Outdoor deck at Beech Mountain Skybar with picnic tables, mountain views, and a covered seating area under cloudy skies.

6 Best Ski Resorts in North Carolina for Winter 2024-2025

Looking for ski resorts in North Carolina?

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When most people think of snow skiing, North Carolina might not be the first place that comes to mind. While it doesn’t compete with the Rockies out west, the Blue Ridge Mountains offer a variety of charming ski resorts for those looking to hit the slopes closer to home. One of the best things about skiing in North Carolina is that you don’t need to book a cross-country flight to enjoy snowy fun.

Since southern skiing depends heavily on snowmaking, conditions are often best earlier in the day. The trick to having an optimal experience is getting out early and skiing as much as possible before lunch, as snow can become groomed down and icy as the day progresses.

The prime ski season in North Carolina spans January and February, but many resorts aim to open in November, offering an extended window for winter sports enthusiasts.

Ski Resorts in North Carolina Overview

From family-friendly slopes to thrilling terrain parks, North Carolina has plenty of ski destinations to explore. Here are the top ski resorts in the state:

Beech Mountain Ski Resort

🗓️ Season: Typically Opens in Late November (Opens November 29, 2024)
📍 Address: 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC 28604

Beech Mountain Resort holds the title of the highest ski area in Eastern America, standing at 5,506 feet. Offering 17 slopes, two terrain parks, and eight lifts, this resort has 98 acres of skiable terrain with a vertical drop of 830 feet. Their longest run, “Upper Shawneehaw,” stretches a mile long.

Exterior view of Beech Mountain Brewing Co Tap Room & Grill, featuring a rustic wood-and-stone facade.

Activities & Amenities:

  • Snow Tubing/Sledding: Enjoy thrilling rides in their snow tubing park located behind the Brick Oven Pizzeria at 110 Bark Park Way, Beech Mountain, NC.
  • Ice Skating: Glide on a 7,000-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink with breathtaking mountain views.
  • Dining: Stop by the Skybar, a glass-enclosed bar at 5,506 feet, or enjoy craft beer at the Beech Mountain Brewing Company.
Outdoor deck at Beech Mountain Skybar with picnic tables, mountain views, and a covered seating area under cloudy skies.

Ticket Pricing:

  • Adults: Starting at $44 (weekday, 4 hours)
  • Juniors (12 and under) & Seniors: Starting at $34
  • Free for kids 4 & under

Early Season & Late Season Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM daily.
Holiday Periods:
December 19, 2024 – January 3, 2025, from 9 AM to 10 PM Daily
Friday, January 3, 2025, 9 AM to 10 PM Daily
Christmas Eve: 9 AM to 5 PM and Christmas Day: 1 PM to 10 PM

Hotels Near Beech Mountain: Stay slope-side or book accommodations in nearby Banner Elk, such as Best Western Mountain Lodge or charming ski chalets.

Outdoor seating area at Beech Mountain Resort Village with Adirondack chairs and a fire pit surrounded by landscaped terraces.

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort

🗓️ Season: Typically Opens Mid-November
📍 Address: 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Sugar Mountain, NC 28604

Sugar Mountain is North Carolina’s largest ski resort, with 125 acres of skiable terrain, 20 trails, and eight lifts. It boasts a vertical drop of 1,200 feet, with slopes catering to all skill levels—20% advanced, 40% intermediate, and 40% beginner.

Activities & Amenities:

  • Night Skiing: 14 lighted slopes for nighttime skiing (6 PM – 10 PM).
  • Ice Skating: A spacious 10,000-square-foot outdoor rink offers six daily sessions.
  • Snow Tubing: Family-friendly fun available daily.

Ticket Pricing:

  • Full-Day Adult Tickets: $58+ (weekday), $94+ (weekend/holiday).
  • Discounts are available for juniors, seniors, and military personnel.

Hotels Near Sugar Mountain: Options include Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock or cozy mountain cabins like Nest on Sugar.


