When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Here’s how it works.
Table of Contents
March Madness Rates Now In Effect!
We’re up here in Blowing Rock, NC, and woke up to snow this past weekend, so the slopes are not only fresh but you can get in for a steal with March Madness rates at Sugar Mountain. Perfect time to break in that new snowboard for next season or get some practice in before the season ends. Before packing your car though – please check the Sugar Mountain website or call ahead to make sure they’re still open.
Whether you like skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing, or are a beginner or advanced, there is a resort close to Winston-Salem that is perfect for your needs. Look at the information we found about nearby resorts and what they offer, then plan a day trip or weekend and hit the slopes.
Appalachian Ski Mountain
- 940 Ski Mountain Road (via 1423 Edmisten Road – GPS Route), Blowing Rock, NC
- 828-295-7828
- Appalachian Ski Mountain Website
Appalachian Ski Mountain is only 1 hour and 15 minutes from Winston-Salem, and though it is the lowest resort at 4000 feet, its snowmaking capabilities are above the rest. They have the greatest snowmaking pumping capacity per acre of any ski resort in the Southeast region. This ability allows them to extend their season into mid-March with skiing from opening to closing day without interruption, including night-time snowmaking until the day before they close. Appalachian has 12 slopes, including two terrain parks, serviced by one double chairlift, two quad chairlifts, two conveyor lifts, and one handle-pull lift. There is a 46,000-square-foot lodge with many amenities, including a 200-foot-long observation deck, restaurants, a fireplace, and a TV room.
Lessons, Lodging, And More
The resort boasts the Southeast’s oldest and best-known ski school, the French-Swill Ski College. Beginners and first-time skiers or snowboarders, ages 6 and up, are taught in small groups of 6 or fewer on beginner terrain and with no chairlifts. Lessons must be booked in advance. Skiwee and Cruiser Camp programs are instruction and play programs for beginner skiers ages 4-10 and beginner snowboarders ages 7-12. See Children’s Programs for more info. Intermediate Workshops are also offered for ages 8 and up, as well as private lessons. Ski, Snowboard, and apparel rentals are available at the resort, and there is an ice skating rink with skate rental on site. If you wish to stay at Appalachian Ski Mountain, Slopeside Lodging is available, and there is a parking lot with hook-ups for RVs and Motorhomes.
Photo by Alex Schenker for MyWinston-Salem.com, © Cover Story Media, Inc. 2022.
Beech Mountain Resort
- 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC
- 800-438-2093
- Beech Mountain Resort Website
Beech Mountain Resort, 2 1/2 hours from Winston-Salem, is the highest ski area in Eastern America, with a peak elevation of 5,506 feet. It has 95 skiable acres with 17 slopes: 3 easiest, 7 more difficult, 4 most challenging, and 3 freestyle terrain. The slopes are serviced by two double chairlifts, four quad chairlifts, two carpet conveyors, and one tow rope. The glass Skybar located atop the mountain offers panoramic views and drinks between runs. The lodge and quaint Alpine Village at the mountain’s base feature dining options, coffee shops, an arcade, and places to grab a snack. Enjoy craft beers, a full menu, and live music at Beech Mountain Brewing Company Taproom and Grill, the only ski resort with its own brewery.
Lessons And Camp
The Ski School at Beech Mountain offers lessons in skiing and snowboarding. The Beech Mountain Academy for ages 5-18 provides development tailored to each athlete’s discipline, whether ski racing, freeskiing, or snowboarding. Each athlete progresses through development stages, preparing for competition at all levels. Ski & Ride School hourly lessons for beginner learners offer group lessons for ages 8 and older and private lessons for those 4+. Snowboard Learn To Ride is for ages 6-12, for beginner or advancing riders. The 9am – 3pm class includes a slope ticket, equipment rental, lunch, and instruction. Reserving space online is recommended; classes fill up quickly. Traxx Ski for ages 6-12 is a specialized ski session for those new to skiing or already navigating the mountain that helps build confidence and skills. The 9am-3pm class includes a slope ticket, equipment rental, lunch, and instruction. Snow Kamp for ages 2-5 will entertain your little ones while you enjoy the slopes. From 9am-3pm, the camp features arts, games, and outdoor activities with a light introduction to snowsports (no ski or snowboard instruction is provided). Children will enjoy supervised play and lunch. Campers must be potty-trained and comfortable in a group learning environment.
