Winter break opportunity! You don’t have to travel too far from Charlotte to enjoy some snow. Beech Mountain, about a two and a half drive from the Queen City, offers free sledding for kids and inexpensive “Learn To Ski” packages. At 5,506 feet, it’s the highest town in Eastern America, and enjoys an average annual snowfall of 84.6 inches. Beech Mountain is Charlotte on the Cheap’s newest advertiser and I’m happy to share some information about what it has to offer.
Sledding
Beech Mountain’s sledding hill, run by the town’s parks and recreation department, is located next to the visitor’s center. It features natural snow, augmented with man-made snow when necessary. It’s intended for kids 12 and under, and plastic sleds are required. You can bring your own or rent one at one of the nearby stores. It’s open from 1 to 5pm weekdays; and 9am to 5pm on weekends and holidays. The sledding hill stays open through late February or early March, depending on the weather. Parents can sled with their kids, or take a break in the the visitor’s center, which has free WiFi. Get real-time sledding hill conditions at 800-468-5506. Also, visit beechmtn.com for more information.
Ski 101
Beech Mountain’s Ski 101 program offers an inexpensive and simple way to enjoy skiing. Pay just $101 for a night’s lodging at a local hotel (double occupancy required), a ski or snowboard lesson, ski or snowboard equipment rental, a full-day lift ticket and helmet rental. This offer is open to anyone age eight or older. The lesson package is available Monday through Friday, with lodging available Sunday through Thursday nights. Valid the entire month of January.
5,506 Sky Bar
New this season at Beech Mountain is the Sky Bar on the top of the slopes. Its name “5,506,” is derived from the resort’s elevation, which makes it the highest ski bar on the East Coast. The glass roundhouse provides food and beverage service inside, plus there’s a 2,700-square-foot deck for relaxing or hanging with friends.
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