Appalachian Ski Mountain

🗓️ Season: Typically Opens in Late November (November 22, 2024 – March 16, 2025)
📍 Address: 940 Ski Mountain Rd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605

Appalachian Ski Mountain is a family-friendly ski resort with 13 slopes and four terrain parks. They offer night skiing, a cozy lodge, and a restaurant overlooking the slopes.

Activities & Amenities:

  • Ice Skating: Outdoor rink with three daily sessions.
  • Lessons: Ski and snowboarding lessons are available for ages four and up.
  • Dining: The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Ticket Pricing:

  • Adults: Starting at $51 (weekday), $77+ (weekend/holiday).
  • Juniors (under 12) & Seniors: Starting at $40 (weekday), $57+ (weekend/holiday).

Hotels Near Appalachian Ski Mountain: Stay at nearby options like Chetola Resort or Holiday Inn Express in Blowing Rock.

Sign for Appalachian Ski Mountain and a view of the ski lift station with rolling green hills in the background.

Cataloochee Ski Area

🗓️ Season: Typically Opens in Mid-November – Late March
📍 Address: 1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751

Cataloochee Ski Area is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and 100% snowmaking capabilities. It offers 18 slopes and a vertical drop of 740 feet.

Activities & Amenities:

  • Snow Tubing: Enjoy multiple tubing lanes at their Tube World.
  • Lessons: Group and private lessons are available.
  • Dining: A cozy cafeteria and bar serve hot food and drinks.

Ticket Pricing:

  • Adults: Starting at $44 (weekday, 4 hours).
  • Juniors (12 and under): Starting at $31.

Hotels Near Cataloochee Ski Area: Options include The Terrace Hotel at Lake Junaluska or charming cabins in Maggie Valley.


Hatley Pointe Ski Resort (formerly Wolf Ridge)

🗓️ Season: Late November (Opening November 29, 2024)
📍 Address: 578 Valley View Circle, Mars Hill, NC 28754

Rebranded as Hatley Pointe in 2023, this boutique ski resort is just 30 minutes from Asheville. It features 15 slopes, four lifts, and a 700-foot vertical drop.

Activities & Amenities:

  • Lessons: Private and group lessons are available.
  • Dining: New dining experiences are coming soon.
  • Lodging: Options include nearby hotels like Comfort Inn Mars Hill and cabins.

Ticket Pricing:

  • Adults: Starting at $51 (daily pass 9 AM – 4 PM).
  • Juniors (12 and under): Starting at $39 (daily pass 9 AM – 4 PM).
  • After-Hour Passes: Starting at $33 for adults and $27 for youth (5:30 PM to 10 PM)

Sapphire Valley Ski Resort

🗓️ Season: Typically Opens December (Target is December 14, 2024)
📍 Address: 127 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire, NC 28774

Sapphire Valley is perfect for beginners and families. It offers a main ski run of 1,600 feet, a bunny slope, and snow tubing lanes.

Activities & Amenities:

  • Snow Tubing: 300-foot runs with a moving carpet for easy access.
  • Lessons: Group lessons for ages 5+; private lessons for younger children.
  • Dining: Options include Slopeside Tavern and Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company.

Ticket Pricing:

  • Adults: Starting at $65 (rental is extra)
  • Juniors (12 and under): Starting at $53 (rental is extra)
  • Holiday Rates are higher

Hotels Near Sapphire Valley: Lodging options include The Greystone Inn or vacation rentals with access to resort amenities.

Final Thoughts

North Carolina’s ski resorts might not rival the Rockies, but they offer unique charm, accessibility, and plenty of winter fun. Whether you’re hitting the slopes at Beech Mountain, enjoying a night run at Sugar Mountain, or snow tubing with the family at Sapphire Valley, there’s something for every winter enthusiast. Plan your visit today and discover the magic of skiing in the Blue Ridge Mountains!