. They have snow tubing, skiing, and snowboarding over the winter. Book online because they do sell out. Also note that parking is an extra fee. Kids need to be at least 3 years old to tube.
Tubing sessions are 90 minutes long and start at $35/person. Prices are higher on weekends.
Ober Gatlinburg 1001 Parkway Suite 2, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 865.436.5423
Ski Vacations on the East Coast
So, you’re looking for a serious ski vacation without having to book a flight?Snowshoe Mountainin West Virginia offers 251 acres of fun and a total of 57 trails! Snowshoe offers everything you’ll need for a fantastic ski vacation, all at the top of the mountain!
This West Virginia hot spot offers a lot; everything from ski school to a tube park, snowmobiling, shopping, dining, entertainment, lots of lodging options, and even an inn and spa. Snowshoe offers some pretty great package deals on skiing.
If you’ve never hunted for the Toads on Trade in Greer, SC, add it to your list of things to do. Inspired by Greenville’s Mice on Main, the downtown Greer scavenger hunt features 16 tiny toad statues tucked away on historic buildings. And if you’ve never ventured to find all 16 toads? We’ve got everything you need to know (including a short history lesson) before you go toad hunting.
Ready for a FREE adventure? Head to the summit of South Carolina’s Sassafras Mountain where an observation tower awaits. From the tower, you’ll be able to see across the mountains of North Carolina, Georgia, and even into Tennessee. local mom, Liene, has all the details so you can plan this fun, FREE, adventure with your family!
Sassafras Mountain: elevation 3,553’. It’s the highest point in the state of South Carolina and a spot to keep in mind as you’re planning summer adventures! The peak straddles not only the line between North and South Carolina but the Eastern Continental Divide; from its summit, four states are visible on a clear day. Still, this scenic viewpoint is one of the most easily accessed “highest points” in the US, perfect for a family day trip from Greenville.
Sassafras Mountain’s Observation Tower
It wasn’t always accessible. Although long the site of a fire lookout tower, it was only in the 1990s that the SC DNR acquired the acreage of what is now known as the Jocassee Gorges. At that time the last 4.5 miles of road to the summit were paved, a parking lot was installed, and in 2010, three acres of trees were cleared from the summit, revealing the views that can be seen today.
The breakthrough came when the viewing plaza at the top of Sassafras Mountain was completed, including picnic tables, several viewing platforms, a central viewing tower, multiple trails, educational signage, and restrooms. The observation tower is also ADA accessible!
Where is Sassafras Mountain?
Sassafras Mountain is just a short detour off scenic Highway 11 in Pickens County, the mountain road that travels along the base of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. It offers nice vies of the Blue Ridge Mountains as well. From Pickens, it’s 16 miles north on US 178 to Rocky Bottom, where after making a right turn (east) on F. Van Clayton Memorial Highway it’s about 5 miles to the end of the road (just short of the summit).
Plenty of parking, as well as convenient restrooms, make it an easy spot to explore with kids, and temperatures tend to be about 10˚ cooler than in Greenville, convenient on a hot summer day.
1391 F Van Clayton Memorial Hwy, Sunset, SC 29685
Hiking Trails Near Sassafras Mountain
While you can drive to the top of Sassafras Mountain and head to the observation deck without any hiking, what if you want to do some hiking? There are trailheads at the top of Sassafras Mountain where you can access the Foothills Trail. You can hike all the way to Table Rock if you desire, but it’s strenuous and not a hike for families.
You could just walk a short portion of the trail and turn around to climb back up to the observation platform for lunch with a view. Or you could just meander around the observation area and boulders to enjoy the views. But if you really want to do some hiking as a family, there are several great trails for families near Sassafras.
Twin Falls is an easy hike with a big payoff. It’s about 25 minutes away from Sassafras Mountain. Table Rock State Park is 27 minutes away and it has several trails to choose from. Carrick Creek Trail is great for kids. Devils Fork State Park/Lake Jocassee is 40 minutes from Sassafras. The mile-long Oconee Bell Trail there is beautiful, especially in the spring. The lake is fantastic for paddling and swimming. Mile Creek Park is 40 minutes away and is great for swimming. Brevard, NC is 30 minutes away and it has tons of waterfalls and trails.
