Lake Lanier has historically been a popular destination for people of all ages during the summer. But with changing times comes changing seasons, and with changing seasons comes changing recreational activities. Lake Lanier is no exception.
“We are excited to kick off the season with one of the only operating snow tubing parks in the southeast and the only one in Georgia,” says Bucky Perry, Vice President of Islands Entertainment, a division of Safe Harbor Development.
In place of traditional summer activities like swimming and water skiing, License to Chill Snow Island is showcasing Blizzard Mountain Snow Tubing – with an eight-story, 575-foot snow slide at center stage, along with Frosty’s Ice Rink, Snowball Alley play zone, and Snow Island Amusement Rides. Private socially distanced visits to Santa will be featured along with seasonal watering holes and eateries. Activities on Snow Island will be available even after the holidays come to a close.
Overnight options have changed as well: the luxury RV resort and lakeside cabins have been expanded, enabling guests to bring their RV or rent one of three vacation cabins to enjoy the winter festivities.
However, all the improvements to Snow Island means changing a well-loved activity for the better.
“The former holiday lights driving tour at Lanier Islands – Magical Night of Lights – was a beautiful tradition for many years,” says Perry. “However, the light show was 28 years old, and a significant investment was needed to update the light displays and bring them up to current standards. With a broader selection of new products and technology available now, Safe Harbor decided that the better investment, in the long run, would be a new state-of-the-art interactive light show for current and future generations to enjoy. We have already invested over $30M in the park to enhance the experience and will continue to invest in the park over the coming years to build the biggest and best outdoor entertainment park in the southeast.”
In other words, Safe Harbor’s priority upon assuming operations of the recreation part of Lake Lanier was to upgrade and enhance guests’ park experience. When the 28-year-old light show failed to meet its standards for continuation, it decided that a new, far more interactive light show would fulfill its goals better.
And it does. Guests of all ages can stroll through the lights at their own pace and stop along the way to enjoy a beverage. The path through the renamed Lakeside Lights Spectacular is decorated with festive music and millions of lights reflecting off the lake, creating a sight that would delight even the Grinch.
“The park’s future is bright,” adds Perry. “We had a remarkably busy summer, despite the pandemic, because we provided a safe place for families to get outdoors in our 1500-acre park and have fun together. With limited ways to entertain your family this year, Snow Island is a fantastic venue to take kids out for the day to enjoy some winter fun in the great outdoors – especially for those who have grown weary of being indoors and in close quarters. We remain
committed to protecting the health and well-being of our guests and employees through the observation of CDC protocols and extensive cleaning of our facility and equipment throughout the day all season long so everyone who comes to Lanier Islands can enjoy a safe outdoor experience.”
To purchase season passes or book a stay at the luxury RV resort, click here. To view accommodations packages or make reservations, click here.
