6 Ski Resorts of North Carolina

Discover North Carolina’s hidden ski gems in the scenic Appalachian Mountains! Although not as famous as Colorado or Vermont, our state is a leading ski destination for the southeast. It makes the sport accessible for millions from as far south as Florida and across the Atlantic coast. Learn how to ski or hone your skills before a big trip out west at one of these iconic North Carolina ski resorts. 

The North Carolina High Country

Most of our ski resorts are in the western North Carolina High Country, a scenic and mountainous region in the northwestern part of the state. The name comes from the high elevation of its mountain peaks and ridges, including the Blue Ridge Mountains and the High Country Plateau. Some of the highest peaks on the East Coast, like Grandfather Mountain, can be found here.

Ski enthusiasts in the 1960s realized that rugged terrain and higher elevations made the sport accessible to millions living along the Atlantic Coast. Hence, the founding of the skiing resorts. 

About North Carolina Skiing

The winter sports season in North Carolina typically runs from December to March, although it can vary depending on snowfall and peak elevation. Always check with your resort about what’s open and available given the current weather conditions, ticket prices, and operating hours.

A few skiing resorts are outside the High Country, in the more southerly Appalachian mountains. However, they have lower peak elevations and shorter seasons.

That said, here are six places for skiing in North Carolina:

Beech Mountain Ski Resort

Nearby towns: Banner Elk, Boone, and Blowing Rock.

At an elevation of over 5,500 feet, Beech Mountain is the highest town on the Eastern seaboard, with stunning panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. On good days, you could see for up to 100 miles.

Beech Mountain is a popular year-round destination, but it truly comes alive during winter. The Beech Mountain Resort is a renowned ski and snowboarding destination in the region. Opened in 1967, it’s expanded and renovated over the years to accommodate an ever-growing interest in the sport. 

Its amenities include ski and snowboard rentals, on-site dining options, Wi-Fi, and a cozy base lodge for relaxing after a day on the slopes. The resort has an extensive snowmaking system to ensure good skiing conditions, even when natural snowfall is limited. The ski season at Beech Mountain Resort typically runs from around December to March, weather permitting 

The resort has:

17 Slopes and Trails: These slopes cover a range of difficulty levels, from three beginner trails to four advanced, providing routes for new and experienced skiers and snowboarders.

Lifts: Four quad-chairs, two double-chairs, and two magic carpet lifts move around 10,000 visitors an hour efficiently up the slopes and enjoy more time on the mountain.

Terrain Parks: Beech Mountain Resort has two terrain parks carefully crafted as a progression park, allowing you to build confidence as you move from beginner tricks to more advanced ones. A freestyle team consistently reshapes and changes up the tricks and runs.

Night Skiing: The resort provides night skiing on some of its front-side slopes, allowing guests to extend their time on the mountain well into the evening.

Snow Tubing: Slide down the mountain in a cushioned inner tube. Fun for the whole family!

Skybar: Stop for a snack or beverage at the top of the mountain before cruising down the slopes.

SnowKamp: Non-skiing daycare for the littlest potty-trained ones. Reservations must be made 48 hours before, and Kamp runs from 8:30-2:45. 

Ski Schools: Beech Mountain has lessons for beginners and intermediates for youth and adults.

During the warmer season, resort visitors have hiking and mountain biking trails to stay active. The resort also has a disc golf course. Attend events like oyster roasts and the summer concert series. Its Beech Mountain Brewing Company in the village is open all year to quench your thirst. 

Sugar Mountain Resort

Nearby towns: Banner Elk, Boone, and Linville.

Sugar Mountain Resort opened in the 1969-1970 season and has since become one of the most visited and largest ski resorts in North Carolina. Over the years, it has undergone significant expansions and improvements, making it a go-to destination for winter sports enthusiasts in the Southeastern United States.

With a summit at 5,300 ft, it benefits from natural snowfall and more fresh powder than other resorts. Still, it has an extensive snowmaking system to keep its skiable terrain in tip-top shape. The resort’s amenities include equipment rental, a ski shop, and instruction for children and adults. Find dining options and an excellent lodge where visitors can relax and warm up after a day on the mountain.

Its slopes include:

20 Slopes and Trails: The grades and obstacles match the skill levels of beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers and snowboarders. One dedicated area is just for beginners. Intermediate skiers can grow skills on multiple trails. Snowboarders are welcome on all slopes.

Terrain Parks: Various features and obstacles challenge snowboarders and freestyle skiers looking to showcase their skills and tricks.

Lift: One detachable high-speed six-passenger lift, two high-speed quad lifts, one fixed grip four-passenger, two double chairs, one handle tow, and two magic carpets. 

Night Skiing: Sugar Mountain has night skiing until 10 p.m. on 14 trails.

Snow Tubing: Besides traditional skiing and snowboarding, try the tubing park for a fun and family-friendly alternative for those who want to experience the thrill of the slopes without needing to ski or snowboard.

Snowshoeing: Take guided tours several days a week, either as a casual walk or an intense workout.

Ice Skating: Sessions are 90 minutes long and start several times daily, weather permitting.

Childcare: For youth at least one-year-old, advanced reservations are encouraged. Hours run from 8:30–5 pm. 

Ski Schools: Learn how to ski or snowboard or improve your skills with experienced instruction and varied terrain.

In the warmer months, the resort’s chairlifts run for stunning scenic rides and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Its bike park has beginner and intermediate trails across challenging terrain. To keep people visiting, Sugar Mountain Resort runs events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts, Oktoberfest, arts and crafts festivals, and winter celebrations.  

