Get your NC Ski/Snowboard on! It looks like our very first #snowmageddon2017 is upon us, especially in the mountains! That makes for AWESOME ski weather this weekend – fresh snow and powder! Lucky for us, we have a few ski resort areas just a hop, skip and a jump from the QC (well, maybe a little further:-). And this weekend is the perfect weather for a spontaneous family ski outing – if you can get your SUV out of your hood!
Keep this list handy throughout your ski season since it goes through mid-March. As always, make sure you check resort websites and call ahead for weather reports and slope closures. Smarty Tip: It’s easier to get your ski and snowboard rentals in Charlotte so when you get to your destination, you’re ready to go. Our favorite spots are Alpine Ski and Ski Country Sports.
In typical Smarty fashion, we’re bringing you our Top 5 tried and true Smarty favorite local ski spots based on proximity to Charlotte and best options.
1) Beech Mountain Resort
Ski Beech is always top of the Plym snowboarding list with the coolest Burton Snowboarding school and gear. We make a point to go a few times a season since it’s so close and the weather is always a winter wonderland up there – boasting 5506 elevation, the highest in the East. We love the quaint town of Beech with the best kid-friendly restaurants including Fred’s Backside Deli, our fave breakfast spot, Famous Fast Eddies and Famous Brick Oven Pizza.
Beech Mountain Resort
1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy
Beech Mountain
800-438-2093
Lift rates: Click here.
Number of slopes: 17 total trails and a new Freestyle Terrain.
Off the slopes: A brand new tubing park, ice skating in Alpine Village and an amazing brewery, my personal favorite hangout because…well, I grew up in Florida and let’s just say I’m the worst skier in my family. I’m totally OK with this thanks to my besties at Beech Mountain Brewing Co.
For the kids: Burton Learn-to-Ride Center, Ski & Ride School, Snow Kamp, Nursery, Traxx,
Distance from Charlotte: 3 hours
2) Sugar Mountain Resort
Sugar Mountain Resort is another Charlotte area favorite ski and snowboard destination as it’s the largest ski area in NC with skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ice-skating and snow shoe guided tours. The restaurants are extensive in the Sugar Mountain/Banner Elk area – click here for a list of options.
Sugar Mountain Resort
1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Sugar Mountain
800-784-2768
Lift rates: Click here.
Number of slopes: 21 plus a freestyle terrain park.
Off the slopes: Tubing, ice-skating, and snowshoeing.
For the kids: Ski & Snowboard School for ages 8-13, Childcare for ages 6 months and up.
Distance from Charlotte: 2 1/2 hours.
3) Appalachian Ski Mountain
Appalachian Ski Mountain is a favorite day-trip option for Charlotteans since it’s the closest and really close to Blowing Rock, which many families love to spend their winter weekends.
appskimtn.com and appterrainpark.com
940 Ski Mountain Rd., Blowing Rock
828-295-7828
Lift rates: Click here.
Number of slopes: Nine slopes and three freestyle terrain parks.
Off the slopes: Outdoor ice rink.
For the kids: Ski Wee and Cruiser Camps programs for skiers ages 4-10 and snowboarders ages 7-12. Burton Learn-to-Ride Center. Nursery for ages 1-4.
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours.
4) The Homestead Resort
The Homestead located in Virginia is America’s First Resort. Full of history and natural beauty, Homestead is a family favorite and offers a variety of winter activities. Ski, snowboard, ice-skate or even sail down the new Penguins Slides Tubing Park. It’s a win-win for everyone in your family!
The Homestead Resort
7696 Sam Snead Hwy., Hot Springs
800-838-1766
Lift rates: Click here.
Number of slopes: 10 slopes, 45 acres for skiing and snowboarding.
Off the slopes: Tubing and ice-skating.
For the kids: Rossignol Experience Center and Little Penguins Program.
Distance from Charlotte: 4 1/2 hours.
5) Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort
Snowshoe is known for the best skiing conditions with over 55 slopes, which makes it totally worth the extra drive from Charlotte. The accommodations are amazing with plentiful ski-in and out options. Oh and did I mention a SPA?! Sign me up! They also offer snowmobiling, a Comedy Cellar, a tube park and yoga. Snowshoe pretty much rocks the house!
Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort
10 Snowshoe Drive, Snowshoe
877-441-4386
Lift rates: Click here.
Number of slopes: 22 easier, 20 moderate, 13 more difficult, one expert only; three ski areas; five areas of freestyle terrain. Nuf said.
Off the slopes: Refer to links above!
For the kids: Ski & Snowboard School, The Big Top indoor play area and loads of kids options!
Distance from Charlotte: 5 1/2 hours
