By Renee Gannon, January 2011

• Intro
• Appalachian Ski Mountain
• Beech Mountain Resort
• Cataloochee Ski Area
• Hawksnest Resort
• Sapphire Valley Ski Resort
• Sugar Mountain Resort
• Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
• Download the full article as a

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Before you drive around or fly over the North Carolina mountains for winter sports elsewhere, take at look at what your state’s mountains offer for a place to plant your ski poles, ride your snowboard or join a snow tubing race this winter—you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Snowfall in our mountains began in November 2010, and all the resorts opened with high hopes of another crowd-pleasing year. The North Carolina mountains have the highest elevation and coldest climates in the South, so if Mother Nature isn’t cooperating (the average yearly snowfall is 60 inches), the ski areas have the latest snowmaking capabilities to cover 100 percent of the slopes. Last year’s snowfall and made snow combined for 100-plus inches of base in most of the state’s ski areas.

The ski season usually lasts until late March or early April, depending on conditions. North Carolina ski areas offer ski and snowboarding acreage, snow tubing, ice skating, even snowshoeing and zip lines. The best part? Enjoying a day or weekend of winter fun within driving range.