NC High Country Skiing and Winter Activities 2024

Embrace the thrill of winter wonder in the breathtaking landscapes of North Carolina's High Country! As the snow blankets the majestic peaks and the crisp mountain air beckons, it's time to gear up for an exhilarating adventure in the heart of winter paradise. Join us on a journey through the icy slopes, charming towns, and endless possibilities for winter fun. Whether you're a seasoned skier seeking the perfect run or a snow lover looking for cozy mountain escapes, the NC High Country has something magical for everyone. Let's dive into a world where snow-capped peaks and frosty adventures create memories that last a lifetime. Here are some of the best skiing and winter activities around town

App Ski Mountain

This mountain's beginner terrain makes it the perfect place to learn to ski! Appalachian Ski Mountain is the high country's first ski area and home to the French-Swiss Ski College, a nationally renowned ski school, offering group and private lessons for skiers and snowboarders, from beginner to expert. App Ski Mountain features 12 slopes including 3 Terrain Parks. You can also visit their refrigerated outdoor ice arena for ice skating. Their Bavarian-style base lodge includes a restaurant, ski shop, and gift shop! Click here to view the slope cam. Click here for the App Ski Mountain Live Cam.

Beech Mountain Resort

Beech Mountain is home to the highest ski area not only in North Carolina but also in the entire Eastern United States and features 8 lifts accessing 17 trails. If you are feeling extra adventurous, don't miss out on The Park Beech Mountain Resort's freestyle terrain section. It's a state-of-the-art terrain park with a highly-skilled crew that consistently creates a fun and innovative space to ride. The crew focuses on regularly reshaping, reinventing, and rotating features from a vast inventory to ensure riders always have something new to enjoy. Click here for Beech Mountain's live webcam!

Upcoming events at Beech Mountain Resort:

Karaoke Night: recurring event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Taproom and Grill. Grab dinner or try a beer from our large selection, then sing your heart out.

Ladies Night: Every Thursday is ladies night! (Starting January 4, 2024). Slope Tickets are $15, and the night session runs from 5 pm- 9 pm

Sugar Mountain Resort

Sugar Mountain Resort is North Carolina's largest ski and snowboard area with 20 slopes from beginner to expert. Sugar rises from 4,100 feet to more than a mile high and features two double chairlifts, offering a breathtaking summit view from Tennessee to Virginia. Sugar Mountain resort also includes a tubing park and guided snowshoe tours! There's ski and snowboard schools for all ages and abilities, rental shops, and two cafeterias. Click here for more information. Click here for Sugar Mountain's live cam!

Not sure which ski resort is the right one for you? Click here to check out the NC High Country Ski Resort Comparison by High Country Host.

Blowing Rock WinterFest (January 25 - 28) Blowing Rock celebrates winter each year with several days of fun and events for the whole family from Ice Sculpture Carving to a Polar Plunge into Chetola Lake, and from Hayrides to wine & beer tasting. See the event schedule and get tickets at the website:

Hawksnest Snow Tubing

Hawksnest is the largest snow tubing park in the southeast with 30 tubing lanes... and the park even has conveyors to get you and your tube back to the top of the mountain! After you finish snow tubing, jump on the zipline sail over the tubing park, and take in the endless mountain views. Click here to book your own snow tubing adventure.

Grandfather Mountain: Walk the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain Weather permitting, the swinging bridge is the perfect spot to take in the endless winter vistas and capture the snow capped mountains. Afterwards, head down to the animal habitats and see how otter, bear and eagles stay busy during the winter months Book your time at Grandfather Mountain HERE

Snowshoeing & Hiking at Beech Mountain: Snowshoe (or Hike) the Hiking Trails Rent some snowshoes and visit one of the many snowshoe trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway or on the Emerald Outback on Beech Mountain. Call the High Country Host for trail and rental information at (828) 264-1299. If there isn't enough snow for snowshoeing, a winter hike is in order! Winter hiking offers crystal clear views, less people on the trails and peace and quiet.

Sledding Hill at Beech Mountain: Enjoy the maintained (complete with snow-blowing) sledding hill at Beech Mountain. Adults can enjoy the squeals and enjoyment from the sidelines with a cup of hot coffee or cocoa from one of the nearby cafes. You can purchase a sled across the road at Fred's General Merchantile. For sledding hill information, call: (800) 468-5506. For more suggestions on great places for sledding, click here.

Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster: Take a ride down Wilderness Runs Alpine Coasterl To ride the coaster, you must be 3 y/o, 38 inches, and ready to have fun! On this gravity coaster- you control how fast you go down. Bring the family & come adventurel Open daily year- round. Reserve your time.

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