Snow Tubing

The sport of snow tubing

BY JORDYN DANIELS

Tubing is an adventure for the whole family to embark on. With little skill needed, it makes an accessible way to join in on the fun of sliding down a mountain in the snow. Tubing offers all of the nostalgia of sledding down neighborhood hills, but with the intensity of skiing down the slopes. Tubing can be enjoyed by all.

Outlaw tubing on the unofficial slopes around the High Country is a daunting and at times perilous task that often leaves popped tubes. Worse yet, collision with a tree or a rock with an uncontrolled tube can lead to expensive urgent care bills. So rather than having a a winter adventure ruined by uncertain times, join the High Country in tubing at safe and exciting courses maintained by professionals.

Two area ski resorts feature tubing and two venues specific to snow tubing are offered here in the region. Call ahead, or online ticket buying is encouraged for efficient access to the slopes. This is good practice in case weather conditions prevent availability of the location. Sugar Mountain Ski Resort, located at 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive in Sugar Mountain, offers multiple tubing lanes that stretch up to 700 feet. A conveyor lift is available for reaching the top of the hill. You must be at least 3 years old to tube, and those 6 or younger must share a tube with an adult. All children younger than 8 must be supervised by an adult at all times, and those younger than 11 must have a waiver signed. Night tubing is available, with more information available online at skisugar.com.

Beech Mountain Ski Resort, located at 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, has eight tubing lanes up to 700 feet long. Riders must be at least 42 inches or taller. Waivers can be signed digitally at beechmountainresort.com.

Hawksnest tubing venue is located at 2058 Skyland Drive in Seven Devils. The tubing lanes range from 400 to 1,000 feet in length, spread over 30 individual lames in four sections, making Hawksnest Snow Tubing one of the largest snow tubing venues in the nation.

Tubers 3 years or older can create a great winter experience until 8 p.m. Hot chocolate, coffee and pizza are available for purchase for when tubers need a break from the cold. For more information visit hawksnesttubing.com.

Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing is located at 9472 NC 181 South in Jonas Ridge. This venue is available without concern of pre-ordering tickets, however it is best to call ahead for parties of 15 or more. Children 3 years or older are permitted to tube, and lifts are available. More information can be found at jonasridessnowtube.com.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Sliding down the slopes at Hawksnest via tube. Several area locations offer multiple slopes to tube, varying in length and grade.

UPDATE:

Townhomes At Brookshire Opens Next Phase

evelopers with RCPBD Investments LLC have completed construction in phase I of Townhomes At Brookshire, nearing the sellout phase 2A, and are releasing phase 2B for Reservations. This is a housing project with 206 townhomes proposed, located 4/10ths of a mile on the left past the Appalachian State University soccer fields off Brookshire Road.

The master plan for the subdivision request for the project was approved by the Watauga County Planning Board in May 2020 under the name of Townhomes At Brookshire and since then the project has maintained construction completing 43 free standing townhomes. Completion of phase 2A is anticipated for Summer 2023 with only a few units remaining available.

Developers Rick Miller (Owner of Miller Properties Inc.), Patrick Morgan (with Keller Williams High Country), Chris Hodges (Owner of Chris Hodges Construction, LLC), Dan Nguyen and Bryan Pitts partnered to purchase the 95.12 acre property in January 2020 for the project. Miller said the project's overall cost is approximately $100 million.

Miller said he and his partners had recognized for years that there was a need in Watauga County for this type of housing.

“The project is designed and marketed to serve individuals and families who seek moderately priced housing that is convenient to town, parks and amenities," according to the project's proposal.

Morgan said the project was created to assist individuals at all stages of life. Those looking to buy their first home, those retiring and anyone who would like a home where outside maintenance is provided for.

“It's our attempt although it's hard because of pricing in our area ··· at trying to make a more affordable housing project," Morgan said.

One-bedroom with garage prices start in the low $300,000s; with options available for two and three-bedroom with and without garages. "We are now accepting Reservations for phase 2B in Townhomes At Brookshire," Miller said.

Approximately 15% percent of the 95.12 acre property will be developed, which Miller said will leave room for amenities like hiking trails and a dog park.

The remaining homes in phase 2A are currently being constructed with the hopes of finishing them by July 2023, Miller said. With a limited number of homes available to contract in Phase 2A the developers are taking reservations for homes in phase 2B. The best way to learn more about this project and availability is to call Patrick Morgan at: (828)-773-2960. You may also visit their website at www.brookshiretownhomes.com.