Hit the Trail-a skiers guide to the mountains of NC

While grad school is mainly about studying and working hard, there are times a well-needed break is necessary. Rather than staying inside, locked in an edit room, stressing over your project, why not take a mental break and shred up the mountains of NC. Just because you are in the south doesn’t mean that there isn’t any snow.  

Grab you gear and hit the slopes for a few hours, a day or even stay for a weekend getaway.   And don’t worry if you don’t have your own gear, each place offers rental options all at reasonable prices.

Of the six ski resorts in North Carolina, the top three are Appalachian Ski Mountain, Cataloochee Ski Mountain and Beech Mountain.

Appalachian Ski Mountain

Located in Blowing Rock, NC, only 2½ hours drive down 1-40/421 Appalachian Ski has much to offer.  Though it may seem pricey (and perhaps the priciest of three) there are many offers and special deals to take advantage of—like Snow Day discounts and Student Discounts on Lift Tickets .

The Mountain (view map)

9 slopes

            3 beginner trails

            3 intermediate trails

            3 expert trails

            3 terrain park areas

6 lifts

            2 conveyor belts

            2 quad lifts

            1 double lift

            1 handle pull

Hours

*rental info

Cataloochee Ski Mountain

Located near Maggie Valley, North Carolina it is the farthest drive of 4 hours down I-40.  While the Lift Ticket prices are a reasonable amount, I saw no special offers or discounts given—other than to children, seniors and military.  Cataloochee is the best for intermediate skiers and boarders with its 16 slopes divided mainly between beginner and intermediate.

The Mountain (view map)

16 slopes

            fairly well balanced between 13 beginner-intermediate trails

            2 expert trails

            1 terrain park area

5 lifts

            1 quad

            1 triple

            1 double (with unload/load ½ way up the mountain)

            2 magic carpets

Hours

*rental info

Beech Mountain

Located 3 hours down I-40 from Elon University, past Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain offers an array of slopes for more intermediate –advanced skiers and boarders. It too offers reasonably priced Lift Tickets and a great special for the month of March.

The Mountain (view map)

15 slopes

            3 beginner trails

            6 intermediate trails

            4 expert trails

            2 terrain park areas

7 lifts

            4 double

            1 J-bar

            1 quad

            1 high-speed quad

Hours

*rental info

Each trail offers its unique variety of slopes and sill levels so there is sure to be a slope that fits you!