Snow tubing has become a family favorite and a real ice-breaker from a prolonged indoor stay. But the question is, where to do it?
If you are in Ellijay, GA and want to try snow tubing, head to Margaritaville at Lanier Islands or or Stone Mountain Park’s Snow Mountain. You can also visit the Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center at Highland Outpost.
Best Places for Snow Tubing Near Ellijay, Georgia
| Recreation Center /Park | Snow Tubing Facility | Location | Estimated Distance from Ellijay, GA |
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands | Blizzard Mountain | 7650 Lanier Islands Parkway Buford, GA | 66.2 miles |
Stone Mountain Park | Snow Mountain | 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Stone Mountain, GA | 94.6 miles |
Highland Outpost | Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center | 7420 Dillard Rd, Scaly Mountain, NC | 95.8 miles |
Blizzard Mountain Snow Tubing (Margaritaville at Lanier Islands)
| Address: 7650 Lanier Islands Parkway Buford, GA 30518, United States Contact No. +1 470-323-3440 Email Address: info@margaritavillelanierislands.com Estimated Travel Time (from Ellijay, GA): 1hr 33 min Route: Via GA-52 E/52 E Visit Blizzard Mountain Snow Tubing (Margaritaville at Lanier Islands) | Tickets & Pricing *Admission: Complimentary with ticket/pass purchase *Activity/Ride Ticket Ticket Sheet (20 tickets) – $44.99 Individual Ticket – $2.50 *Snow Island Day Pass Regular – $49.99 (w/ discounts for military, seniors, and groups of 15+) Children (3-7) – $39.99Toddlers (2 & younger) – FREE *All-Access Day Pass (Unlimited Day Pass) Regular – $54.99 Family 4-pack – $219.99 |
* Based on 2021 Winter Admission pricing. 2022 pricing may vary, so visit their website during the season for more information.
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands is an absolute paradise during summer. Then it transforms into a winter wonderland as soon as snow builds up, making it one of the most popular attractions with multiple winter activities that spell a great time.
Blizzard Mountain Snow Tubing
As far as snow tubing goes, head straight to Blizzard Mountain (also known as Parrot Mountain Slide) at License to Chill. The snow slide leans at 575 Ft or about 8-story high and is one of the longest snow tube hills in North America. It’s also pretty steep that the fall can sometimes feel like a vertical drop, spiking your adrenaline.
What puts Blizzard Mountain on top of our list is that it is the closest snow tubing place in Ellijay, GA. On top of that, it has various outdoor winter activities available for people of all ages.
Other Winter Amenities
After snow tubing, you can check out the ice rink and carnival rides. Let the kids have a go in the carousel, Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and more. You can play games in the Snowball Alley, where you can engage in friendly snowball fights and make your own snow angels.
Then roast smores at the fire pit, or get the most delectable treats at the Glacier Cafe Bakeshop and savory meals at Glacier Cafe. Find a great spot near the lake and enjoy your good food.
2. Snow Mountain (Stone Mountain Park)
| Address: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Stone Mountain, GA 380083, United States Contact No. +1 800-401-2407 Estimated Travel Time (from Ellijay, GA): 1hr 47 min Route: Via GA-5 S/GA-515 W and I-575 S Visit Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain Park | Tickets & Pricing *2-Hour Pass: $35.95* Unlimited Pass: $59.95* Toddlers (2 years and below: FREE |
* Based on 2019 pricing. 2022 pricing may vary, so visit their website during the season for more information.
Disclaimer: As of this writing, there’s no information about the re-opening of Snow Mountain as it was closed last year due to COVID-19. We will update this article as soon as Stone Mountain Park releases the announcement.
Stone Mountain Park remains a family destination that dresses its amenities and fun activities based on the season. During winter, it opens Snow Mountain in a limited run providing a snow tubing experience to everyone. You can also check some nearby ski resorts if you want to pump up the experience.
Snow Mountain Snow Tubing
Here’s a run down of snow tubing attractions and snow play areas you should go to based on age and group:
Best for Adults
- Dare Devil Plunge: Opened in 2019, the Dare Devil Plunge stands at three stories high. You can slide as fast as 30 mph and go through a tunnel filled with lights.
- Galactic Snow Tubing: What’s more fun than snow tubing during the day? Snow tubing at night, that’s for sure! This attraction brings your experience to a whole new level with dancing LED lights, laser beams, and high-powered music. It’s a snow party for your friends and the whole family.
