Where to Ski in North Carolina
There are six ski resorts in Western North Carolina. Three of them are clustered in the northern part of the North Carolina mountains, near Boone: Sugar Mountain Resort, Appalachian Ski Mtn., and Beech Mountain Ski Resort.
Hatley Pointe (formerly Wolf Ridge) is in Mars Hill, near Asheville. Cataloochee Ski Area is in Maggie Valley, near Cherokee, Waynesville, Canton and Sylva. And Sapphire Valley Ski Area is in the southern of part of the North Carolina mountains, near the borders with South Carolina and Georgia.
If you’re traveling from the Charlotte area, the closest ski areas are the three near Boone: Sugar Mountain Resort, Appalachian Ski Mtn, and Beech Mountain Ski Resort. They are each under a three hour drive if conditions are very good.
Note: If you’re willing to take on a longer drive, the West Virginia ski resorts are very popular. Check out Snowshoe Mountain, which is approximately a 5 1/2 hour drive from Charlotte.
North Carolina Ski Resort Map
When Does Ski season Start in North Carolina?
The start (and end) of ski season in North Carolina varies according to the weather in the specific area of each resort, and the resort’s capacity for snow making.
These were the expected starting dates for North Carolina skiing in 2023:
- Appalachian Ski Mtn: November 17
- Beech Mountain Resort: November 18 for tubing, November 24 for skiing and snowboarding
- Cataloochee Ski Area: Skiing is open. Tube World opens December 2, 2023.
- Sapphire Valley Ski Area: December 16
- Sugar Mountain Resort: Opened by Thanksgiving.
- Hatley Pointe (formerly Wolf Ridge Ski Resort): Opening December 16, 2023.
North Carolina Ski Resorts
Learn the essential facts about each North Carolina ski resort, compiled by VisitNC.com. How many slopes? What’s the vertical drop? What kind of ski classes does it offer? What else is going on at the resort? Read on for all of this information, for each ski resort.
As you make plans, make sure to check the website of the resort to check on current conditions. Also, check the resort’s website for the cost of a lift ticket and equipment rental.
Appalachian Ski Mountain
940 Ski Mountain Road, Blowing Rock, North Carolina
The North Carolina 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 largest independent ski school; Burton Learn to Ride; and SKIwee. This season brings a new RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) ticketing system to streamline the experience. The resort also boasts the App Terrain Park with three separate terrain parks with up to 60 rails, boxes, tabletops and other features.
Slopes: 12
Peak elevation: 4,000 feet
Vertical drop: 365 feet
Lifts: 2 quads, 1 double, 1 surface, 2 conveyors
Other activities: Ice skating
Off the slopes: Lodge with restaurant, ski shop, gift shop and locker room
Other: Jackets, bib pants gloves and goggles are available for rent.
More information: appskimtn.com
Beech Mountain Resort
1007 Beech Mountain Pkway, Beech Mountain, North Carolina
At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is the highest ski area in the East. A central alpine village, the 5506′ Skybar and a resident brewery further distinguish the resort. For 2022-23, the terrain park has been converted into a beginner trail while terrain park enthusiasts will find two new areas to enjoy. Other upgrades include a new Doppelmayr quad chairlift (replacing a double) and a new all-weather snowmaking system for the tubing park. Beech offers the Ski and Ride School; Burton Learn to Ride, Traxx and Snow Kamp for children.
Slopes: 17
Peak elevation: 5,506 feet
Vertical drop: 830 feet
Lifts: 4 quads, 2 doubles, 2 carpet conveyors
Other activities: Tubing
Off the slopes: The resort’s alpine village offers food and beverage including Beech Mountain Brewing Co., First Chair Coffee Shop, multiple fire pits, retail and equipment rental.
Other: Bibs and coats are available for rent
More information: beechmountainresort.com
Cataloochee Ski Area
1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley, North Carolina
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 and CAT Trackers for kids.
Slopes: 18
Peak elevation: 5,400 feet
Vertical drop: 740 feet
Lifts: 1 double, 1 triple, 1 quad, 3 conveyors
Other activities: Tube World in Maggie Valley
Off the slopes: Lodge with fireplace, restaurant, lounge and on-mountain shop
Other: Bibs and jackets are available for rent.
More information: cataloochee.com
Sapphire Valley Ski Area
127 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire, North Carolina
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 is Dec. 17. Mark your calendar for Feb. 18 and the Great Outhouse Races.
Slopes: 2
Peak elevation: 3,400 feet
Vertical drop: 200 feet
Lifts: 1 quad, 2 carpet conveyors
Other activities: Frozen Falls Tube Park and the Vordach Zip Line
Off the slopes: Base lodge park and fire pit plus the Slopeside Tavern, Mica’s Restaurant and Pub, and The Fix Restaurant and Bar
More info: skisapphirevalley.com
Sugar Mountain Resort
1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Sugar Mountain, North Carolina
With 125 skiable acres, Sugar Mountain is North Carolina’s largest winter resort, distinguished by the state’s only double black diamond slope and a high-speed, detachable, six-passenger chairlift. Joining the lineup of lifts for 2022-23: Oma’s Meadow chairlift, a high-speed, detachable, four-passenger Doppelmayr lift that cuts travel time from nine minutes to just over two minutes. Lessons are available at the adult and children’s Snowsports Schools.
Slopes: 20
Peak elevation: 5,300 feet
Vertical drop: 1,200 feet
Lifts: 1 fixed-grip quad, 2 doubles, 1 high-speed six-pack, 2 high-speed quads, 1 surface, 1 carpet conveyor
Other activities: Skating, tubing and snowshoeing
Off the slopes: Base lodge with two cafeterias, the Last Run Lounge with full-service bar, locker room and shop
Other: Clothing rentals are available.
More information: skisugar.com
Hatley Pointe (Formerly Wolf Ridge Ski Resort)
578 Valley View Circle, Mars Hill, North Carolina
Thirty miles north of Asheville off scenic Interstate 26, Hatley Pointe sits just inside Pisgah National Forest. The Snow Sports School offers group and private lessons for beginning to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Travelers will find updated lighting for night skiing, and on busy days, a shuttle van will run from parking areas to the lodge.
Slopes: 15
Peak elevation: 4,700 feet
Vertical drop: 700 feet
Lifts: 1 quad, 1 double and 2 surface lifts
Off the slopes: Base lodge with three large fireplaces, gift shop and food service
Other activities: Tubing
More information: hatleypointe.com
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in:
- Subscribing to Charlotte on the Cheap’s email list
- Best skyline views in Charlotte for photos
- Best food and drink deals in Charlotte
- 50+ walks and hikes in and near Charlotte
- Free and cheap things to do this week
- Charlotte Hotel Deals
- Charlotte on the Cheap events calendar
- Charlotte area farmers markets
Charlotte on the Cheap is a member of 
