The U.S National Whitewater Center, just 15 minutes outside of Uptown Charlotte, is officially open for winter activities!
Many of your favorite staple activities from years past are back, like ice skating; 3 v 3 pond hockey, and a full lineup of Whitewater Race series events. Ice skate on over 24,000 sq feet of ice split into four distinct skating areas, including two ice trails and two free skate zones. This year, the race events include We Believe 5K and Dog Jog, the New Years Eve Trail Race, Rocky Road: Road to Trail Race, A Snowball’s Chance short track skate race and Frigid Trail Race & Plunge.
You also don’t want to miss Skate & Date adventure dining, or the chance to grab annual passes and sign the kiddos up for 2024 summer camp. There is so much happening at the Whitewater Center that you won’t want to skip this year, and marketing manager Andrew Whitaker is giving us the scoop!
What’s New At The Whitewater Center
What are some new activities visitors can expect?
Illuminated night activities in the Canyon, including night zips, ropes courses, and suspension bridges. These Whitewater winter activities in the canyon require a reservation for the zips and ropes courses. Guests are encouraged to book those trips in advance of their visit or as soon as they arrive onsite!
The Winter Walking Trail is another great activity for the whole family. It has obstacles and challenges for all ages and is free for guests to explore.
Can visitors purchase Christmas trees?
Yes, guests can now purchase Christmas trees sourced from the Blue Ridge highlands of Virginia. Whitewater will offer Fraser fir trees native to higher elevations around Whitetop Mountain, Mount Rogers (the highest point in Virginia) and Whitewater Grayson. This year, Whitewater has also curated a Winter Market featuring a selection of Outfitters gear and other goods sourced from the craftspeople of Grayson Highlands and the NC & VA mountains.
Don’t Just Visit Whitewater In The Summer
A lot of people see USNWC as a great place during the summer. Why is winter just as special of a time to visit?
Even when the rapids aren’t running, it’s always a good time to get outside and be active at Whitewater Center. In addition to winter activities, guests can participate in year-round activities such as climbing, mountain biking, ziplines, and high ropes. For many people, the holiday season means spending time with extended family and friends, and Whitewater has something for everyone to experience.
Are all of the winter activities kid-friendly?
Yes, kids are welcome to participate in all winter activities at Whitewater Center!
Whitewater Winter Activities Details
What is the most popular Whitewater event during the winter?
One of our biggest events every year is the Frigid Trail Race & Plunge. This lets guests take a polar plunge into our Deep Water Solo pool after they finish the race. That is always a fan favorite and makes for some fun spectating even if you aren’t jumping in yourself.
How long will these winter activities run?
Pond Hockey league starts December 4th and runs through the end of January. These games are played Monday thru Thursday and make for a great spectator sport. All other Whitewater Center winter activities are open daily now through mid-February.
