Skiing, Snow Boarding, Snow Tubing & Ice Skating

By Pam | January 15, 2020

Some fun winter outdoor activities for all the family to enjoy.

Sapphire Valley Ski Resort is 28 miles away in Sapphire, NC. Click here for directions.
The resort website is a great source of information on the resort’s amenities, which includes a ski school and a tube park. You can access a trail map, snow report, and brochure – downloadable in PDF format. The Frozen Falls Tube Park is a 500 foot run with a vertical drop of 60 feet. The ‘moving sidewalk’ gets you and your tube to the top. Note that groups of 10 or more need to make reservations one week in advance for snow tubing. Check out the live ski cam and tubing cam for current conditions including how busy the slopes are. The resort installed new snow-making equipment in the last couple of years. You are advised to complete the release forms ahead of your visit to save time. Don’t forget to bring some marshmallows to roast over the fire pit at the base of Ski Sapphire Valley!

Cataloochi Ski Area is 54 miles away in Maggie Valley, NC. Click here for directions.
There are 50 skiable acres for beginners, intermediates, and expert skiers. The season begins in late Oct/early November through to March each year. You can rent equipment and there’s a shop too. The resort also offers Tube World four miles away from the ski area. You are advised to complete this release form to save time on arrival. We recommend stopping to eat in Waynesville (lunch or dinner) if you haven’t been to Waynesville. This quaint town is definitely worth a visit and offers lots of great eating options.

Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center is 20 miles south of Buttercup Haven. Click here for directions.
Snow tubing and ice-skating are available at Scaly Mountain. There are waivers for both activities that you can print and fill out. Check out the live streaming webcam to see the tubing hill year-round and the ice skating rink during the winter months.

Ice Skating in Highlands – 16 miles and just over 30 minutes away by car. Click here for directions.
The rink is open from November to early March. You need to reserve a time through the reservation link. Rental skates are available for youth size 8 to adult size 14. Coffee and Hot Chocolate are also available.