Winter has reached the mountains of the Carolinas, bringing with it a chilly breeze and the promise of outdoor fun. While the region might not be the first to come to mind for winter sports, there are many places that offer skiing and tubing experiences. Were you Googling ski mountains in NC? Whether you are a seasoned skier or a family eager for a winter adventure, here are some of the best ski and tube places in the Carolinas:
Beech Mountain Resort
Beech Mountain Resort proudly claims the title of the highest ski resort in the Eastern United States. Known for its breathtaking elevation, Beech Mountain is a haven for winter enthusiasts, offering everything from skiing and snowboarding to tubing. It is simply one of the top ski mountains in NC.
What sets Beech apart is its inclusivity—kids as young as 4 can dive into the joys of skiing through the resort’s ski school. Groups are carefully crafted based on age and skill level, ensuring a tailored and enjoyable experience. No wonder it is one of the top ski resorts and ski mountains in NC.
To join in on the Beech Mountain tubing fun, you must be at least 42 inches tall. Tickets will be available at $34 on weekdays and $42 on weekends. Holidays from December 2 are on a first-come, first-served basis. The first tubing session starts at 10 AM, while skiing and snowboarding will be available from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Sugar Mountain Resort
With 21 slops and trails plus several 700 ft. long tubing lanes, Sugar Mountain Resort is a go-to destination for those dreaming of a winter wonderland. Nestled not far from Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain Resort is North Carolina’s largest ski area with several lodging options nearby. The resort ranks high among the best ski resorts in North Carolina.
Sugar mountain tubing sessions are almost 2 hours long and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Everyone aged 5 and above requires a ticket. Little ones aged 3 and 4 can tube for free with a ticketed adult. The pricing at Sugar Mountain is realistic, ranging from $34 per person on weekdays to $45 on weekends and Holidays.
Cataloochee Ski Area
For those looking for a family-friendly winter retreat, Cataloochee Ski Area is a definite crowd-pleaser. Cataloochee has 18 ski slopes and trails. The ski lodge offers both day and night ski sessions with different rates and packages, making it perfect for skiing in North Carolina.
The tubing area is located separate from the ski area, with tubing sessions being 1 hour and 45 minutes long. Each session costs $35 per adult on weekdays and $45 per adult on weekends and holidays for four hours. You can join the fun starting December 2, 2023. Cataloochee also has special rates for military personnel, seniors and families on select days of the week.
The resort also offers lessons and programs for all occasions, ages and ability levels, making it one of the most recommended NC ski resorts.
Appalachian Ski Mountain
Looking for a location for skiing near Asheville NC? Nestled in North Carolina’s High Country, Appalachian Ski Mountain is a snowy haven featuring 13 slopes catering to beginners and seasoned skiers alike. With a mix of three beginner, six moderately difficult and 4 advanced trails, the ski resort provides a diverse experience. And if that is not enough, there is an ice rink and a gift shop.
The 2023-24 season kicks off on November 30. It continues with sessions daily from 9 AM to 10 PM and midnight on select days. Whether you are an early riser or a night owl, there is a slot for you to hit the slopes.
Hawksnest Tubing Park
Hawksnest Tubing Park proudly claims the title of Southeast’s largest snow tubing park. With 4 tubing areas featuring about 30 lanes of snow tubing fun, ranging from 400 to 1,000 feet long, it is a winter adventure like no other, open to thrill-seekers aged 3 and up. Each session is 1 hour 45 minutes, with tickets costing $35 – $49. Seasonal ziplining is also available.
Online reservations are available for convenience, so you can secure your spot without the hassle. The park is currently open, so dive into the snowy thrills that Hawksnest Tubing has to offer.
Hatley Pointe Ski Resort
Standing tall at an elevation of 4,700 feet, Hatley Pointe Ski Resort (Previously Wolf Ridge Ski Resort) is a winter playground amid the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The boutique mountain resort offers premium slops, delectable foods and breathtaking views. Besides skiing, you can also go snowboarding and mountain biking. It is simply one of the top ski mountains in NC.
The 2023-24 season at the mountain resort will kick off on December 16, 2023. Sitting in the shadow of Big Bald Mountain, Hatley Pointe offers 54 acres of skiable terrain and 15 lighted runs serviced by lifts. A haven for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, it is not just a resort but an opportunity to unlock the joys of winter sports.
Sapphire Valley Ski Area
Tucked away in the scenic corners of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Sapphire Valley Ski Area offers a winter escape for the entire family. With a 1600-foot main run and a 200-foot vertical drop, a state-of-the-art quad lift, a tube park and an indoor pool, Sapphire Valley provides the perfect setting for a group-friendly winter getaway. So, if you are looking for a weekend winter adventure, this winter sports resort has got you covered. With so many activities, it is the best place to enjoy snow in North Carolina.
Tubing sessions are 1.75 hours long and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with the public rate being $35. The Frozen Falls Tube Park features a 500-foot run with an incredible vertical drop of 60 feet, making it snow tubing NC heaven!
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing is all about the thrill of the ride. With 400-foot-long slopes that are steep and fast, this family-friendly snow-tubing park offers an experience that promises excitement for all. The slopes are strategically positioned, allowing parents and guardians to watch their tubers from start to finish. There is also a designated viewing area for bystanders and family photographers to capture the whole experience. Snow tubing in North Carolina cannot get better than this.
The 2023-24 season will kick off on December 18, 2023. You can book online or through a call.
Conclusion
Winter in the Carolinas is the perfect time to create memories in the snow-covered landscapes. So, grab your gear, gather your family and friends, and explore the skiing and tubing places the Carolinas offer. Whether you are a first-time skier or tubing pro, these ski mountains in NC promise a winter adventure.
