Temps may be rising here in Charlotte, but there’s still time left to ski and sled nearby! We’ve rounded up 10 snowy options near Charlotte, all within driving distance.
Don’t forget to check weather conditions and the status of each resort before heading out.
Appalachian Ski Mountain
Distance from Charlotte: 1 hr. 53 mins.
2023 SNOW REPORT: 70″- 86″ Base Depth | 12 Slopes Open
Slopes: 13 slopes and 3 terrain parks.
Note: Late-night skiing and riding is offered every Friday & Saturday night for the entire season.
Ice skating: The Appalachian Ice Arena is open on a regular schedule with sessions daily from 12-2 p.m., 3-5 p.m., and 7-9 p.m. Online reservations are required and can be made here.
Season: Projected as Nov. 18 – Mar. 19
Rates: 8-hour flex tickets are $71-73 on weekends/holidays and $46 Monday – Friday. See all rates here.
Current operating hours:
- Weekdays & Non-Holidays: 9am – 10pm
- Fridays, Saturdays & Listed Holidays: 9am – Midnight
- Listed Holidays are Nov. 24-27, Dec. 16 to Jan. 1, Jan. 14 & 15 and Feb. 18-20.
Stay: Stay steps from the slopes at one of the resort’s four slopeside lodging options. If you’d like to ski and stay in town, relax in one of seven luxury rooms in Downtown Blowing Rock’s Hellbender B&B (used to be The New Public House). Two miles from downtown, Gideon Ridge Inn & Restaurant offers ten guest rooms and sweeping mountain views. Westglow Resort & Spa allows guests to choose from four unique accommodations, 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 and is open Thursday through Monday beginning at 5 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.
Do: Unwind at Westglow Life Enrichment Center (aka spa).
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Frequent Closures*
Distance from Charlotte: 1 hr. 58 mins.
2023 SNOW REPORT: *Hours of operation change frequently, keep up with the latest on their Facebook page.
Slopes: Six snow tube lanes ranging from steep to slow.
Season: December-March
Note: You will have to visit the ticket booth upon arrival to get your lift tickets. Make sure you have filled out your waiver ahead of time online or bring a printed copy provided here.
Rates: $45/person, $30/ages six and under for 2 hour sessions. For one hour, it’s $30/person, $20 ages six and under. ALL children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult, no exceptions
Current operating hours: Hours and Days Open Vary Significantly here.
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. – 4:30 p.m.
Sugar Mountain Resort
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hr. 16 mins.
2023 SNOW REPORT: 36-80″ Base | 13 Slopes and 5 lifts Open
Slopes: 21 potential slopes, plus snowshoeing, tubing, ice skating and night skiing.
Season: Through March.
Rates: $84 weekends/holidays; $50 M-F; March Madness rates begin March 6 ($38 M-F; $63 Weekends). Full rate info here.
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: At Sorrento’s Bistro in downtown Banner Elk, or Stonewalls Restaurant for seafood, gourmet steaks and a healthy wine list. For a taste of fine dining, indulge in creole and cajun cuisine at Louisiana Purchase Food & Spirits.
Do: Unwind with a tasting at Banner Elk Winery and Villa, open year-round for daily tastings. Or opt to stay close to the slopes and enjoy the next event in the mountain’s live music series.
Hawksnest Snow Tubing
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hr. 18 mins.
2023 SNOW REPORT: Conditions change rapidly, check their website for their hours, opening status.
Slopes: Four snow tubing areas with over 30 lanes. Day-of tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, weekends and holidays usually sell out online in advance.
Rates: From $35 Monday through Thursday, closed Wednesdays. Friday rates are $40; Saturday, Sunday and holidays are $47. More details on rates and times here.
Stay: Find nearby cabin properties with the help of Foscoe Rentals or Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals.
Dine: In Banner Elk, The Pedalin’ Pig BBQ serves up local, hickory-smoked BBQ with wine and beer.
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.
