Beat the Winter Slump With a Mountain Weekend Near Banner Elk, Seven Devils, and Boone

January and February in North Carolina can feel long.

The holidays are over, routines are back, and the cold months stretch ahead with very little on the calendar. That is exactly why a short mountain getaway can be the perfect reset for families during the winter slump.

You do not need a full week or a big plan. A simple weekend in the Banner Elk, Seven Devils, and Boone area offers snow, fresh air, and just enough adventure to break up the season.

For us, the goal was simple. Snow tubing, slower mornings, and time outside after the holiday rush had passed.

The Best Winter Activity for Young Kids: Snow Tubing

If you are traveling with young kids, snow tubing is one of the easiest winter activities to plan. No lessons, no special gear, and no pressure to perform.

After plenty of research and parent recommendations, we landed on Hawksnest Snow Tubing as the best option for kids ages three and up.

A few important things to know:

• Children under three are not allowed on the tubing slopes

• Younger siblings can watch from the observation deck

• Reservations are required and should be booked in advance

Because the lodge still has limited amenities after hurricane damage, we decided to leave the baby at home with a friend. That allowed us to fully enjoy the tubing session without worrying about indoor downtime.

Book the Morning Time Slot for a Better Experience

Hawksnest offers tubing in 1 hour and 45 minute sessions, typically at 10 am, 12 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm.

If you are visiting with younger kids, book the first session of the day.

Mornings are calmer, less crowded, and kids still have energy. We finished before anyone was cold or overtired, which made the rest of the day feel relaxed.

Even when there is little natural snow in the surrounding area, Hawksnest maintains excellent conditions. Snow machines had already laid down soft, packed snow across the slopes, and some runs are intentionally slower, making them ideal for younger kids.

When Can Kids Tube on Their Own?

At first, Lucca rode with my husband to get comfortable. Once he understood how to stop using his feet, he tried a few slower slopes independently.

Height and confidence matter more than age. A tall five year old may manage some runs, but realistically, six or seven is when kids can ride independently with confidence. Many still prefer riding with a parent, which is part of the fun.

Where You Stay Matters More in Winter

The Airbnb we chose made the entire weekend.

It was about 10 minutes to Banner Elk, 10 minutes to snow tubing, and just down the road from Grandfather Vineyard and Winery.

Built in 2023, the A-frame had sweeping mountain views, a hot tub, two fire pits, and direct access to hiking and ATV trails along the property line. It felt private without being remote, which is exactly what you want in winter.

After a cold morning outside, having a warm, comfortable place to come back to changes everything.

A Kid-Friendly Winery Stop That Works in Winter

Grandfather Vineyard and Winery was an unexpected highlight.

It is very family-friendly, with wide open vineyard space where kids can run and explore. There is also a river that runs through the property, which kept Luca entertained throwing rocks while we enjoyed the scenery.

It was relaxed, scenic, and not stressful with a child in tow, a perfect winter afternoon stop.

Bonus Winter Activities in the Area

If you have an extra day or want to mix in a few lighter outings, this region offers plenty beyond snow tubing.

Tweetsie Railroad
A classic family favorite with seasonal events and train rides. It is a great option for younger kids who want something fun without committing to a full day outside.

Downtown Boone
Perfect for a low-key afternoon. Walkable streets, local shops, coffee spots, and casual restaurants make it easy to explore at your own pace.

Hawksnest Zipline and Skycoaster
For thrill-seekers or families with older kids, the Skycoaster is a memorable add-on. It is not for everyone, but if you want an adrenaline moment with sweeping mountain views, this delivers.

Scenic Drives and Short Hikes
Even in winter, the mountain roads offer beautiful views. On milder days, short hikes are an easy way to get outside without overcommitting.

Why a Winter Mountain Weekend Works So Well

This trip worked because it was not overplanned.

Snow tubing in the morning. Quiet afternoons back at the house. Fires at night. Cold air, warm drinks, and time to slow down.

January and February do not need to feel endless. A short mountain getaway gives kids something to look forward to and gives adults a mental reset after the holidays.

Living in Raleigh makes trips like this easy. You can decide midweek that you need a change of scenery and be in the mountains by Friday. That access to mountains, beaches, and city life is one of the most underrated benefits of living in the Triangle.

Where to Stay and Travel Tips

Where you stay matters more in winter, especially with kids.

We loved being close to snow tubing, Banner Elk, and Boone so nothing felt like a long drive. A comfortable home base makes cold-weather trips far more enjoyable.

If you want the Airbnb we stayed in or family-friendly hotel recommendations, contact me directly and I am happy to share what we recommend.

Sometimes the best winter plans are simple ones. Fresh air, beautiful views, and just enough adventure to get through the cold months.