Best for Little Kids
- Little Angels: Here, young children can try sledding or snow tubing for the first time without competing with older kids, as the maximum height requirement is 42 inches.
- Fort Snow: Whether your tiny tots like to crawl the snow tunnels or slide down the short mini tube, they will have so much fun in Fort Snow. This play area is designed for kids with a maximum height of 54 inches.
Best for Families
- Avalanche Alley: When they say “the family that goes snow tubing together, stays together,” the Avalanche Valley understood the assignment. This attraction with multiple tubing lanes allows your entire group or family to experience the plunge together.
- Snow Zone: The Snow Zone is like a winter carnival where you can play games like snowball shooting. You can also marvel at the creative gallery of snowmen and more.
It’s not a winter good time without roasting fluffy marshmallows in the fire pits. So, it’s a good thing that you can buy smores kits from SnoFire and hot chocolate to savor the moment. But if you want a more classic snack, take the SnoDeck ride and enjoy a hot dog or any treats available.
Pro Tip: Book your tickets online and ahead of your scheduled visit. Although Stone Mountain Park is only about 2-hour away from Ellijay, GA, you may find it difficult to simply walk in and buy your tickets. The crowd can grow fast in Snow Mountain during the season.
3. Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center (Highlands Outpost)
| Address: 7420 Dillard Rd, Scaly Mountain, NC 28755, United States Contact No. +1 828-526-3737 Email Address: info@highlandsoutpost.com Estimated Travel Time (from Ellijay, GA): 1hr 59 min Route: Via US-76 E Visit Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center (Highlands Outpost) | Tickets & Pricing *2-hour rate: $25 per head *Combo rate: $77 per head for a 3-hour snow tubing + ice skating/2 roller coaster rides |
*Based on Tripadvisor’s information. 2022 pricing may vary, so visit their website during the season for more details.
If you’re looking for that quintessential snowy outdoor experience, the Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center at Highland Outpost in North Carolina is the perfect place to be at.
During summer, it’s a haven for those who want outdoor activities like gem mining, trout fishing, and water tubing. Near this recreational center, you can go horseback riding in the terrain park on the premise.
Come winter, your outdoor experience centers on snow tubing, ice skating, and the popular Scaly Screamer roller coaster (available all-year long).
As soon as you get your ticket for the snow tubing, you’ll be directed to the magic carpet conveyor to the top of the hill. From there, you will be riding an inner tube with handles for protection, sliding off on a snow-covered hill almost the size of a typical football field.
On the other hand, young children can have their first snow tubing experience at the Kiddie Slope.
Other Family Activities
Make the best of your time in Highland Outpost by trying other wintery outdoor activities like the Scaly Screamer roller coaster ride and ice skating. You can also play checker by the fire pit and drink hot cocoa in the picnic areas. And of course, don’t forget to build your snowman.
Frequently Asked Questions: Snow Tubing Near Ellijay, GA
Does Georgia Have Snow Tubing?
Yes, Georgia has two places for snow tubing: Blizzard Mountain, located in Margaritaville at Lanier Islands’ License to Chill, and Stone Mountain Park’s Snow Mountain. Both amusement parks are within less than 2-hour drive from Ellijay, GA.
What To Prepare Before Snow Tubing?
Recreational centers and parks offering snow tubing already provide inner tubes, so you don’t have to bring your own. But you need to secure the proper clothing like a winter coat, shoewear, and cap.
A waterproof jacket is as valuable as a life jacket in water tubing. Plus, you need to have your winter boots on for obvious reasons (it’s freezing). Bring extra clothes as you might get wet and feel damp. Nonetheless, it’s going to be worth it. Just cap the snowy experience by hopping into a hot tub.
Bottom Line
Snow in the south may sound odd! It’s certainly not known for winter sports like out west in places like Colorado or Wyoming!
But the North Georgia Mountains, like the Blue Ridge mountains, can harbor enough snow as the season pass. While not all parts of Georgia, including its small towns, experience much snow, you still have the opportunity to put on your winter boots for snow tubing and other winter activities.
Why hop on a plane when you can go to these great places for snow tubing near Ellijay, GA, within a drive-reach. Just don’t forget to check their website or connect through their contact information or Facebook page for more details before your trip.
Other Activities You May Also Like…
- During the rest of the year, you can try river tubing near Ellijay, GA
- Or visit the best places to dine in the area all-year-round