Sassafras Mountain Things to Do
The views from the summit stretch to the Highlands in North Carolina, Mount Pisgah on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Chattooga Ridge near Walhalla, and to Georgia & (supposedly) Tennessee (I say supposedly because although it was easy to pick out the Georgia range, I wasn’t sure if it was the Smoky Mountains in TN we were looking at in the distance). Pack a picnic, bring binoculars, and don’t forget your camera!
About Sassafras Mountain: 3 Interesting Facts to Share With the Kids
3 Watersheds
Interesting fact, this is the separation point for three distinct watersheds: two into the Atlantic and one into the Gulf. Water draining from the east side of the mountain flows into the South Saluda, then on to the Broad River, the Congaree and then into the Santee-Cooper Lakes, ending up in the Atlantic.
From the south side of the mountain, water drains into Eastatoe Creek, running through Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell down to the Savannah River and also into the Atlantic.
Water from the north and west sides of the mountain flows into the French Broad, making its way north through Asheville and Knoxville into the Tennessee River, then the Ohio River, and finally the Mississippi (up to Cairo, IL!) before flowing back down south into the Gulf of Mexico.
2 States: North and South Carolina State Line
Although Sassafras is the tallest mountain in the state, a portion of it is actually in North Carolina. While there, check out the markers for the state line, just a short distance west on a rock outcrop. Two states for the price of one… and that price is $0, as there is no admission to the park.
1 Highest Peak in South Carolina
In a list of each state’s highest peak, Sassafras Summit ranks 29th. Neighboring North Carolina’s Mount Mitchell comes in 16th at 6,684’, and Georgia’s Brasstown Bald 25th at 4,784’. Although nearby Tennessee also has a higher peak (Clingmans Dome, 17th at 6,643’), at least we’ve got Florida beat – at 345’ Britton Hill comes in dead last, even after the District of Columbia.
However, this lower ranking shouldn’t stop you from making the 60-minute drive from Greenville this summer. The drive is scenic, the views are unbeatable, and the fresh mountain air will inspire and invigorate you to climb more peaks!
Ready to skate at Ice on Main in Downtown Greenville? You heard that right; you can go ice skating outdoors in downtown Greenville, South Carolina, on natural, actual ice this holiday and winter season. One of America’s favorite winter traditions, open-air ice skating outdoors is a rare treat. You can celebrate the holiday season in the heart of Downtown Greenville at United Community Bank Ice on Main. So bring your perfect balance, all your grace, or just your two left feet, and have some fun. Rent some skates, enjoy a hot chocolate and soak up all the winter ice skating memories.
Greenville’s 2023/2024 skating season will begin on November 15th, 2023 and run through January 15th, 2024. So grab your family and find out what you’ll need to hit the rink this winter! We have all the details on rink hours, special promotions, advanced tickets, and more.
Looking for more fun winter things to do in Greenville, SC? Be sure to check out our Winter Guide to Greenville!
Scenes from Ice on Main
Want to see what skating at Ice on Main looks like? Here’s a video from our visit to Ice on Main with all the sights and sounds of outdoor skating in Downtown Greenville.
Greenville, South Carolina, may not freeze over often, but the city has a skating rink during the winter months just waiting to test your skills.
Ice On Main in Greenville, South Carolina
There is something so special about Ice on Main in downtown Greenville. Maybe it’s the beautiful location right in downtown or maybe it’s the overhead lights or maybe it’s just knowing that you can make those fantastic memories with your family right here in Greenville.
It doesn’t even matter if you’re a horrible skater. We’re in the South! It’s not like we have frozen lakes everywhere to practice on. Even if you’re hugging the side of the rink, it’s still really fun. Or you can hold hands with your kids or significant other and just hope you both don’t go falling over together.
Either way, I think Ice on Main should definitely be on your to-do list for winter in Greenville.
Ice On Main is Great for Beginners: Skate Aids
One of the unique features of Ice on Main, over other local rinks, is the skate aids that they offer. The plastic walker-shaped aid has handles and gives children 12 and under something to hold on to instead of the railing on the side of the rink. These are first-come, first-served, and is an additional $3 rental fee. Be sure to arrive early to secure one, as they sometimes run out during peak times.
