Winter Adventure Awaits

Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: November 2024 | Photograph By: Susan Renfro

The winter season on the Plateau is bustling as the hills come alive with a host of activities for families to enjoy. Hibernating is strictly for the bears around here.

For the rest of us there are far too many fun things to do to spend all our time indoors so grab your jackets, gloves, scarves, and boots and head for the great outdoors. Adventure awaits.

Your favorite mountain hiking trails offer an entirely new perspective when the crowds are gone, the leaves are down, and quiet and solitude surround you.

A contemplative walk in the woods or noisy family hike is always a favorite. Wear layers and take care to watch for icy patches. If hiking sounds too ambitious why not take your favorite pooch to the dog park at the Highlands Recreation Park?

Highlands Outpost at 7420 Dillard Road in Scaly Mountain offers snow tubing six days a week (closed Tuesdays) with extended hours on weekends and during Thanksgiving weekend. Unleash your inner daredevil and take a ride on North Carolina’s longest gravity-powered mountain coaster, the Scaly Mountain Screamer. For more information call (828) 526-3737 or visit their website at highlandsoutpost.com.

Downtown Highlands offers ice skating in the picturesque Kelsey-Hutchinson Park beginning in mid-November so don’t miss your opportunity to take a turn around the rink. Open Thursday-Sunday, hours are Thursday 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 P.M., Friday and Saturday from 1:00 P.M. until 10:00 P.M. and Sunday from 1:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M., with extended hours during the Thanksgiving holiday when they will also be open Monday through Wednesday 1:00 until 8:00. They will have extended hours during the Christmas holidays as well. The price is only $8, which includes rental skates if needed and reservations are not required. Skaters of all skill levels are welcome. Coffee and hot chocolate are available for purchase and the Kelsey-Hutchinson Park is a lovely spot to relax and enjoy a toasty beverage and enjoy time with your family and friends. For more information visit their website at highlandsnc.org/recreation-ice-rink.

Ski Sapphire Valley plans to open for the season on December 14 and they offer activities for everyone. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a fun day on the slopes. Beginners and novices will enjoy their learning center slope with available lessons and guidance, while more experienced boarders and skiers will enjoy the main slope and short lift lines. Snow tubing enthusiasts will enjoy the Frozen Falls Tube Park. Food and beverages are available at the Slopeside Tavern.

For more information call (828) 743-7663 or visit their website at sapphirevalleyresorts.com.