Get Ready for a Ski and Snow Tubing Weekend Adventure from Greenville, SC!
Hey, Greenville buddies! Winter is just around the corner, and you know what that means? It’s time to start dreaming about snow-covered slopes, cozy ski lodges, and warm cups of hot chocolate! If you’re looking for some fun winter weekend adventures that involve skiing or snow tubing, you don’t have to travel far from our lovely city. We’ve rounded up some awesome spots that are perfect for family fun and are just a couple of hours’ drive away. Plus, these places are still happily open for business after the recent hurricane, so your visit will help local businesses thrive!
Sapphire Valley Resort: A Perfect Getaway
First up is the fantastic Sapphire Valley Resort, which kicks off skiing and snow tubing usually around mid-December. Not only can you enjoy the slopes, but you can also participate in the wacky Great Outhouse Race during President’s Day weekend – yes, outhouses racing on skis! Trust us, it’s as entertaining as it sounds. When we visited, we found lovely condos through AirBnB and VRBO for our stay, and don’t forget to snag an amenity card. For just a few bucks, you get access to the warm indoor pool, sauna, fitness center, and game room. It’s only about 90 minutes from Greenville, making it an easy weekend jaunt!
Maggie Valley: A Beautiful Mountain Escape
Next on our list is the charming Maggie Valley, located right next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This place is simply picturesque! The area has a main street with cute local shops, but you will need a car to explore the adorable boutiques. Cataloochee offers snow tubing and skiing opportunities that we’ve loved. For accommodations, we recommend Buffalo Creek Vacations, a unique bison ranch just 25 minutes away with various cabooses and cabins for families. It gets better! If you stay there and your kids are under 17, they can ski for free with a paid adult on non-holiday weekdays! How fantastic is that?
Beech Mountain: Family-Friendly Fun
Now let’s talk about Beech Mountain, famous for its stunning ski resort and friendly atmosphere. This location is perfect for families as it boasts awesome dining spots and a delightful general store with mouthwatering breakfast options. What’s particularly special during winter? They offer free snow tubing right in the heart of town, along with all the ski fun you can handle. We loved staying at the Pinnacle Inn Resort, where everything is in walking distance—from restaurants to playgrounds. The warm indoor pool and sauna were a hit with the kids, too!
Blowing Rock: Ideal for Beginners
Don’t forget about the adorable Blowing Rock, with the Appalachian Ski Mountain nearby, perfect for families wanting to learn or practice skiing. The French-Swiss Ski College offers various classes for all levels, making it a great spot for families. The slopes are welcoming for beginners, and the area is not too big, so your older kids can venture off with confidence. We suggest the cozy Hemlock Inn if you decide to stay overnight; it’s beautiful, warm, and the owner is just the kindest!
Lanier Islands: All-In-One Fun
Finally, for something a bit different, consider a trip to Lanier Islands in Georgia, just a quick two-hour drive from Greenville. It’s like a winter wonderland with snow tubing, restaurants, and even an arcade—all in one location! The snow tubing runs at Margaritaville are impressive, stretching 575 feet! And if ice-skating or snowball fights are on your agenda, you won’t be disappointed.
So there you have it, folks! A bunch of amazing winter destinations near Greenville just waiting for you and your family to explore. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or zooming down the tubing hills, there’s no shortage of fun to be had this winter. Are you ready to gear up and hit the mountains? We certainly are!