Skating is open to all age skaters. However, the smallest rental skate is a children’s size 8, and the largest adult size is a Men’s size 13.
Skate Rentals Are Included, But You Can Bring Your Own
Bringing your skates won’t save you money on tickets, because rental skates are included in the admission price.
But for those who skate regularly or plan to, bringing your own skates is definitely an option.
If you think you or your child will be on the ice all winter long, purchasing them a pair of skates might be a good idea. You could continue the fun at The Pavilion in Taylors after Ice on Main is done for the season.
Out On The Ice
Each session is an hour long, and while they accept walk-up skaters if space allows, making a reservation is recommended. There’s a restroom right next to the rink and a concession shed with drinks and snacks. To make the most of the hour, try and take care of potty breaks before your session begins. There’s no place to secure your belongings while on the ice, so only bring what you can carry if everyone in your party will be on the ice.
The 2023/2024 Ice on Main season will begin on November 15th and run through January 15th, 2024. Operating hours vary on Holidays. For the Holiday Hours, check the times on the Ice On Main website.
Monday – Thursday | 2-9 PM
Fridays | 2-10 PM
Saturday – Sunday | 11 AM – 10 PM
Birthday Parties
Did you know you can rent the ice rink for a birthday party or other special event? You can! You receive $2 off per ticket and must purchase 30 tickets to receive the discount and rent the rink.
Private bookings are available Monday through Friday (2 – 5 pm), with blackout dates for discounted rink rentals being November 24 – 26, December 17 – January 2, and January 17.
Are you thinking about snow tubing at Black Bear Snow Tubing in Hendersonville, NC? Western North Carolina has great snow tubing and Black Bear Snow Tubing is a stellar option for families! They have a huge mountain to get your winter in high gear with a fun snow tubing trip for the whole family! We took a trip up to try out that snow-tubing mountain and it was so much fun! Now we have all the details to share so you can plan your trip!
Media tickets were provided for this review and the opinions are solely those of the author.
While there aren’t any places to snow tube in the Upstate, SC, there are definitely options nearby and one of them is Black Bear Snow Tubing in nearby Hendersonville, NC, just over an hour from Greenville, SC. The snow tubing family-owned operation has been in business for over seven years and they really have a good thing going there, which I’m going to tell you all about in this story.
Scenes From the Slope
Take a sneak peek at this video at Black Bear Snow Tubing.
Snow Tubing at Black Bear
The slope at Black Bear Snow Tubing is 600 feet long with an 80-foot drop and it’s pretty fast. They make their own snow (unless they get a big snowstorm, which doesn’t happen too often) and the hill is well-maintained by their attentive staff.
How it works is that when you get to Black Bear, you go to a little shed to watch a short safety video, where you learn how to get out of your tube on the run and not to start snowball fights, sign a waiver, and head inside the cozy lodge to pay. Then you get your tubes and head to the hill.
They have a pulley system to get you to the top of the hill, which works by slipping the handle of your tube on a cable that takes you, while sitting inside your tube, right up the hill to the top. Once at the top, you’ll wait for a few minutes before being situated into your group by the staff and then sliding down the hill.
Black Bear Snow Tubing Pulley System
Why Black Bear is Different
I’ve snow tubed at many places in our area and I think Black Bear Snow Tubing is pretty fantastic. Here’s why:
You can (and should) make a reservation ahead of time, which is crucial for us in Greenville who need to travel out of state to go snow tubing. It’s quite a bummer to get to our snow tubing place and either find out that they are sold out or having to wait hours for an open slot.
The staff is attentive and efficient. They were always around watching the hill to make sure things were running smoothly and safely. When there was a slight backup at the top of the hill, they figured out how to manage to get us all down the hill and back up to keep snow tubing without interruption.
The lodge is super cozy and warm and has reasonable concessions. I got a $2 hot chocolate and it was amazing. Plus, they have food, including apple cider donuts, that is affordable and you can get warm by the wood-burning stove inside or watch on the deck if you don’t want to go tubing.
The setup takes into account smaller kids. There is playground next to the place where you wait in line to go up the hill so smaller kids can get out their energy and there is a big fire pit also near the waiting area where you can warm up.