Sugar Mountain is near Grandfather Mountain, one of the region’s most iconic and distinctive peaks. Grandfather Mountain has more trails for hiking and wildlife viewing. Test your mettle on the Mile High Swinging Bridge, which spans an 80-foot chasm.

Appalachian Ski Mountain

Nearby towns: Blowing Rock, Boone, Banner Elk

Like the other High Country ski resorts, Appalachian Ski Mountain opened in the 1960s and has been a prominent fixture ever since. As the second-oldest ski lodge in the state, the rustic lodge harkens back to the classic days of skiing. When you need a break from skiing, dining is on-site, and lockers are available. 

As the lowest of the three High Country region resorts at 4,000 ft, the resort has a robust snowmaking system to ensure consistent snow conditions. Other features:

13 Slopes and Trails: The resort is known for its beginner-friendly terrain, making it an excellent choice for those new to skiing or snowboarding. About half its trails are rated intermediate, and another quarter are advanced slopes for more experienced winter sports enthusiasts.

Terrain Parks: Four parks are designed for snowboarders and freestyle skiers to tackle jumps and rails.

Lifts: The mix of chairlifts includes two quads, one double, two conveyors, and one handle pull tow line to move up to 9,200 skiers an hour.

Night skiing: All its slopes are lighted for night skiing.

Ice Skating: The resort’s popular ice skating rink is a fun off-slope activity for individuals and families.

Childcare: For youth ages 1-4 in full-day and hourly options from 8:30–4 p.m. Advanced reservations are required.

Ski Schools: Learn the ropes at its French-Swiss Ski College, which is open to newbies and advanced skiers for lessons. 

Cataloochee Ski Area

Nearby towns: Maggie Valley, Dellwood, Lake Junaluska

The picturesque Great Smoky Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop at North Carolina’s oldest ski resort, Cataloochee Ski Area. The resort opened in 1961 with a summit of 5,400 ft and a vertical drop of 740 ft. 

Cataloochee Ski Area has an extensive snowmaking system that ensures consistent skiing conditions, even when natural snowfall is limited. The resort perks include a parking shuttle, complimentary Wi-Fi, rentals, a gear shop, and dining. Rent lockers for your equipment and book ski lessons

The resort lodge has a restaurant and a lounge where guests can relax and warm up after a day on the slopes. Its features:

18 Slopes and Trails: The resort is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and beginner-friendly terrain, making it an excellent choice for those new to skiing or snowboarding. Around 44% of its trails are beginner-rated.

Lifts: A combination of five chairlifts, including a high-speed quad chairlift and two conveyors, move skiers and snowboarders around the trails.

Terrain Parks: One for beginners and one for intermediate-to-advanced levels help refine your jumps and tricks. Features update during the season.

Night Skiing: Night skiing typically starts in December. 

Tubing: Book tickets early for this family-friendly alternative to skiing. Inner tubes are provided, and a surface lift moves you smoothly up the hill. 

The resort closes down for the summer but encourages visitors to check out the attractions of Maggie Valley.

Sapphire Valley Ski Area

Nearby towns: Sapphire, Cashiers, Glenville

Sapphire Valley Ski Resort is known for its intimate and family-oriented environment. While it may not offer the larger resorts’ extensive slopes and amenities, it is a welcoming place for those looking to introduce themselves or their children to the joys of skiing and snow sports.

The summit is small, at 3,400 ft, with only 200 feet of vertical drop. Sapphire Valley’s winter ski season is typically shorter than that of larger resorts but usually runs from December to February, depending on weather conditions.

Two Trails: One slope is for beginners; the other for intermediate skiers. Sapphire Valley prides itself on being a place to learn to ski. One run is 1,600 ft. 

Lifts: Three lifts, which include a conveyor, move skiers up the slopes.

Snow tubing: Fly down the slope for 500 ft of snow tubing fun. A magic carpet takes you back to the top.

The ski area is open to skiers and snowboards as part of a four-season resort in the beautiful Sapphire Valley. The on-site amenities include an indoor pool, restaurants, a fitness center with a sauna, and mini golf. Lodging is available on-site through chalets.

Hatley Pointe Ski Resort

Nearby towns: Mars Hill

Formerly known as Wolf Ridge Ski Resort, this boutique experience lies just a few miles from the Tennessee border in the resort area of Wolf Laurel. It peaks at 4,700 ft and faces Big Bald Mountain. It has full snowmaking capability across all its surface area.

The resort interior was updated with the 2023 rebranding. Dine at a renovated restaurant and find an updated locker area, VIP lounge, and rentals. In the summer, it has mountain biking and scenic ski lift rides.

15 Trails: Hatley Point has four beginner runs, nine intermediate runs, and two expert trails across 54 acres of skiable terrain. 

Lifts: Get more runs in with one quad, double lift, and two conveyors.

Night Skiing: All its trails are lighted runs, extending your skiable hours.

The plans call for the resort to offer other off-season adventures, such as fall “leaf-peeping” ski lift rides and mountain bike trails.

Skiing in North Carolina

The ski resorts in North Carolina are an excellent option for those in the southeastern United States who want to experience winter sports without traveling long distances. The amenities for skiers ensure you’ll have a great day, no matter the conditions. Advance reservations are highly recommended during peak ski season, especially at the High Country resorts. Have fun this winter, and shred those slopes!