With so many ski resorts within a 2 hour drive of Asheville, what better winter activity is there than to hit the ski slopes near Asheville.
While the skiing may not compare to bigger resorts out west, North Carolina’s ski resorts are still great fun and you can’t beat the convenience if you’re traveling from the southeast.
This article shares details on several places to ski and snowboard near Asheville. All of the ski resorts listed in this guide are less than a 2 hour drive from the Asheville area, with one just over 30 minutes from town.
Where To Go Skiing Near Asheville, NC
Don’t miss our guide to snow tubing near Asheville if you are looking for something for the whole family!
Ski Resorts Near Asheville
Below you’ll find details on six places to ski near Asheville. We are kicking this list off with what we think is the highest quality skiing in the area. It’s a bit of a drive from Asheville but worth it for ski-enthusiasts!
And don’t fear if you’d rather stick closer to the city, all of the spots highlighted in this guide will result in a fun-filled day.
100 Slope View Road | near Banner Elk
Sugar Mountain opened on November 28 for the 2023/2024 season!
Located just over 1.5 hours from Asheville, Sugar Mountain is a great spot for an adrenaline-filled day trip. It’s our top recommendation if you are looking for high quality skiing in North Carolina.
Sugar Mountain is the largest of North Carolina’s ski resorts, with 20 slopes and 125 acres of skiable terrain. Slopes range in difficulty from beginner to double black diamond. In fact, Sugar Mountain boasts the only double black diamond slope in North Carolina.
The mountain peaks at 5,300 feet and offer a 1,200 foot vertical drop. The longest run is 1 1/2 miles long.
Slopes are serviced by 8 lifts, one 6 person chairlift, 3 quads, 2 doubles, a handle tow in the terrain park and a magic carpet for the bunny slope. If you’re looking for night skiing opportunities, 14 of the slopes have lighting installed.
Sugar Mountain has a ton of other fun activities including tubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing if you want a change of pace. And if you’re looking for a snack while on the slopes, check out the Sugar Mountain Cafeteria and Last Run Lounge restaurant.
Note that you cannot purchase lift tickets online or in advance. They are available on a first come first serve basis at the ticket windows at the main lodge.
1080 Ski Lodge Road | near Maggie Valley
Cataloochee Ski Area kicked off the 2023/2024 season on November 29th. The season typically runs through March depending on weather.
Cataloochee Ski Area is North Carolina’s oldest ski resort (opening its slopes in 1961!) and has some of the best slopes for skiing near Asheville. It’s located in Maggie Valley and is just under an hour drive time from Asheville.
It’s a great place to visit for skiing, whether you grew up on the slopes or if it’s your very first visit. The resort has 18 slopes with difficulty ranging from green beginner slopes to expert black diamond slopes.
The slopes boast a 740 foot vertical drop from a peak elevation of 5400 feet. The longest run is the Upper and Lower Snowbird trail clocking in at 3,500 feet. They also have a terrain park to practice those jumps and tricks.
You’ll find a no-frills cafeteria-style canteen at the base of the mountain. Cataloochee is also home to Tube World, which is a great place to go snow tubing near Asheville.
Cataloochee has equipment in place to keep you skiing with 100% snowmaking capability and five lifts including a double, a triple, a quad and 2 magic carpet conveyors. All slopes are lighted for night skiing as well.
Lift tickets can be purchased online up to two weeks in advance.
578 Valley View Circle | near Mars Hill
Hatley Pointe will NOT open for the 2023/2024 winter season.
Hatley Pointe, formerly known as Wolf Ridge Ski Resort, is being updated and transformed in 2023 into North Carolina’s own boutique ski resort. This popular Asheville area ski resort is only about a half hour drive north of Asheville in Mars Hill, offering the closest skiing to Asheville.
Hatley Pointe is planning to debut its renovated resort on December 16th for the 2023/2024 ski season. They are renovating their lodge to offer an upscale experience including full service restaurant Smoke & Timber. They also offer grab and go options for food and hot drinks.
