Ski & Snowboard in North Carolina
Guide to Snowboarding and Skiing Resorts in the Western NC Mountains
For great skiing and snowboarding resorts convenient to the southeastern US try the western North Carolina Mountains.
Ski North Carolina
If asked to list great skiing locations, few people will think of North Carolina. Colorado, Utah, Vermont, the Swiss Alps, and many other places are all more likely to top an experienced skier's list of great places to ski or snowboard.
For people living in the southeastern US however North Carolina ski resorts have the major advantage of easy accessibility. A ski vacation to more distant ski resorts might require at least a week to justify the flight. It is however possible to drive from Georgia, Alabama, Florida, or other southeastern states to one of the western North Carolina mountain ski resorts for a quick ski weekend vacation.
Ski Packages
The ski resorts offer a variety of ski vacation packages. All the North Carolina ski resorts offer lessons and equipment rentals. Beginning skiers or snowboarders can learn to ski or snowboard from an experienced instructor. They can also rent skis, snowboards and other ski equipment as part of a package that includes lift tickets and ski gear or lift tickets, lessons, and ski gear. Experienced skiers with their own ski gear can buy lift tickets or season passes. Group rates are available.
Snow
North Carolina's eight ski resorts don't get as much snow as resorts in more northerly or higher altitude locations. However modern snow making technology allows these resorts to make snow when nature does not provide it. It is therefore often possible to ski or snowboard even during relatively warm winters.
North Carolina Ski Resorts
- Appalachian Ski Mountain is located at Blowing Rock. It offers ice skating as well as skiing and snowboarding. This resort usually opens the Friday before Thanksgiving. For more information call 828-295-7828.
- Ski Beech at Beech Mountain also offers skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. For more information call 800-438-2093. At 5500 feet, Beech Mountain is the highest altitude ski resort in eastern North America and offers views of the neighboring states: Tennessee and Virginia. Their ski school offers adaptive snow sports lessons.
- Cataloochee Ski Area at Maggie Valley offers skiing and snowboarding. Tubing is also available nearby at the bottom of the mountain. They open in late November. For more information call 800-768-0285.
- Hawksnest ski resort in Seven Devils is located between Boone and Banner Elk. The resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Skiing begins in late November or Early December. For more information call 800-822-4295.
- Sapphire Valley Ski Area in Sapphire Valley is North Carolina's smallest ski slope with beginner and intermediate slopes only. Expert skiers may lament the lack of an advanced slope, but it is less intimidating for beginners. Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing are available. For more information call 828-743-7663.
- Sugar Mountain at Banner Elk is the largest ski area in North Carolina with 115 acres. In addition to skiing, snowboarding, and tubing the resort also offers snowshoeing. With a top elevation of 5300 feet it is nearly as high as Ski Beech. They open in November. For more information call 800-784-2768.
- Ski Scaly at Scaly Mountain is included with North Carolina ski resorts. The resort however only offers tubing and does not offer skiing or snowboarding. For more information call 828-526-3737.
- Wolf Ridge Ski Resort at Mars Hill offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. The resort normally opens Thanksgiving weekend but opens earlier if weather permits. For more information call 800-817-4111.
If you live in southeastern US and want to ski without having to travel to the Rockies, try the western North Carolina mountains.