Snow Tubing And Lodging
Snow Tubing is also available, including Cosmic Snow Tubing on certain nights, where you can slide under the stars with lights and music. Tube riders must be 42 inches tall. Children cannot ride on their parent’s lap. Lodging is available near Beech Mountain, from cozy cabins and chalets to luxury lodges.
Catalooche Ski Area
- 1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley, NC
- 828-926-0285
- Catalooche Ski Area Website
Catalooche Ski Area, founded in 1961, was the first ski area in North Carolina. With a peak elevation of 5,400 feet, it features 18 slopes, 44% beginner, 39% intermediate, and 17% expert, as well as the Cat Cage Terrain Park. All slopes have lights for night use. There are two Terrain Parks: a beginner level at the Turkey Trot slope and an intermediate to advanced level on the Richard’s Run Slope. The slopes are serviced by one double lift, one triple lift, one quad lift, and two moving carpet conveyor lifts. Amenities at the ski area include a cafeteria-style dining area, beverage service, a full-service rental department, a gift shop and gear shop, individual rental lockers, and remote parking shuttle service. Slope passes for skiing or snowboarding are available for 4 or 6-hour sessions and for an upgraded price can include night skiing from 5-10pm. Night passes are also available.
Slope Pass Discounts And Deals
Every Wednesday, beginning January 8, is Family Day. Parents receive one complimentary slope pass for children 17 and under for each full-priced adult pass purchased. Not available on holidays. Seniors aged 65-69 receive $10 off one slope pass purchase per day. Seniors aged 70+ receive one complimentary slope pass per day. Military personnel (active duty, reservist, retired, veteran) receive $10 off one slope pass purchase per day (service member-only). Children ages 0-4 receive complimentary slope passes with the purchase of a full-priced accompanying parent or guardian adult pass.
Lessons, Lodging, And Snow Tubing
After School Ski and Snowboard programs are offered for children 7-17 years old for beginner to upper intermediate students. Beginners explore equipment, slope education, and introductory snow skills. Intermediate students will enhance chairlift and trail riding skills and skier responsibility knowledge. These programs occur in January and February, and registration is held November 30-December 22. There is also a Christmas Camp Program. Registration for that is held November 16-December 7. Catalooche Ski Area Snow Tubing is available at Tube World, located at 4721 Soco Road, Maggie Valley. This tubing snow hill has a conveyor lift to get you back uphill quickly. For children who do not meet the 42-inch height requirement for tubing, they will enjoy Wee Bowl. A confined area with snow and inner tubes just for the little ones. See the Tube World page for more information. Lodging near Catalooche Ski Area is available in lovely Maggie Valley and other areas of Haywood County.
Hatley Point (Formerly Wolf Ridge)
- 578 Valley View Circle, Mars Hill, NC
- 828-689-4111
- Hatley Point Website
Hatley Point (Formerly Wolf Ridge) is a Boutique Mountain Resort. Small and charming, it is one of the most accessible locations in NC. They maintain limited capacity for an uncrowded experience and recommend you book reservations in advance. There are 54 acres of skiable terrain, 15 trails, many lit for night skiing, and a 750-foot vertical drop. One double, one quad lift, and two surface lifts service the trails. Children under 12 are welcome on the mountain with an adult 18 or older, and kids under 4 ski free when accompanied by an adult. Discounted options are available for youth, military, and seniors. A Sanctuary Pass is an exclusive feature at Hatley Point, with benefits including private locker rooms, fast pass privileges, an exclusive lounge, private bathrooms and showers, and much more. See the Sanctuary Pass Site for details. Rentals are available for ski and snowboard equipment on a first-come-first-served basis, so it is advisable to reserve in advance. Many food and beverage options are available, including Smoke & Timber, Peaks & Pies, Terrace Bistro & Lounge, Hatley Hot Top Grill, and Steeps Coffee and Juicery.