If you forgot a hat or gloves, they have them for sale inside the lodge. I feel like us parents can relate when our kid gets out of the car to go snow tubing and forgot his or her winter hat.
The check-in is fast. This is important because you want to get on the hill and start having fun as soon as possible!
Black Bear has excellent communication. They post daily on their Facebook page about current snow conditions, which is super helpful when you’re unsure about the weather.
The snow is real. They don’t have any synthetic chemicals in the snow – it’s the real deal.
My kids, ages 11 and 8, and I had such a blast snow tubing at Black Bear Snow Tubing. We went down the hill about 10 times (maybe more, I lost count honestly) and had so much fun together. I really love places where adults can carelessly be kids again. My kids are already asking to go back. The hill was super fast and seeing my kids faces light up with joy was special. I love those moments.
Tips on How to Enjoy Snow Tubing at Black Bear
Winter being winter, it’s usually cold when you go snow tubing. I’ve found that bringing hand and foot warmers is a really good trick to keeping everyone warm and comfortable. You can get them at Wal-Mart, Amazon, or most drug stores and they stay warm for hours.
It’s also really important to make a reservation when you know you want to go snow tubing. This is especially true during school breaks and holidays. Snow tubing is an awesome family activity on a day off but a lot of people also have the same thought. Don’t forget to make a reservation.
You don’t need to wear snow bibs or snow pants. I had on fleece leggings, hiking boots, and a couple layers of tops with a heavy coat (it was really cold when we went!) and I was fine. I saw people wearing all kinds of clothes that worked for them like pants, leggings, jeans, and sweatpants. The snow wasn’t wet at all when we went but if you go on a warmer day, you may want to bring a change of pants in case they get wet.
There are port-a-potties outside the lodge to use and no bathrooms indoors.
Double-check Black Bear’s Facebook page before heading out. Snow tubing is very dependent on weather, which changes often in the mountains. They will post current conditions and if they are open or closed most days.
Ticket Prices and Policies at Black Bear Snow Tubing
Tickets are $30/hour or $40/two hours for snow tubing. Kids must be 4 years old in order to go snow tubing. You can either sign a waiver when you get to Black Bear Snow Tubing or print one out online ahead of time. Either is fine.
While Black Bear Snow Tubing does take walk-ups, it is much better to make a reservation ahead of time instead of getting there and finding out they are full. Online reservations are fantastic for this very reason so definitely make use of them.
And be sure to check Black Bear Snow Tubing’s Facebook page before heading out to double check they are open and running. Winter tubing runs mid-December through February usually depending on the weather, of course.
And if you want to tube during other times of the year, you totally can! They have warm-weather tubing in the fall.
Does your family love to go hiking? If you are looking for winter hikes near Greenville, SC, you’ve come to the right spot! Here’s where to go hiking around Greenville this winter and what to bring.
Taking your kiddos on a hike in winter may seem like a crazy feat, but if the unpredictable upstate weather is in your favor it can be one of the best times to go. Cooler temperatures bring broader views, a change of scenery, less sweat, and fewer bugs. It makes hiking the tougher trails just a bit easier and also allows you to choose hikes that offer a view, rather than a water feature, as a payoff – something you wouldn’t opt for in the summer months. Get your camera ready and read on for a list of tips to help you and your little troops make the most of your adventure.
Searching for ‘where to go ice skating near me’? While I’m far from being the next Olympic ice skater, I like to try my hand at it every year and luckily there are plenty of places to go ice skating near Greenville, SC! So lace up your skates, grab your coat, and have fun sliding around at one of these top ice rinks near the Upstate.
Mid-November through mid-February (check website for dates) The Whitewater Center opens their 24,000+ square foot ice rink every year. There are four distinct skating areas with two ice trails and two free skate zones.
November 15th, 2023 – January 15th, 2024 (CLOSED 2024) United Community’s Ice on Main opens every year mid-November and is open 7 days a week through mid-January. Located at Village Green next to the Courtyard Marriott, kids (and grown-ups) of all ages ice skate in the heart of downtown Greenville.
November 18th, 2023 – January 15th, 2024 (CLOSED 2024) Founders Holiday Ice Rink is located in the heart of Old Town across from Fountain Park in Rock Hill, SC. It’s a popular place to lace up your skates this holiday season.
