Planning your first family snow tubing trip? A little preparation goes a long way toward a warm, happy, stress-free day on the hill. Snow tubing is one of the easiest winter activities to enjoy, with no skill or experience required, but knowing what to wear, what to bring, and what to expect makes all the difference, especially when you’ve got kids in tow.
This guide walks you through everything you need to get ready for a great day of family snow tubing at Black Bear Snow Tubing in Hendersonville, NC, from layering tips to first-timer advice.
Quick Summary
- Dress in warm, waterproof layers. Wet, cold kids are the fastest way to cut a snow day short.
- You don’t need to bring tubes. Black Bear provides them, and everyone rides their own, including kids.
- Arrive a little early, dress everyone before you get there, and pack a few extras like gloves and dry socks.
- Sessions run two hours, and the cable tug lift means no hiking back up the hill.
- Book ahead, and check the park rules page for age and rider guidelines before you go.
Why Snow Tubing Is an Easy Family Win
Before we get into the packing list, it’s worth saying why snow tubing is such a good fit for families in the first place. Unlike skiing or snowboarding, there’s no learning curve, no lessons, and no expensive gear to rent. If your child can sit in a tube, they can do this.
It also works across a wide range of ages at once. Younger kids, older kids, parents, and grandparents can all take part in the same activity, which is rare for a family outing. The cable tug lift removes the one genuinely tiring part, hiking back up the hill, so the fun lasts longer and the meltdowns come later, if at all. Add real snow and a heated lodge to warm up in, and you’ve got a low-stress day that tends to please everyone. That’s a big part of why families come back season after season.
What to Wear Snow Tubing
The single biggest factor in a good snow tubing day is staying warm and dry. You’ll be outside in the cold, sliding through snow, so plan your clothing in layers.
Layering Basics
Think in three layers, from the skin out:
- Base layer: A moisture-wicking top and bottom (not cotton) to keep sweat off your skin.
- Mid layer: A fleece or insulating layer for warmth.
- Outer layer: A waterproof or water-resistant jacket and snow pants. This is the one that keeps the snow out.
Waterproof matters more than most first-timers expect. Tubing kicks up snow, and a waterproof outer layer is what keeps everyone comfortable run after run.
For Little Kids
Younger kids get cold fastest and complain first, so over-prepare for them. Waterproof snow pants and a warm, waterproof coat are essential, along with warm gloves or mittens, a hat that covers the ears, and thick socks. Bring a full change of clothes in case they end up wet.
For Older Kids and Teens
Older kids can handle the same three-layer system with a little less fuss. The most common mistake at this age is skipping the waterproof layer because they “don’t feel cold” at the start. Encourage it anyway, since a soaked pair of jeans halfway through the session is no fun for anyone.
For Adults
Adults follow the same rules: warm, waterproof, and layered. Even if you’re planning to watch from the heated lodge, dress for the cold in case you decide to join in. Waterproof gloves and warm, waterproof footwear round out the setup.
What to Bring (and What to Leave Home)
A little packing goes a long way. Here’s what’s worth bringing:
- Extra gloves and socks. Wet hands and feet are the top comfort-killers. A dry spare set is gold.
- Hats and neck gaiters. Easy warmth that’s easy to pack.
- Hand and toe warmers. Optional, but a nice touch on the coldest days.
- A change of clothes for kids. Just in case.
- Sunscreen. Snow reflects a surprising amount of sun.
- Cash or card for concessions. The lodge has hot chocolate, coffee, espresso drinks, and snacks.
What you don’t need to bring: tubes. Black Bear provides the tubes, so there’s no equipment to haul. You also don’t need any special gear or lessons.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Knowing the flow of the day helps everyone relax. When you arrive, you’ll check in for your reserved session, then head to the slope, which runs more than 600 feet long with an 80-foot vertical drop.
From there, it’s simple: grab a tube, ride the cable tug system to the top, and slide back down. The cable tug is a family favorite because it means no hiking uphill between runs, so kids can go again and again without wearing out. Everyone rides their own tube, including children.
Between runs, the heated lodge is a warm place to regroup, and non-tubers can watch and stay cozy. Sessions run two hours, which is plenty of time for lots of trips down the hill. For the full winter experience, take a look at our winter tubing page.
Best Times to Visit
If your schedule is flexible, timing your visit can make the day even better. Weekends are the most popular, so they’re also the busiest. If you can go on a weekday, you’ll often find shorter lines and a more relaxed pace. Earlier sessions in the day can be a good pick too, especially with younger kids who tend to fade in the afternoon.
Holiday weeks, particularly around Christmas and New Year, are the peak of the season, so book well ahead if that’s when you’re coming. Whenever you visit, reserving your session online in advance is the surest way to lock in the day you want.
Tips for First-Timers and Families With Young Kids
If it’s your family’s first time, a few small things make the day smoother:
- Dress everyone before you arrive. Wrangling snow pants onto three kids in a parking lot is harder than it sounds.
- Arrive a little early. Give yourself time to park, get settled, and start your session relaxed rather than rushed.
- Set expectations with young kids. Let them know they’ll ride their own tube, and that the tug lift pulls them up.
- Take breaks. Duck into the lodge to warm up when little ones need it. A warm break can turn a fussy kid back into a happy one.
- Keep it fun. There’s no right way to tube. The goal is simply to enjoy the ride.
If you’re wondering whether snow tubing is a good fit for your family’s ages and abilities, specific age and height requirements are listed on the park rules page. It’s worth a quick look before you plan your day.
Planning Essentials Before You Go
A few final logistics to lock in:
- Season: Winter snow tubing runs mid-December through late February, weather permitting. Fall mat tubing is available on October weekends if you’re visiting earlier. Our fall tubing page has those details.
- Book ahead. Winter weekends fill up, so reserve your session online before you travel.
- Check conditions. Because snowmaking depends on cold weather, conditions are always weather permitting. It’s smart to check before a long drive.
- Plan your drive. Coming from the Upstate? See our Greenville snow tubing guide. Coming from Charlotte? Our Charlotte snow tubing guide has routes and tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear snow tubing?
Warm, waterproof layers: a moisture-wicking base, a fleece or insulating mid layer, and a waterproof jacket and snow pants. Add gloves, a hat, and thick socks. Avoid cotton, which stays wet and cold.
Do I need to bring my own tube?
No. Black Bear provides the tubes. Everyone rides their own tube, including kids, so there’s nothing to haul.
How early should we arrive?
Give yourself a little buffer to park and get settled before your session starts. Dressing everyone before you arrive helps a lot.
What if there isn’t snow?
Black Bear makes its own snow with professional snowmaking equipment, so the season isn’t dependent on natural snowfall. Snowmaking still needs cold temperatures, though, so conditions are always weather permitting. Checking before you drive is a good idea.
Can grandparents and young kids tube together?
Yes. Snow tubing works for a wide range of ages, and everyone rides their own tube. There’s a minimum age to ride, so check the park rules page, but mixed-age family groups are a common and welcome sight.
How long is a tubing session?
Sessions run two hours, which gives families plenty of time for run after run.
Ready for Your Snow Day?
With the right layers and a little planning, your family’s first snow tubing trip can be an easy, joyful day everyone remembers. Pick your date, pack your gloves, and book your session. Questions before you go? Reach out through our contact page and we’ll be glad to help.