Lessons
Offered are Adult Ski and Snowboard Group Lessons for ages 13 and up, which feature one-hour lessons that will match you with other beginners in a low-pressure environment. You are taught the techniques required to capture the thrill and excitement of the sport while having fun. There are a max of 8 people per group. They teach beginners through advanced skiers and snowboarders. Participants must have a valid lift ticket and appropriate equipment. Child Ski and Snowboard Group Lessons for ages 7-12 feature one-hour lessons that match children with other beginners in a low-pressure environment. They are taught the techniques required to capture the thrill and excitement of the sport while having fun. There are a max of 8 people per group. Beginners through advanced skiers and snowboarders are taught. Participants must have a valid lift ticket and appropriate equipment. Private ski or snowboard lessons are also offered either one-hour or three-hour sessions. They provide one-on-one training for beginners or those wishing to improve their skills. They also offer more flexibility if participants wish to practice on the ski school slope or more advanced slopes.
Lodging And Events
While Hatley Point does not have on-site lodging, a variety of options are available in the area. See their Lodging Website for information. Many events occur at Hatley Point, including Igloo Bar, Karaoke, Women’s Night, College Night, and more. Be sure to check out their events calendar on the Website.
Looking For A Place To Just Snow Tube?
Hawksnest is one hour and 45 minutes from Winston-Salem and is the largest snowtubing park in North Carolina! It has 30 lanes and four different snow tubing areas with various terrains to satisfy tubers of all experience levels. Three conveyor belt-style lifts, or “magic carpets,” carry tubers back to the top. Tubing is available to children 3 years old and up, but small children must ride with an adult if they cannot reach their feet outside of the tube to stop themselves at the end of the run. On occasion, there is an opportunity to link tubes together. All riders must have a ticket, even those on parents’ laps. Advanced reservations are highly recommended. Sessions are 1 hour and 45 minutes. A cafe on the premises offers cookies, donuts, soft pretzels, pizza slices, hot beverages, and craft beer. There are no activities for children under 3. However, visitors who are not snow tubing are welcome to watch from the viewing deck, and there is inside seating in the lodge. There is no need to purchase a ticket for spectators; however, you cannot enter the viewing area. Hawksnest also has a great Zipline. Unfortunately, it is closed for repairs until the spring of 2025 due to damage from Helene. Hawksnest is located at 2058 Skyland Drive, Seven Devils, NC. 828-963-6561. Visit their Website for more information and to make reservations.
Sapphire Valley Ski Resort
- 127 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire, NC
- 828-743-7663
- Sapphire Valley Ski Resort Website
Sapphire Valley is a great resort for kids and beginners. It has a beginner slope with a gentle gradient and a magic carpet lift to reach the top. For seasoned skiers, there is a 1600-foot main run with a vertical drop of 200 feet with a state-of-the-art quad lift. There are also Terrain Parks for freestyle skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. Ski and snowboard lift tickets or lift plus rentals can be purchased for one or multiple days. Clothing rental is no longer available. However, a small retail shop sells bibs, hats, and gloves. Service members (active and retired with government-issued ID) will receive a discounted rate. Sapphire Valley has many restaurants offering everything from pizza and wings to world-class tapas, steak, seafood, and beverage options.
Lessons And Lodging
Ski and Snowboard lessons are available, and the resort has a large, great learning slope. Group lessons are available for ages 5 and up. Children age 4 are taught only in one-on-one private lessons. Students must have all their equipment when they arrive for class. Call for more information. Dozens of vacation rentals are available, including lodges, homes, condos, and more. Various independent agents manage all resort or area rentals. Visit the Vacation Lodging Options Website for more information.
Snow Tube Park
The whole family will enjoy the 500-foot run and 60-foot vertical drop at Sapphire Valley’s Frozen Falls Tube Park. An easy-moving sidewalk gets you and your tube to the top. Sessions last 1.75 hours and start at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm. Sessions are first-come-first-served and sell out quickly. Arrive early to reserve a session. Service members (active and retired with government-issued ID) will receive a discounted rate. There are no age or height restrictions; parents are responsible. Each person must be in their own tube; parents may hold on to the child’s tube with the handles. You must fill out forms to use the tube park; it is wise to have them filled out before going. Visit The Tube Park Website, where you can download forms.
