Experience Winter at the Whitewater Center
Embrace the chill of winter with thrilling activities at the Whitewater Center.
by Arielle Patterson Nov 21, 2025
The Whitewater Center
This article is brought to you in partnership with the Whitewater Center.
Winter doesn’t have to mean a break from outdoor adventure. The Whitewater Center has an array of activities to enjoy throughout the season. From ice skating to moonlit ziplining, here are some ways to spend winter at the Whitewater Center.
Be on the Lookout for Highland Cows
A new fold of calves from the Whitewater’s property in the Blue Ridge Mountains have made their way to the center in Charlotte during the winter months. With shaggy coats and sweeping horns, find these highland cattle at the Adventure Pavilion and the Winter Market.
Experience the Whitewater Center After Dark
Just because the days are shorter doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Experience the Whitewater Center’s Ridge Traverse ropes course, along with the North and South Rim ziplines, at night. Glide across the illuminated Canyon and cross the suspension bridges beneath the stars. A reservation is required for the night ziplines.
Take a Spin on the Ice
One of the Whitewater Center’s most popular winter activities is back. Every winter, the Upper Pond of the Center is transformed into more than 24,000 square feet for ice skating for all ages and skill levels. Choose from four areas – two ice trails and two free skate zones. When you need a break, stop by the on-ice Airstream for a hot beverage. An All Access or Single Activity Pass is required for ice skating.
Try Out Cask Curling
This winter, the Whitewater Center is offering cask curling which is a take on traditional curling. Instead of sliding stones across the ice, players slide mini kegs to compete for points. Cask curling is accessible with the Ice Skating pass.
Compete in Pond Hockey
Grab a warm beverage, sit by the fire and watch a few rounds of Whitewater’s 3v3 adult Pond Hockey League. Recreational and competitive divisions compete through early February, with a playoff bracket to determine the league champions.
All-Day Play at Wildwoods
For some fun on the ground for all ages, children can play after the sun sets at Wildwoods, which is filled with treehouses, lit-up obstacles, and more play elements. Whitewater also offers monthly Wildwoods events, such as Little Learners on Dec. 3 and Dec. 17, along with Christmas at Wildwoods on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Explore the Winter Trail
Navigate the Winter Trail, an illuminated trail in the woods surrounding the Canyon. Follow this illuminated path across two suspension bridges. The whole family will love the variety of obstacles and play structures along the tree-laden path. An activity pass isn’t required for the Winter Trail.
Shop the Winter Market
Still holiday shopping? Visit the Whitewater Center’s Christmas Tree Lot and Winter Market until the end of December to shop for winter gear and other gifts as you sip festive beverages. The trees are sourced from the slopes of Whitetop Mountain in Virginia’s Grayson Highlands.
Dash Along a Holiday Race
Participate in the Channel the Holidays 5K, 1 Mile and Kids Run on Saturday, Dec. 13. This race offers a unique opportunity to run through the channels of the Whitewater Center without the rapids, on a trail-to-channel course.
Other winter races include the Rocky Road Half Marathon, 10K and 5K on Jan. 10, 2026, Frigid Trail Race & Plunge on Jan. 31, 2026 and the Dog Days of Winter Dog Jog 5K & 1 Mile Walk on Feb. 7.
