NC Ski Areas Primed for Winter Action

RALEIGH, NC (Nov. 13, 2026) — With snow guns blasting and a cold snap delivering bundle-up weather, North Carolina's six ski areas are primed for action with some hoping to open their slopes this weekend. Appalachian Ski Mtn. and Beech Mountain Resort have targeted Nov. 20-21 for welcoming skiers.

"Given the forecast, this should be a snow-studded season in the winter capital of the South," said Wit Tuttell, executive director of Visit NC. “We have 6½ decades of ski slope experience and the capacity to create a winter wonderland. With snow guns and groomers covering the slopes from the High Country to the Great Smoky Mountains, Mother Nature will only boost the experience that awaits skiers and snow boarders.”

Enhanced experiences await. SNO-GO ski bikes arrive at Cataloochee, Hatley Pointe delivers upgraded trails, a new hotel is ready to serve Sugar Mountain skiers, and the Great Outhouse Races at Sapphire Valley Ski Area mark the 20th year of a fun-laced day.

News and views from the slopes

Entering its 65th season, Cataloochee will rent lift-ready SNO-GO bikes as an easy-to-learn option. A new 160-foot covered conveyor lift will come into use as will RFID ticketing and a new system to make online scheduling easier. Both the ski area and its sister Tube World will benefit from snowmaking upgrades.

Hatley Pointe in Mars Hill has spent the off-season on slope infrastructure, adding 24 snow guns to its arsenal and installing Cloudbelt, a 400-foot covered and lighted magic carpet surface lift, near the mountain base. Following its boutique approach, the resort has enhanced its casual dining options with The Burn Line; and revamped The Bistro with scratch made Mexican-American fare.

Appalachian Ski Mtn. in Boone also enhances its culinary flair with chef Dana Price, whose experience in international cuisine will add out-of-the-ordinary dining options. A popular destination for snowboarding, the resort offers new terrain features for both learners and experienced shredders. Refinements to the custom online ticketing platform lend themselves to an even smoother check-in flow, as does a dedicated RFID entry gate for children’s programs. Skiers and boarders will also appreciate additional Base Lodge space.

Beech Mountain Resort, the highest ski area in the East, adds powder power with 14 new SMI snow guns, eight air/water snow towers and a new PistenBully 400W for grooming. Off the slopes, the Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Brewhouse will serve guests in a newly renovated space in the resort village.

Travelers to Sugar Mountain will be treated to a pair of new murals on the Summit Express parking garage: a map of the ski area and another showing legendary racer Spider Sabich rushing down the Tom Terrific trail during a 1970s race. They’ll also find a new lodging option in the Village of Sugar Mountain:  the 118-room Courtyard by Marriott Sugar Mountain Banner Elk, which opened in April. Sugar, home to the Double Black Diamond Whoopdedoo and Boulder Dash trails, boosts its infrastructure with three new fully automated SMI super pole cat snowmaking machines and a new PistenBully 600 Winch Cat.

Winter calls from NC

With the South’s highest peaks and coldest winters, the NC slopes have nature on their side when it comes to quality experience. Tuttell, a longtime winter sports enthusiast, notes that the state’s ski areas are perfect for first-timers.

“For those still finding their ski legs, our resorts excel at group and private lessons for all skill levels,” he said, starting with Appalachian Ski Mtn.’s French Swiss Ski College, the Southeast’s oldest ski school. “In addition to quality instruction, there’s also the convenience of being able to rent bibs, jackets and other gear as well as skis instead of having to invest in a major purchase.”

Winter lovers can also find a range of activities beyond skiing and snowboarding at the resorts and other mountain attractions. Ice skating, tubing and alpine coaster rides are among the activities, and Sugar Mountain’s menu includes guided snowshoe tours.

Ready to hit the slopes? Here’s a rundown of what’s offered at NC’s six ski areas; click here for the NC Ski Areas Association’s downloadable brochure. And keep reading to map tubing hills, alpine coasters and Beech Mountain’s irresistible sledding hill. https://www.goskinc.com/ncsaa-brochure/

Appalachian Ski Mtn. 