Sugar Mountain Resort
- 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Sugar Mountain, NC
- 828-898-4521
- Sugar Mountain Resort Website
Sugar Mountain is the largest ski area in North Carolina and features the largest vertical drop in the state at 1,200 feet! With 21 trails and 125 skiable acres, it offers plenty of gentle beginner slopes, exciting intermediate slopes, and daring advanced runs, including the region’s only double black diamond slope. Fifteen of their slopes are lit for night skiing. Seven lifts, including high-speed chairlifts, drag lifts, and magic carpets, serve the slopes. Upon approval, kids 4 and under, accompanied by a ticketed adult, receive a $3 lift/slope ticket. Seniors 70 and up qualify for discounts, as do active duty military personnel, their spouses, and dependent children 17 and under. Military IDs are required. Food and beverages are available in the huge cafeteria, the Last Run Lounge, or the snack bar. Dining is also available in nearby Banner Elk. Rental equipment for skiing and snowboarding is available, as is clothing. You can preregister for rentals to save time. See the Rental Website for details.
Photo by Alex Schenker for MyWinston-Salem.com, © Cover Story Media, Inc. 2022.
Lessons
Sugar Bear Ski School is designed to teach skiing to children ages 5-10 and features full or half-day sessions. All programs include lift/slope tickets, rental equipment and helmets, lessons, supervision, and lunch for a full day. Full-day runs from 10am-3pm; half-day runs from 1pm-3pm. Polar Bear Snowboard School is for children ages 7-14 and also features full or half-day sessions. The program includes a lift/slope ticket, snowboard equipment, lessons, helmet, supervision, and lunch for a full day. Ski and Snowboard School 1 1/2 hour Group Lessons are available for all levels and abilities 8 and older. You must have a valid lift/slope ticket and ski or snowboard equipment to take the lesson. Private lessons are also available for ages 4 and up, and in many cases, younger students can be accepted depending on the child’s attention span and maturity. A valid lift/slope ticket and ski or snowboard equipment are required to take the lesson.
Snow Tubing, Skating, Snowshoeing
Snow Tubing is located across the street from the base lodge, with several 700-foot-long lanes available. A moving conveyor lift transports tubers to the top of the runs. Sessions are 1 hour and 45 minutes, and times are 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm. Children must be 3 years or older to ride, and children under 6 must ride/share a tube with an adult. Children 7 & 8 years old must be under the direct supervision of an adult. Children 11 and under must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Complete the waiver before visiting and bring it with you to save time. Tubing and ice skating ticket sales are online only; there are no on-site tubing or ice skating ticket purchases. See the Tubing Website for waiver download and ticket sale information.
A 10,000-foot ice skating rink is adjacent to parking lot D and the tubing park. Sessions are at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm. Tubing and ice skating ticket sales are online only; there are no on-site tubing or ice skating ticket purchases. Ice skate rentals are available, and you’ll find a cozy spot to sip hot chocolate or have a meal at the Sugar Mountain Resort Restaurant. See the Ice Skating Website for ticket purchases. Snowshoe-guided tours can be a casual walk or an intense workout. Tours are one hour long, include snowshoe rental, and are available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 3pm and Saturdays at 9am and 3pm. Adult tours are for ages 12 and older; children’s tours are for 8-11 years old. See the Snowshoeing Site for details.
Lodging, Shuttle, And Events
Various lodging options on and around Sugar Mountain range from hotel/motel-type rooms and condos to chalets and homes. See their website for selections. The Village of Sugar Mountain operates a Village Ski Shuttle with several stops in Sugar Mountain for you to take advantage of. Sugar Mountain holds many events, including Winter Music, New Year’s Eve celebrations, SugarFest, March Madness, Races, Kids Easter Egg Hunt, and Adult Ski and Snowboard Adult Leagues. See their website for these events and more.
Local Ski And Snowboard Equipment And Rentals
Winston-Salem has local shops selling high-quality Ski and Snowboard equipment, gear, and apparel – all you need to hit the slopes and enjoy winter fun. They also provide skis, snowboards, and clothing rentals, which are less expensive and more convenient than waiting in line to rent at the resort. Check out our article on Ski and Snowboard shops in Winston-Salem.
Where is your favorite resort for winter sports? Tell us in the comments.
