You Have to See It to Believe It—The Great Outhouse Races in Sapphire, NC
Get ready for one of the wackiest winter traditions in the Great Smoky Mountains! The 18th Annual Great Outhouse Races return to Sapphire Valley Resort on Saturday, February 15, 2025, bringing a wild mix of competition, creativity, and pure small-town fun. If you haven’t witnessed this one-of-a-kind spectacle before, make your travel plans now—you won’t want to miss it!
A Race Like No Other
Picture this: teams of three—two pushing, one riding—speeding down a snow-packed racecourse in homemade outhouses mounted on skis. There’s no steering, no brakes—just gravity, guts, and the hope of crossing the finish line in one piece! Only two outhouses race at a time, so you won’t miss a single crash, near-miss, or unexpected wipeout.
Festivities kick off at 11 AM, with food and drinks available for purchase, or feel free to bring your own picnic and enjoy the action up close. Before the races begin, take a stroll through the pit area and check out the creative, over-the-top designs as teams prepare to compete for the throne.
More Winter Fun in the Smokies
After an afternoon of hilarity in the snow, you can always head over to Highlands / Cashiers, NC, for the cherry on top of a terrific winter day of play. Explore the quaint town and warm up with locally roasted coffee or specialty drafts from a friendly local brewery. Shop for, or even mine your very own, take-home treasure. When the hunger sets in, take your pick of fine dining or dishes that bring comfort on a chilly day.