Blowing Rock
The NC High Country’s first ski area, Appalachian Ski Mtn. is known for teaching beginners, families and groups. It’s the home of the French Swiss Ski College, the South’s oldest and largest independent ski school, dating to 1969; Burton Learn to Ride Center; and SKIwee and other children’s programs. The resort, which offers late-night sessions and RFID ticketing, boasts three terrain parks with 60 rails, boxes, tabletops and other features.
Target opening: Nov. 20.
Peak elevation: 4,000 feet.
Vertical rise: 365 feet. 
Skiable area: 27 acres.
Slopes: 13 plus three terrain parks.
Longest run: 2,640 feet.
Lifts: 2 quads, 1 double, 1 surface, 2 conveyors.
Other activities: Ice skating on a Zamboni-groomed outdoor rink.
Off the slopes: Lodge with restaurant, ski shop, gift shop and locker room. 
Mark your calendar: Every Friday-Saturday plus Dec. 26-31, Jan. 17 and Feb. 14 for the Holiday Midnight Blast. March 13-14 brings the Meltdown Games, the ski area’s signature season closer with Cardboard Box Derbies and Pond Skim.

Beech Mountain Resort 

Beech Mountain 
At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is the highest ski area in the East. A central alpine village with cozy firepits, the 5506' Skybar and a resident brewery with live music further distinguish the resort. Beech offers the Ski & Ride School and Snowboard Learn to Ride plus Traxx, Beech Mountain Academy and Snow Kamp for children. RFID ticketing makes lift boarding a breeze.
Target opening: Nov. 21.
Peak elevation: 5,506 feet.
Vertical rise: 830 feet.
Skiable area: 95 acres.
Slopes: 17 plus a terrain park.
Longest run: 1 mile. 
Lifts: 4 quads, 2 doubles, 2 carpet conveyors, 1 surface.
Other activities: Cosmic Snow Tubing.
Off the slopes: In addition to the 5506’ SkyBar at the top, the resort’s alpine village offers food and beverage (Beech Mountain Brewing Co., First Chair Coffee Shop, The Red Baron), fire pits, retail and equipment rental.
Mark your calendar: Jan. 25-28 for the 45th annual Adaptive Learn to Ski/Snowboard Event, the oldest continually running adaptive ski clinic in the United States.

Cataloochee Ski Area 

Maggie Valley 
At the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee opened in 1961 to become North Carolina's first ski area. It features one of the region's longest seasons with help from its advanced snowmaking system. Cataloochee offers lessons at the Ski & Ride Center with Kids Adventure available. Starting Jan. 6, Family Day savings are offered each Wednesday. 
Target opening: TBD.
Peak elevation: 5,400 feet. 
Vertical rise: 740 feet. 
Skiable area: 50 acres. 
Slopes: 18. 
Longest run: 3,500 feet. 
Lifts: 1 double, 1 triple, 2 quads, 3 conveyors. 
Other activities: Tube World in Maggie Valley, which has a Wee Bowl Snowplay Area. 
Off the slopes: Lodge with fireplace, cafeteria-style restaurant, lounge and on-mountain shop. 
Mark your calendar: NC Smokies Ice Fest Weekend, which runs Jan. 28-31, pairs well with time on the slopes.

Hatley Pointe

Mars Hill 
Thirty miles north of Asheville off Interstate 26, Hatley Pointe elevates excitement for snowsports lovers with its reworking of the former Wolf Ridge Ski Resort. From the shadow of Big Bald Mountain in Pisgah National Forest, Hatley Pointe creates a boutique experience with its expanded lodge and dining options, a VIP lounge, retail and rentals. Group and private lessons are available at the SnowSports School.
Target opening: Nov. 27.
Peak elevation: 4,700 feet. 
Vertical rise: 700 feet. 
Skiable area: 54 acres. 
Slopes: 22 plus a terrain park.
Longest run: 3,700 feet.
Lifts: 1 quad, 2 surface lifts and a tow rope. 
Off the slopes: Base lodge fireplaces, Smoke + Timber (full-service restaurant and bar), Steeps Coffee and Juicery, The Burn Line, Peaks & Pies, Terrace Bistro and the Brew Haus.

Sapphire Valley Ski Area  

Sapphire 
Just west of Cashiers, Sapphire Valley Ski Area is part of a 5,700-acre, four-season resort. It's especially attractive to families and beginning skiers who can take lessons and master the runs. 
Target opening: Dec. 12.
Peak elevation: 3,400 feet. 
Vertical rise: 200 feet. 
Skiable area: 8 acres.
Slopes: 2.
Longest run: 1,600 feet. 
Lifts: 1 quad, 2 carpet conveyors. 
Other activities: Frozen Falls Tube Park.
Off the slopes: Base lodge park and fire pit plus the Slopeside Tavern, Mica’s Mountain Kitchen, The Library Kitchen + Bar and Casa Amigo Bar & Grill.
Note: No clothing rentals, but bibs, hats and gloves are available for purchase.
Mark your calendar: Feb. 6 brings the Great Outhouse Races, which will mark their 20th anniversary. Decorated outhouses will course down the slope with a “seated” passenger. 

