Guest Author - Karon Warren
When it comes to snow skiing, you automatically think of Vermont, Colorado or Utah, right? Well, push aside any preconceived notions you may have about the South, and re-think your answer. In the high country of North Carolina, three ski destinations offer visitors an experience not unlike that found in the country’s more well-known ski resorts.
What sets these resorts apart is their ability to produce ideal ski conditions without the necessity for natural snow or constant sub-zero temperatures. Each resort is equipped with its own snowmaking technology, which allows each one to create prime ski slopes practically overnight.
Appalachian Ski Mountain
www.appskimtn.com
Located in Blowing Rock, Appalachian Ski Mountain offers skiers and snowboarders 10 slopes and two terrain parks to choose from for testing their skills. The site’s base elevation is 3,635 feet, while the peak elevation tops out at 4,000 feet, with a vertical drop of 365 feet. Slopes open at 9 a.m. and run all day, including a night session from 6 to 10 p.m.
Home to the French-Swiss Ski College, Appalachian Ski offers the perfect location to learn how to ski or brush up on your skills. Ice skating also is available on site. To meet all your needs, the resort lodge features equipment and clothing rentals, restaurants, ski and gift shops, lockers, a game room, and a nursery.
Sugar Mountain
www.skisugar.com
A short drive away in Banner Elk, Sugar Mountain features 20 slopes and trails situated on 115 acres. Base elevation is 4,100 feet, while the summit reaches 5,300 feet, with a vertical drop of 1,200 feet. Thanks to such a large vertical drop, Sugar Mountain is home to North Carolina’s only double black diamond trail: Whoopdedoo.
Since the slopes are open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., plus a night session from 6 to 10 p.m., you can work up your courage on the less difficult trails before tackling Whoopdedoo. For those new to the sport or wanting to tweak their skills, ski and snowboard lessons are offered for all ages.
Another fun way to explore the slopes, snowshoeing excursions are offered as well. For those without the skiing gene, this is a great way to hit the slopes without fear of running wild into a tree. Trust me!
New this year, Sugar Mountain opened its new 10,000-square-foot ice skating rink, where it offers daily skating sessions. Both figure and hockey skates are available for rent. Right across from the skating rink, you’ll find a snow-tubing park, a fun destination for any age.
At the Last Run Lodge, guests will find equipment rentals, two cafeterias, the Last Run Lounge, ski and gift shops, and lockers. Additional facilities are available for ice skaters and tubers at the Sugar Mountain Sports Shop, conveniently located between the rink and tubing park.
Ski Beech
www.skibeech.com
In the town of Beech Mountain, Ski Beech welcomes visitors to display their skiing and snowboarding prowess on its 15 slopes, day or night. The highest ski resort in Eastern North America, base elevation is 4,675 feet, while the peak elevation reaches 5,506 feet, with an 830-foot vertical drop. With nine lifts, including a high-speed quad chair lift, you’ll be back at the top of the slopes ready for more in no time.
For something different or while taking a break from the slopes, take a spin on the ice skating rink located in the middle of Beech Tree Village or peruse through the village’s gift and clothing shops. If you’ve worked up an appetite or simply need to refuel, stop by one of the resort’s four dining destinations for a snack or a meal. The resort also offers equipment and clothing rentals, locker rooms, a nursery, and ski and snowboard lessons.
As you can see, there’s no need to head out west or up north for a great winter vacation. So the next time you’re planning a snow ski trip, think outside the norm and consider a visit to North Carolina’s high country.
