Winter in the North Carolina mountains is one the more exciting times of the year. Six ski areas groom miles of slopes to welcome skiers and snowboarders to trails and terrain parks from the Blue Ridge Mountain High Country to the Great Smoky Mountains. Having escaped Hurricane Helene, they’re ready with lessons, adventure, charm and plenty of reasons to hit the slopes.
Here’s a look:
- As the highest ski area in the East, with a peak elevation of 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain Resort is a standout destination for winter sports. Featuring 95 skiable acres and 17 trails, it caters to all skill levels. Beginners are especially welcome, with individual and group lessons available for skiing and snowboarding – even for children as young as three – and convenient gear rental options. Off the slopes, the Alpine Village offers diverse dining options, including Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Taproom & Grill, which features live weekend music, and the Red Baron Room, a vintage aviation-themed bar with drinks and light fare. Or take the lift up to 5506’ Skybar instead and enjoy a drink while soaking in unparalleled views from the highest bar in the Southeast.
- With 125 skiable acres and 20 trails, Sugar Mountain Resort offers the most expansive skiing experience in North Carolina. Beginners can learn with ease through group and private lessons, while advanced skiers can challenge themselves on the state’s only double-black-diamond trail, WhoopDeeDo. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy ice skating at the 10,000-square-foot outdoor rink, tackle the snow tubing park’s thrilling 700-foot lanes, or explore scenic snowshoe tours. The ski lodge provides a welcoming retreat, featuring a cafeteria and the Last Run Lounge, a full-service bar and restaurant. Just four miles away, the town of Banner Elk offers even more dining options, including the popular Stonewalls, mountains dining tradition for more then 40 years.
- Just 30 miles from Asheville, Hatley Pointe Mountain Resort reimagines the former Wolf Ridge Ski Resort into a haven for snowsports enthusiasts. Beneath the shadow of Big Bald Mountain, the resort offers a boutique mountain experience at a peak elevation of 4,700 feet. Ideal for beginners, Hatley Pointe provides group and private lessons at its Snow Sports School, ensuring that even first-timers can confidently enjoy the slopes. The resort’s highlights include an expanded lodge, diverse dining options including Smoke & Timber restaurant and bar, a café, grab-and-go food and a walk-up bar with Peaks & Pies food truck serving pizza outside, and comprehensive retail and rental services.
For even more winter adventure, consider exploring Appalachian Ski Mtn., Cataloochee Ski Area, and Sapphire Valley Ski Area– each offering charming settings perfect for a few days on the slopes.
Feature Photo: Sugar Mountain Resort (VisitBannerElk.com)