Sugar Mountain Resort

Sugar Mountain 
North Carolina’s largest winter resort is distinguished by a pair of Double Black Diamond runs, sophisticated lift system and extensive off-the-slopes activities. The RFID ticketing system adds convenience for action on ice rink and tubing hill as well as the slopes. Group and private lessons are available at the adult and children’s Snowsports Schools. Sugar also offers guided snowshoe tours with the level tailored to participants’ preference. 
Target opening: TBD.
Peak elevation: 5,300 feet.
Vertical rise: 1,200 feet. 
Skiable area: 125 acres.
Slopes: 20. 
Longest run: 1.5 miles. 
Lifts: 1 fixed-grip quad, 2 doubles, 1 high-speed six-pack, 2 high-speed quads, 1 surface.
Other activities: Skating, tubing and guided snowshoe tours.
Off the slopes: Base lodge with two cafeterias, the Last Run Lounge with full-service bar, locker room and shop.  
Mark your calendar: SugarFest enlivens the weekend of Dec. 11-13  with demos, food, and an after-ski party with music and fireworks.

More winter action

Beyond the ski areas, find exhilarating runs at the following attractions, which are listed north to south.

Beech Mountain Sledding Hill 

Beech Mountain
Designed for sledders 12 and younger, the Southeast’s only municipal sledding hill is just off Beech Mountain Parkway (1.5 miles below Beech Mountain Ski Resort). Use of the hill is free. Bring a plastic sled (you can rent one nearby). The town calls a pair of snow guns into service whenever a boost is needed.

Hawksnest Tubing

Seven Devils
One of the East Coast's largest snow tubing parks, Hawksnest features up to 30 lanes in four different areas with a range of terrain. The fun is available for children 3 and older. Season opens Nov. 27. For an aerial view of winter, check out the Snow Bird tour at Hawksnest Zipline.

Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster 

Banner Elk
North Carolina’s first alpine roller coaster extends excitement along 3,160 feet of track with three circular loops plus waves, twists and turns. It’s open year-round. There’s also a specialty coffee shop with pastries and other goodies.

Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park 

Newland
Boasting 400-foot-long slopes that are steep and fast, Jonas Ridge caters to tubers 3 and older. Spectators can check out the action from the viewing area. Season opening is Dec. 21.

Zip N Slip 

Mars Hill
Less than 6 miles below Hatley Pointe, Zip N Slip offers up to 10 lanes with a magic carpet to the top. Designed for tubers 3 and older, the park features a solarium with fireplace. Season opening is Dec. 17.

Black Bear Snow Tubing 

Hendersonville
Featuring a 500-foot tubing slope, Black Bear offers concessions plus a heated lodge for non-tubers. A lift takes tubers to the top. Designed for tubers 4 and older. Season opening is Dec. 19.

Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park 

Hendersonville
Moonshine Mountain features five lanes with 500 feet of fun for solo runs and group trains. Height requirement is 36 inches. Opening date is Dec. 18.

Highlands Outpost 

Scaly Mountain
Snow tubing and an alpine coaster create irresistible fun west of Highlands. Tubers 4 and older (minimum height 42 inches) can take a magic carpet to the top and enjoy a fast ride back down. The Scaly Mountain Screamer features 3,800 feet of gravity-powered thrills with 360 degree turns to be experienced at your own speed. The coaster is open year-round, and tubing season began Nov. 5.

For more information to inspire a trip, stop by VisitNC.com.

Photos: Images are available for download at this link. Please credit VisitNC.com unless otherwise indicated in the file name. 

About Visit North Carolina

Visit North Carolina, the state's official destination marketing organization, is part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, a private nonprofit corporation that serves as North Carolina’s economic development organization. The EDPNC focuses on business and job recruitment, existing industry support, international trade, tourism and film marketing.

The mission of Visit NC is to unify and lead the state in positioning North Carolina as a preferred destination for leisure travel, group tours, meetings and conventions, sports events and film production to maximize economic vitality statewide. Each year, North Carolina welcomes about 40 million visitors who spend nearly $37 billion during their visit. The tourism industry employs more than 230,000 people and generates nearly $2.7 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information, travel ideas and inspiration, go to VisitNC.com.

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