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Best Skiing & Ski Resorts In Western North Carolina

Skier skiing downhill in high mountains during sunny day.

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Skiing in Western North Carolina is fantastic! There is lots of snow on the mountains in January and February, so skiing is a great way to enjoy it. Living in Avalon Mountain Community puts you very close to some great ski locations. Whether you are a beginner or a pro at skiing, there is something for everyone in Western North Carolina.

For a day of skiing, the closest slopes to Avalon are Cataloochee Ski Area, Sapphire Valley Ski Resort, and Wolf Ridge Ski Resort. All three places offer lessons for skiing and snowboarding and equipment rentals.

Cataloochee Ski Area

Located in Maggie Valley, NC, Cataloochee is the closest ski area to Avalon. It is only 9.4 miles away! There are 18 slopes and trails, which range from beginner level to pro level skiing and snowboarding. The ski and snowboarding lessons use terrain based teaching, which the instructors there say helps you learn how to ski quicker than traditional methods. They have the Cat Cage Terrain Park, with ramps, rails, and boxes for those with advanced skills seeking adventure. Cataloochee offers snow tubing and winter hiking, too. There are spectacular views of NC’s Great Smoky Mountains, which you can enjoy on the slopes or in the ski lodge by the fire. On the mountain, there is an a la carte restaurant, as well. For more information, or if you’d like to buy your lift tickets in advance visit Cataloochee.com

Sapphire Valley Ski Resort

Sapphire Valley ski resort is located in Cashiers, NC, which is 44.1 miles from Avalon, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has a 1,600 main run slope with a moderate slope for newer to intermediate skiers. There is also a learning center slope for those that have not skied before coming. The resort offers a 500 foot snow tubing run and has a base lodge with The Four Seasons Grille for dining. When you need to take a break from the slopes, you can relax at the fire pit. For those who enjoy a thrill, Sapphire Valley has a winter zip line over the valley. This resort is a little smaller than some of the others, so it is not as crowded as other ski areas. For more information, visit SkiSapphireValley.com

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort

Located in Maggie Valley, NC, Wolf Ridge is 47.1 miles from Avalon. Wolf Ridge ski resort is near Big Bald Mountain. There are 15 runs – 4 green, 8 blue, and 3 black diamond – which means there are slopes for all skiing and snowboarding levels. There are also lighted runs for night skiing. Snow tubing and a terrain park are offered at Wolf Ridge, as well. Visit SkiWolfRidgeNC.com to check openings and get tickets in advance.

There are also two very popular ski areas a little further away from Avalon. These would be great for a weekend getaway: Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain. Just as the places closer to Avalon, both of these areas have ski and snowboard lessons and equipment rental. You can also make reservations to stay at the ski resorts overnight or for as long as you wish to stay.

Beech Mountain

This ski area is located in Beech Mountain, NC, which is 109.5 miles from Avalon. It is the highest are for skiing and snowboarding in the Eastern United States. There are 15 slopes, and they accommodate every level of skiing. Snow tubing is also offered here. Visit their Alpine Village for ice skating, shopping, a brewery, and dining. Plan your visit at BeechMountainResort.com.

Sugar Mountain Resort

Located in Sugar Mountain, NC, this resort is 100.5 miles from Avalon. They have 21 trails at Sugar Mountain and 15 of them are open at night. The resort has 125 skiable acres and offer snow tubing, ice skating, and cross country skiing in addition to skiing and snowboarding. There is a terrain park that contains jumps, ramps, a quarter pipe, and more. Child care is available here for those that need it. You can also dine on the mountain at the Last Run Lounge or the Top Floor Cafeteria. For more information, tickets and to plan your trip visit SkiSugar.com.

As you can see, Western North Carolina is perfect for skiing! There are lots of options to choose from for a few hours or an entire weekend of skiing fun. Skiing is one of the best ways to experience the snow on the NC mountains. Hit the slopes and enjoy!

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