These 4 North Carolina Ski Resorts Make The Perfect Christmas Getaway
Abby and Sam Price
Residing in North Carolina, we’ve ventured all across the state, embracing the scenery from vibrant cities and coastal havens to beautiful mountains.
The mountains of North Carolina hold a special place in our hearts, as we grew up near the Blue Ridge Mountains. Due to our close proximity to the mountains, we have spent countless weekends filled with hiking and skiing around them.
As we draw nearer to Christmas, we know that nothing sparks the festive season like the magic of a white Christmas. For a perfect holiday escape, consider heading to one of these four ski resorts in North Carolina.
The Best North Carolina Ski Resorts For A Winter Escape
When people think of North Carolina, the immediate images that may come to mind are often the bustling cities of Raleigh, Charlotte, or Greensboro, or perhaps the coastal town of Morehead City, Emerald Isle, or the Outer Banks with its beautiful beaches.
However, it may surprise you to discover that North Carolina boasts a selection of ski resorts worth exploring this December.
Keep reading as I highlight the top ski resorts in the state to visit this season.
1. Sugar Mountain Resort
Situated approximately 30 minutes from Boone and a mere 10-minute drive from Banner Elk, Sugar Mountain Ski Resort offers a winter haven with 20 slopes catering to both skiers and snowboarders.
What sets this resort apart is its inclusion of 14 slopes equipped with lights for thrilling night riding.
Make sure not to overlook their festive Christmas celebrations. On December 13th, during Santa Ski & Snowboard Day, dressing up as Mr. or Mrs. Santa Claus or as one of Santa’s elves qualifies you for a full-day lift ticket priced at just $25.
Experience the magic on December 15th during their Santa at Sugar event, providing an opportunity to meet Santa Claus right at the resort.
Post-Christmas, on December 26th, The Collective, a live band, will entertain in the evening.
This holiday season, seize the opportunity to explore Sugar Mountain, where you can encounter Santa and relish the slopes.
2. Cataloochee Ski Area
Nestled between Cataloochee and Maggie Valley in North Carolina, Cataloochee Ski Area offers a winter retreat with 50 acres of skiable terrain, comprising 18 trails, 5 lifts, and complete snowmaking coverage across all slopes.
Adding to its appeal, the resort features Tube World, a separate area with well-maintained slopes dedicated to tubing.
This offers a fantastic activity for individuals, families, or friends to relish, and even includes a Wee Bowl designed for the little ones to experience the thrill of tubing.
For a festive family experience this Christmas, consider a visit to Cataloochee Ski Area to hit the slopes.
Once you’ve had your fill of skiing or snowboarding, venture over to Tube World to create lasting memories.
3. Beech Mountain Ski Resort
Nestled between Beech Mountain and Banner Elk, Beech Mountain Ski Resort boasts a whopping 95 acres of skiable terrain, encompassing 17 trails, 8 lifts, and 2 terrain parks.
Adding to its impressive slopes, Beech Mountain boasts its own brewery, the Beech Mountain Brewing Company.
As avid craft beer enthusiasts, we appreciate this distinctive feature, finding nothing quite like savoring a delicious pint after a few hours on the slopes.
Mark your calendar for their festive Christmas celebrations, such as Santa at the Lodge on December 16th, offering a chance to meet Santa himself.
Another personal favorite is the opportunity to enjoy s’mores with Santa on December 19th and 20th.
Beech also hosts various winter music series throughout the season, providing a perfect setting for live music enthusiasts.
Beech Mountain emerges as the ultimate Christmas wonderland this holiday season in North Carolina, offering a festive experience that shouldn’t be missed at this enchanting ski resort.
4. Appalachian Ski Mountain
Nestled between the charming towns of Boone and Blowing Rock, Appalachian Ski Mountain offers a central winter retreat.
The resort boasts 13 slopes that can be enjoyed both day and night, and it showcases an impressive array of 4 terrain parks.
Among its standout features, our personal favorite is the addition of an ice rink, providing visitors with a delightful skating experience. This is the perfect complement to a day spent on the slopes.
What sets this ski resort apart is its commitment to extending night skiing until midnight every Friday and Saturday throughout the season.
This thoughtful approach allows those arriving from nearby cities to savor the joy of skiing, even after enduring long commutes.
FAQs About Ski Resorts In North Carolina
Below we have answered a few of the most frequently asked questions about ski resorts in North Carolina.
Does North Carolina have good skiing?
North Carolina may not rival the extensive skiing terrain of the Rockies or even Vermont, but it stands as a viable option for residents of the state and those in the southern or nearby regions seeking a winter getaway on the slopes.
What is the biggest ski resort in NC?
The biggest ski resort in NC is Sugar Mountain Resort.
Is Beech Mountain good to ski?
Beech Mountain is good to ski at if you are looking to ski in North Carolina.
The Wrap Up: Why These North Carolina Ski Resorts Are The Perfect Christmas Escape
North Carolina may not be the first destination that comes to mind for snow skiing, but there are indeed several excellent options to explore the slopes this winter.
As enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders who have called North Carolina home, we understand that while these resorts may not rival those in Colorado, they still offer a fantastic opportunity to create lasting memories and relish outdoor experiences.
Plus, there’s something uniquely special about waking up to snow on Christmas morning.
These four ski resorts are renowned for their impressive slopes and exceptional snowmaking capabilities, making them ideal choices for a memorable Christmas getaway.
