Whether your snow sport is boarding, skiing or tubing, there are plenty of spots within driving distance of Charlotte to hit the slopes. Plan a weekend getaway complete with thrills, good eats and of course, plenty of snow. Our picks in order of distance from Charlotte:
Head to: Appalachian Ski Mountain
Distance from Charlotte: 1 hr. 53 mins.
Offerings: 12 slopes (3 easy, 6 more difficult, 3 most difficult) and 3 terrain parks. All slopes are open for night skiing.
Activity details: $62 weekends/holidays; $39 Monday – Friday.
Stay: Stay steps from the slopes at one of the resort’s four slopeside lodgings. If you’d like to ski and stay in style, relax in one of seven luxury rooms in Downtown Blowing Rock’s The New Public House. Two miles from downtown, Gideon Ridge Inn & Restaurant offers ten luxury guest rooms and sweeping mountain views. Westglow Resort & Spa allows guests to choose from four unique accommodation options, including rooms in a historic Greek Revival Mansion.
Dine: Best Cellar in downtown Blowing Rock has been serving nightly seafood and steak specials since 1975. Open Thursday through Monday beginning at 5:30 p.m. Twigs Restaurant and Bar serves a Southern twist on classic favorites and offers an award-winning wine list a half mile from downtown. Whether staying as a guest or stopping in for dinner, Rowland’s Restaurant at Westglow Resort & Spa offers an indulgent dinner menu.
Do: Take a break from the winter action and fully unwind at Westglow Resort & Spa. Another popular attraction in Blowing Rock is the town’s WinterFest from January 25-28. The 20th annual event features an icy Polar Plunge, a dog show, fashion show, a beer garden and more.
Head to: Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing
Distance from Charlotte: 1 hr. 58 mins.
Offerings: 6 snow tube lanes ranging from steep to slow.
Activity details: $30/person, $23/ages 6 and under. Sessions are 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Stay: Cozy up with the help of a mountainside rental from Alluring View B&B and cabins.
Dine: Get to know the area with a trip to Famous Louise’s Rock House, a restaurant on the National Register of Historical Places.
Do: The whole family will love a trip to Lineville Caverns, where the temperature stays a comfortable 52 degrees year-round. Open Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Head to: Sugar Mountain Resort
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hr. 16 mins.
Offerings: 21 slopes, plus snowshoeing, tubing and ice skating. 15 slopes open for night skiing.
Activity details: $74 weekends/holidays; $44 M-F; March Madness rates begin March 5 ($33 M-F; $56 Weekends)
Stay: Lodging options abound near the action at Sugar Mountain. Sleep on the slopes with properties available from Sugar Ski & Country Club and Sugar Mountain Accommodations Center & Realty, Inc. Other options include Sugar Mountain Lodging, Inc. and Sugar Mountain Resort Accommodations.
Dine: Grab a meal without taking a break from the action at The Last Run Lounge. At Sorrento’s Bistro in downtown Banner Elk, bring your lift tickets for 10% off (must be same day tickets). Also in Banner Elk, Stonewalls Restaurant serves seafood, gourmet steaks and fine wines. For a taste of fine dining, indulge in creole and cajun cuisine at the 3-diamond AAA-rated Louisiana Purchase Food & Spirits. Chef/owner Patrick Bagbey’s menu includes classics like jumbo and jambalaya, as well as takes on salmon, trout and veal.
Do: Unwind with a tasting at Banner Elk Winery and Villa, open year-round for $10 tastings, noon – 6 p.m.
Head to: Hawksnest Snow Tubing
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hr. 18 mins.
Offerings: Four snow tubing areas with over 30 lanes. 20 ziplines and a special winter snowbird tour.
Activity details: $35 Weekends; $29 Monday – Friday.
Stay: Find nearby cabin properties with the help of Foscoe Rentals or Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals.
Dine: Find locals and kid-friendly fare at The Pedalin’ Pig BBQ or Nick’s Restaurant and Pub.
Do: Did you know that Seven Devils was the first mountain resort development in North Carolina to become a town? Explore The Shoppes at Tynecastle or for outdoor adventurers, take a scenic hike to Otter Falls.
Head to: Ski Sapphire Valley
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hr. 56 mins.
Offerings: Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and zip lining.
Activity details: Day lift rates start at $60 for adults and $34 for children 12 and under.
Stay: Find a rental with ease on HomeAway or with the help of High South Rentals.
Dine: Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company offers wood-fired pizza, fine wine and over 100 microbrews in a rustic mountain setting. It’s a perfect spot for catching the game or enjoying live music.
Do: The slopes aren’t the only attraction in Sapphire Valley. Check out the monthly area calendar for live music and activities.
Head to: Winterplace Ski Resort
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hr. 59 mins.
Offerings: 27 slopes, two terrain parks and the largest snow tubing park in West Virginia. Night skiing on 26 slopes.
Activity details: $70 weekends/holidays; $54 Monday – Friday.
Stay: Sleep on the slopes at The Cabins at Winterplace, plus find out how you can ski for free.
Dine: Stop mid-mountain at The MountainHouse for lunch and panoramic views, or take in the mountain air at Almost Heaven – The Deck at Winterplace. View all dining options here.
Do: There’s plenty to do without ever leaving the mountain. Check out the current happenings on the resort’s calendar.
Head to: Beech Mountain Resort
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hr. 31 mins.
Offerings: The highest ski area in Eastern America boasts 17 slopes and two freestyle terrain areas, ice skating and tubing.
Activity details: $67 weekends/holidays; $40 M-F
Stay: Find the perfect chalet or cabin online. Stay on top of the mountain at Beech Alpen Inn, home of the Alpen Restaurant and Bar.
Dine: After a day on the slopes, settle in to the cozy and rustic atmosphere at Famous Fast Eddie’s BBQ and Grill, located at the entrance of the resort. Another casual spot is The Famous Brick Oven Restaurant, serving specialty pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and wings. Enjoy a dinner menu featuring seafood dishes, Italian favorites, prime rib and more with mountain views of three states at the Alpen Restaurant and Bar.
Do: Raise a glass at Beech Mountain Brewing Company, one of the only US breweries owned and operated by a ski area. To sip with a view, try 5506′ Skybar. Take a breather at nearby Serenity Day Spa, located in Banner Elk. Stay up-to-date on upcoming mountain events with their online calendar.
Head to: Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hr. 41 mins.
Offerings: 15 slopes (4 green, 8 blue and 3 black diamonds), a terrain park and tubing.
Activity details: $56 Weekends; $40 M-F.
Stay: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in The Views Townhomes or cabin through Wolf Mountain Realty.
Dine: Explore downtown Mars Hill restaurants including Steakhouse Main Street Burrito and The Wagon Wheel.
Do: In Asheville, 30 minutes south of the resort, endless entertainment options wait. See what’s new in 2018 to start your planning.
Head to: Wintergreen Resort
Distance from Charlotte: 4 hr. 16 mins.
Offerings: 23 different slopes, a terrain park and tubing.
Activity details: $79 Weekends; $59 Monday – Friday.
Stay: The resort offers multiple accommodations, from a mountain inn to condos, cabins and exclusive properties. Browse and book online.
Dine: Choose from four restaurants with options to please every palate.
Do: Off the mountain, indulge in wineries, breweries and a cidery. Start planning here.
