Ski Resorts in North Carolina

Skiing image by Lucy Cherniak from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

While it may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of winter sports, North Carolina is home to several ski resorts nestled in the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. The season here is shorter than in other places for obvious reasons, but skiing can be enjoyed generally from mid-December until early March, weather permitting of course. Since winter conditions are extremely variable in the southeast, remember to check the weather report and current trail conditions for your destination before starting your trip.

Cataloochee

North Carolina's south-westernmost ski resort, located in the tourist destination of Maggie Valley, Cataloochee offers 16 trails and five lifts, with terrain from beginner to advanced. Most trails are beginner and intermediate terrain, making this a great destination for families or groups of mixed skill levels. The mountain is open for both day and night skiing, but on certain days the resort only offers one session or the other to accommodate snow making or grooming, so check the website for the schedule on the day you plan to ski.

Cataloochee Ski Area
1080 Ski Lodge Road
Maggie Valley, NC 28751
828-926-0285‎
cataloochee.com

Beech Mountain

Beech Mountain is the highest ski resort in the eastern United States, with a peak elevation of 5,506 feet. The resort is geared more toward intermediate and advanced skiers, offering 15 trails, but only two at the easiest level. The 15 trails are served by 10 lifts. If you need a break from the slopes, the base area has four restaurants, shops, and wireless Internet access available.

Beech Mountain Ski Resort Inc
1007 Beech Mountain Parkway
Beech Mountain, NC 28604-8018
828-387-2011‎
skibeech.com

Wolf Ridge

Among the largest ski areas in the southeast, Wolf Ridge offers 20 trails served by five lifts. Terrain is a good balance of skill level from beginner to advanced. This is a full service resort, with lodging and dining opportunities on the premises. For a different kind of fun, take a break from the ski slopes and try out the snow tubing run.

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
578 Valley View Circle
Mars Hill, NC 28754
800-817-4111‎
skiwolfridgenc.com

Article Written By Christopher Williams

Christopher Williams has spent over 11 years working in the information technology, health care and outdoor recreation fields. He has over seven years of technical and educational writing experience, and has brought strong skills and passion to the Demand Studios team in articles for eHow and Trails in 2009.

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