WINTER AT WHITEWATER
Winter is not a reason to stay in. It’s an opportunity to play. Winter at Whitewater features ice skating, an illuminated winter trail, night activities, a Christmas tree lot and winter pop-up market, expanded experiences through Wildwoods and Whitewater Farms, races, events and more.
Winter at Whitewater will return mid-November, 2026.
HIGH COUNTRY HOLIDAYS
Highland cattle embody the rugged spirit of the high country and have become an iconic symbol of the region. The new members of Whitewater’s fold of highland calves will be spending the winter season in Charlotte before joining the rest of the herd at Windfall.
This year, the herd is joined by two Grayson Highland ponies. The Grayson Highlands region is known for its outdoor recreation, mountain landscapes and the wild ponies that graze the land. Each fall, the organization that manages and protects the ponies, the Wilburn Ridge Pony Association, hosts an auction to help regulate the population size. Having a presence in the Whitetop and Grayson areas, Whitewater made the decision to add two ponies to the farm. These ponies will be wintering at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte before moving to their permanent home at Windfall.
WILDWOODS
Wildwoods began as an experience tailored to kids, broadening the Center’s reach and ability to connect the community to the outdoors. Through the expansion in Phase II, the original goal of Wildwoods was preserved while new experiences were created to cater to the entire family. It is no longer simply a Whitewater Center for kids. It is an area of the Center that facilitates access to the outdoors in a new way, for those that never outgrew play. Phase II coming soon.
Things To Do
ICE SKATING
Experience more than 24,000 square feet of ice and an on-ice Airstream serving hot and cold beverages.
TREE LOT & WINTER MARKET
Grab a Grayson Highlands Fraser fir and shop the Winter Pop-Up Market.
WHITEWATER FARMS PROGRAMMING
Meet the new Whitewater animals through interactive and educational programming.
WINTER TRAIL
Follow an illuminated trail featuring suspension bridges and activities for all ages.
WINTER RUN CLUB
Hit the trails on Wednesday nights for a 1.5 or 3-mile run.
ALL ACCESS NIGHT PASS
Experience illuminated activities at Wildwoods, Ice Skating, North and South Rim Zips and Ridge Traverse.
WINTER RACES & EVENTS
Experience a full lineup of winter events including trail races, a pond hockey league, festivals, dining and more.
Food & Beverage
After a day of play, enjoy a snack at the Trail Center, hot chocolate from the Air Stream or a full-service dining experience at River’s Edge.
Groups & Holiday Parties
Host your event across indoor and outdoor winter venues with catering and activities offered for any event and group size.
FAQS
What is the cost for Winter at Whitewater?
Winter at Whitewater features seasonal activities from mid-November through mid-February including ice skating, winter trails, night activities, tree lot, winter pop up market, races, events, and more. Select activities require the purchase of a pass, and all pricing information can be found here.
Is there a fee to enter the Whitewater Center?
There is no ticket or pass required to access the Whitewater Center property, however, there is a parking fee:
- Daily Parking Fee: $13 per vehicle
- Oversized Vehicles: $25
- Annual Parking Pass: $47 (valid From January 1 – December 31 each year)
Does the Winter Trail require a pass?
No, the Winter Trail does not require an activity pass. The Winter Trail is located in the canyon area. View the Daily Activity Schedule for hours of operation.
