In the
winter the High Country receives a significant
amount of powdery white snow and freezing cold
temperatures, making it a great place for snow
skiing. There are several ski resorts in the High
Country and the surrounding areas, many of which
offer not only skiing but also snowboarding, ice
skating and tubing. Generally, the ski season begins
in the High Country around Thanksgiving and runs
through the end of March.
In Blowing Rock, Appalachian Ski Mountain is a great
place to go skiing for families and beginners. They
offer skiing and snowboarding for all levels.
Snowboarders in the area especially love
Appalachian, as it has had the top rated terrain
park year after year. Appalachian Ski Mountain is
also on of the resorts that boasts an ice skating
rink.
Hawksnest Resort, located in Seven Devils, near
Banner Elk has long been a favorite place to go
among locals for many reasons, one of which is they offer challenging terrain for all levels
of skiers and boarders. Many of their trails fall
into the intermediate/advanced level, perfect for
those who aren’t beginners, yet aren’t experts
either. This upcoming season, Hawksnest plans to
open the largest terrain park in the High Country,
providing excellent boarding for snowboarders.
Hawksnest is also popular because they are open on
Friday and Saturday nights for NightHawk skiing,
under the lights. It’s the happening place to ski
after hours.
Sugar Mountain is the largest ski area in North
Carolina and is located in the Village of Sugar
Mountain. Sugar Mountain is a favorite among groups
and families because of their many great stay and
play packages for accommodations and lift passes.
The resort has a great snowboarding park, closed to
skiers, snowshoeing, and a 700 ft long tubing park
that is sure to provide lots of fun for the whole
family. Sugar Mountain also has gorgeous panoramic
views that can be seen from atop their mountain.
On a clear day, standing 5,506 feet above see level,
you can see mountains in South Carolina, Tennessee,
Kentucky, and both Virginias from the pinnacle of
Beech Mountain. Ski Beech is the highest elevated
resort in the Eastern United States. Ski Beech
receives an average of 80" of snow annually, placing
them at the top of the list of resorts in North
Carolina in terms of natural snowfall. If you are
planning a visit to Western North Carolina during
the winter and your goal is to see natural snowfall,
then Ski Beech is always your best bet!
Outside of the High Country area of North Carolina
are the other great North Carolina ski areas like
Cataloochie, which is located in Maggie Valley and
has both challenging and welcoming trails for all
levels. The Sapphire Valley ski area located in
Sapphire, North Carolina is an integral part of a
5,700 acre four-season resort nestled in the
pristine Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The
average elevation is 4,300 feet. Sapphire Valley
also features an excellent and family friendly
tubing run. Wolf Laurel ski resort is also a popular
family favorite. Located in Mars Hill, the resort
has expanded this season and offers more trails and
a great board terrain park. For those that are
looking for just tubing and sledding options, Scaly
Mountain Resort offers great tubing runs this year,
and will not be offering skiing. Tubing is a lot of
fun, especially for children. For up to date
information on skiing in North Carolina, check out
www.skinc.com,
which features prizes and contests seasonally.
In the surrounding states, you can find many great
resorts that offer skiing and snowboarding as well.
Check
www.skisoutheast.com for great information on
the ski resorts in the surrounding areas.
