I grew up in New Hampshire where learning how to ski or snowboard is a rite of passage. I actually learned to ski later in life for a New Englander, 6th grade to be exact. One ski lesson later I was hooked! I skied for years until I decided snowboarding looked more fun and made the switch in high school. Now many years later I am still passionate about snowboarding, although I am much more careful these days! Luckily for me, there are several skiing and snowboarding destinations in Western North Carolina not too far from Asheville.
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is the closest to Asheville and is only 40 minutes north in Mars Hill, NC. I enjoy the steeper trails at Wolf Ridge and it’s an easy day trip (or even half day trip) to their 15 trails. The next closest mountain to Asheville is 50 minutes west, Cataloochee Ski Area. This is the most popular ski area for families in the Asheville area because almost half of the 18 trails are beginner trails that are perfect for learning how to ski or snowboard. They also offer night sessions to ski and snowboard under the lights. There are also more difficult slopes at the top of the mountain if you are not a beginner.
If you travel a little further outside of Asheville towards Boone, you can reach Sugar Mountain in just over an hour and a half. 15-20 minutes further from Sugar Mountain is Beech Mountain. Sugar and Beech are more destination ski areas and I like to spend a few days on these slopes when I make the trip. The town of Banner Elk is between the two mountains and is where you can find hotels, rental properties, shops, restaurants, and everything you would want in a little ski town. I always make sure to rent a house with a hot tub after a day on the slopes! Sugar Mountain has 21 slopes and even boasts a double black diamond slope. Beech Mountain is home to 17 slopes and claims to be the “highest ski area in Eastern America”. There is a great mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert slopes and it just happens to be my favorite ski area in WNC. Beech Mountain may be my favorite because of the bar at the top of the mountain, 5506’ Skybar. Who doesn’t love a cold beer with a view? Fair warning however, it can make the trip down a bit dangerous afterwards!
No matter which mountain you choose, there is a fun to be had for all levels of skiers and snowboards in Wester North Carolina.
Rachel Stark is a multimillion-dollar top producing real estate professional & REALTOR, who is known for her high standards of professionalism and dedication to client satisfaction. Rachel has an extensive market knowledge of the Lake James, Marion and Morganton areas. Call Rachel Stark at (828) 329-3552 for a free consultation, if you are interested in buying or selling real estate near Lake James, NC.