Beech Mountain Resort
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hr. 31 mins.
2023 SNOW REPORT: 28-58” Base Depth | 15 of 17 trails and 4 of 8 lifts open
Slopes: The highest ski area in the East boasts up to 17 slopes and two freestyle terrain areas, night skiing, ice skating and tubing.
Rates: $91 weekends/holidays for a full day pass; $60 M-F. View all rates here.
Stay: Find the perfect chalet or cabin online. Stay on top of the mountain at one of the Resort inns / hotels.
Dine: After a day on the slopes, settle in at The Famous Brick Oven Restaurant, serving specialty pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and wings.
Do: Raise a glass at Beech Mountain Brewing Company, one of the only US breweries owned and operated by a ski area. Stay up-to-date on upcoming mountain events with the resort’s online calendar.
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hr. 41 mins.
2023 SNOW REPORT: 31-47″ Base Depth | 5 slopes, 2 lifts open
Slopes: 15 slopes available but not all open, a terrain park, night skiing and tubing.
Rates: $76 Weekends; $47 M-F. View the rates here.
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: Visit Asheville, 30 minutes south of the resort, where endless entertainment options wait.
Cataloochee Ski Area
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hr. 45 mins.
2023 SNOW REPORT: 48-53” Base | 15 of 18 trails and 5 lifts open
Slopes: Skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing (offered at nearby Tube World). 18 skiing and snowboarding slopes and trails.
Season: Early November – Late March
Rates: Weekend/holiday lift rates are $79 for adults, $59 for those 12 and under. Weekday rates are $49 for adults and $39 for ages 12 and under.
Stay: Unwind after a day on the slopes at Boyd Mountain Log Cabins, where your crew can enjoy modern amenities while staying in the middle of a 150-acre Christmas tree farm. View more lodging options here.
Dine: In nearby Waynesville, you have your choice of well-reviewed restaurants including Bourbon Barrel Beef & Ale, The Swag, and Chef’s Table. Closer to the slopes in Maggie Valley, is J. Arthur’s Restaurant.
Do: There’s plenty to do in the “Elk Capital of North Carolina”. Enjoy visits to craft breweries and performances at The Strand at 38 Main. View more ideas here.
Ski Sapphire Valley
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hr. 56 mins.
2023 SNOW REPORT: Call 828-743-7663 for the latest info | Ski Sapphire is open Friday Noon – Sunday PM, weather permitting.
Offerings: Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and zip lining.
Rates: Vary, details here.
Operating hours: Check back here in Jan 2022.
Stay: Find a rental with ease on VRBO.
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.
Winterplace Ski Resort
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hr. 59 mins.
2022 SNOW REPORT: Snow Base: 34-48″ | Trails Open: 25 of 29 | Lifts Open: 5 of 10
Call (304) 787-3221 for current conditions
Slopes: 29 potential slopes, one terrain park and the largest snow tubing park in West Virginia. Night skiing also available.
Rates: Vary, book here. Purchase your lift tickets online to save.
Stay: Sleep on the slopes at The Cabins at Winterplace.
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 more dining options here.
Do: There’s plenty to do without ever leaving the mountain. Enjoy live music and karaoke at Mountain Mama’s, drinks and games at The Snowdrift Lounge and more. Check out the current happenings on the resort’s calendar (currently not published).
Wintergreen Resort
Distance from Charlotte: 4 hr. 16 mins.
2023 SNOW REPORT: Average Base: 32-36” | 17 Slopes Open, 4 Lift Open
Slopes: 17 different slopes, a terrain park, kids activities and tubing (check website for availability).
Rates: From $74 Monday – Thursday, $100+ Friday-Sunday and holidays. Lift ticket sales may be limited to ensure a quality mountain experience. Due to anticipated high demand, especially during peak holiday periods, lift tickets and rentals must be purchased online in advance. In the event lift tickets sell out, guests will not be able to buy them in-resort at the ticket window.
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.
