Five Wintery Adventures Waiting in Boone. The idea that snow is not just meant for skiing but also for a slew of outdoor activities is enticing for multiple generations who want to enjoy a winter vacation together. 

Here’s the scoop. No place is winter with children more enjoyable than in Boone nestled in North Carolina’s High Country. Snow tubing, snowshoeing, ice-skating, sledding, and ziplining are all part of the winter vacation mix of things to do with kids, parents and grandparents. 

 
1. Snow Tubing. Looking for an outdoor activity that requires more gravity than skill? Snow tubing is the answer. Picture a large, soft inner tube, like the ones pulled behind a ski boat, gliding down lovely white snow.  There is truly no training required, just shove off and hang on for the slide. Several terrific ski resorts near Boone offer family members of all ages snow tubing fun and terrific ways to enjoy snowy days together. However, there’s probably no better place to try this popular winter “sport” than Hawksnest Resort. Perhaps the largest snow tubing area in the eastern U.S., this state-of-the-art snow adventure facility boasts 30 tubing channels spanning from 400 to 1,000 feet in length with a thrilling vertical descent of more than 100 feet. Once the gravity-induced thrill is over, a conveyor system returns you to the top. Hawksnest limits the number of participants on the runs during any given time frame. So, to avoid waiting or disappointments, purchase tickets in advance online and secure the ideal time of your tubing session. Call 800-822-4295, or visit www.hawksnesttubing.com.

 
2. Ziplining. If you prefer a bird’s eye view of the snow, check out Hawksnest Zipline. It offers wintery thrills on one of the region’s largest zipline networks with a suspension bridge, 19 separate cables, and four mega cables with linking routes spanning over four miles.

3. Snowshoeing. Though it’s one of the oldest winter activities around, snowshoeing is enjoying a boost in popularity in part because it’s something the whole family can enjoy together. Snowshoeing in the High Country offers gentle slopes, breathtaking views, and easy-going family adventures that are sure to become cherished memories. Sugar Mountain Resort is the only place to offer guided snowshoe hikes in all of the Boone area. Plus, snowshoes are included in the activity fee. Call (800) SUG-ARMT, or visit www.skisugar.com.

4. Ice Skating. All three of the Boone area’s ski resorts offer ice skating for the entire family in settings that truly highlight the majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From Appalachian Ski Mountain’s Zamboni-groomed rink complete with a bonfire to Beech Mountain Resort’s 7,000 square-foot skating rink surrounded by the alpine-style architecture, shops, and eateries of Beech Tree Village, you can choose your own idyllic winter adventure here. For times and benefits visit Sugar Mountain, www.appskimtn.com or www.skibeech.com.  

5. Sledding. Don’t forget your sled.  Free-range sledding, the most traditional form of sledding, is possible at dozens of spots throughout the Boone area. One popular spot is the hill at Moses Cone Park in Blowing Rock, at the junction between the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shull’s Mill Road. 

Make it happen. To plan one of your own in North Carolina’s High Country snow adventure call toll-free 1-800-852-9506 or visit www.ExploreBoone.com.