With its peak at 4700 feet, Hatley point offers slopes over a 700 foot vertical drop. Their 15 runs range from green rated trails to black diamond, making it a great spot for both beginners and experts. The slopes are serviced by 4 lifts including one double, one quad and two magic carpet surface lifts.
The slopes include 100% coverage of snowmaking capability to keep you on your skis even when there’s no natural snow. They also have lighting on all runs for night skiing.
If you don’t have your own gear there’s no need to worry. Hatley Point offers ski, snowboard and gear rentals on site. They also offer ski lessons for those interested.
700 Beech Mountain Parkway | near Banner Elk
Beech Mountain opened for the season on December 2, 2023.
With a drive time of just under 2 hours from Asheville, you’ll find the ski resort with the tallest peak on the east coast: Beech Mountain Resort.
Clocking in at a peak elevation of 5506 feet, Beech Mountain boasts an 830 foot drop with 17 trails ranging from beginner slopes to black diamonds.
The trails are serviced by 8 lifts — 4 quads, 2 doubles and 2 magic carpets. All of the slopes have snowmaking capabilities, keeping you skiing throughout the winter.
The resort has a cute village at the base of the slopes with several dining options, the Beech Mountain Brewery Brewhouse, gear outfitters and an outdoor ice skating rink. In addition to the ice skating rink, Beech has a tubing park offering fun for non-skiers.
One of the coolest features at Beech Mountain is the 5506′ skybar at the top of the mountain where you can stop for a drink or snack while taking in the breathtaking winter views.
Book your Beech Mountain lift tickets online in advance!
940 Ski Mountain Road | Blowing Rock
Appalachian Ski Mtn. opened its slopes on November 30 for the 2023/2024 ski season.
Appalachian Ski Mtn. opened its slopes on November 30 for the 2023/2024 ski season.
The North Carolina High Country’s oldest ski resort, Appalachian Ski Mtn. is a popular destination for those looking to hit the slopes in the southeast.
Located between Boone and Blowing Rock, it is just under two hours drive time from Asheville. The location is great when paired with exploring Boone or the quaint mountain town of Blowing Rock.
With its peak at 4000 feet and a 365 foot vertical drop, it’s not the tallest ski mountain in the area, but is does offer formidable fun in the snow. They have 13 slopes available including some freestyle terrain areas. The longest trail is Orchard Run at 1/2 mile in length.
The slopes are serviced by six lifts, including two quads and one double for the blue and black diamond slopes and two conveyors and a handle pull for the beginner and bunny slopes. All of their slopes have snowmaking equipment and lighting for night skiing.
For those of you looking for non-skiing activities, Appalachian Ski Mtn. also has an outdoor ice skating rink. They also have an alpine style lodge with restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with basic fare.
Note that online reservations are required so don’t wait to purchase your lift tickets!
127 Sapphire Valley Road | near Highlands-Cashiers
Ski Sapphire Valley is open for the 2023/2024 season.
Ski Sapphire Valley, is a small ski hill located near Cashiers less than 1.5 hours from Asheville. While it does not boast the size and scale of some of the other ski resorts in North Carolina, it is still a great place to have some fun in the snow for the entire family.
They are targeting an opening date of December 16th for the 2023/2024 season. Lift tickets are not available for purchase in advance so be sure to arrive early to beat the lines.
With two primary slopes, Ski Sapphire Valley is a great place for beginners to learn to ski. Their main slope is a 1600 foot run with a vertical drop of 200 feet that is serviced by a quad ski lift. The second slope is a bunny slope that it serviced by a magic carpet ski lift.
Both slopes have snowmaking capabilities so don’t worry if there hasn’t been any fresh snow. They also have Frozen Falls snow tube park.
Check out their restaurant Slopeside Tavern for an après ski meal.
