Do you live on the east coast and love winter activities but don’t have the time to head out west? Well, the ski mountains near Boone, NC are meant for you. In the summer, the High Country is known for its mountainous golf courses, adventurous hikes dotting the Appalachian Trail, and the Blue Ridge Parkway drives. When winter rounds the corner the area becomes a winter playground. Three ski resorts within 30 minutes of downtown Boone make winter getaways easy.
Appalachian Ski Mountain just minutes from downtown Boone, NC
Appalachian Ski Mountain is the closet to downtown Boone and began providing family fun in 1962. Being the High Country’s first ski area, the mountain has grown to now feature 9 slopes. It also has 3 terrain parks and even an ice arena, making it a place for everyone in the family. The zamboni maintained ice skating rink offers 3 different time session (weather permitting) Noon – 2pm , 2:30pm – 4:30pm, and 7pm – 9pm. They even offer Moonlight skating sessions on New Years Eve and Presidents day from 9:30 – 11:30 making it an accessible activity no matter your plans. Appalachian Ski Mountain is a great place for beginners and offers the French-Swiss Ski College which is renown started by Jim Cottrell. So whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, Appalachian Ski Mountain is a great place to visit.
Beech Mountain Ski Resort offers more than just skiing all in one spot
Ski Beech is 35 minutes from downtown in the ski town of Beech Mountain, Beech boasts a peak elevation of 5,505 feet above sea level with 830 vertical feet of rise from the base elevation making it the highest ski area on the East Coast. Offering 17 trails; 3 green (easiest terrain), 7 blue trails (more difficult terrain). They even have 4 black diamonds (most difficult terrain), and two freestyle trails. Truly something for every level of skier or snowboarder. If you want an even more thrilling experience, the entire front slopes are equipped with lights for night skiing. And if your not up for hitting the slopes, the resort also offers iceskating, tubing, and four delicious restaurants. What could be better? They have their own brewery nestled in the village too.
The Horton Hotel is now offering a Winter Ski Package with Beech Mountain Ski Resort. See the deets below!
Skiing at Sugar Mountain Resort is a thrill and not too far from Boone
Lastly, we have the family friendly Sugar Mountain resort. Sugar mountain began operation in 1969 and is now celebrating over 50 years of family fun in the South East. The resort encompasses 125 acres of skiable terrain. It has a jaw dropping vertical elevation gain of 1,200 feet, and the longest run on the mountain is a mile and a half long! The mountain includes 21 slopes all together; 7 green trails, 10 blue trails, 1 blue/black trail, 1 black diamond and 1 double black diamond (beginners beware on this one!). 15 of the slopes have capacity to be lit for night skiing and snowboarding. Like most other resorts int he area the mountain also offers tubing, and ice skating but also has rental equipment for snowshoeing.
Ski and Stay in the Mountains!
The Horton Hotel has teamed up with Beech Mountain Ski Resort to bring you the perfect way to ski and stay! The Winter Ski Package includes: chilled bubbly and warm cookies by Appalachia Cookie Company in your room upon arrival, $10 gift card to Beech Mountain Brewery, discount codes for lift tickets at the ski resort. All that for just $35 + your stay. We know how to do winter sport getaways at the hotel. The Rooftop Bar is the perfect place to come back to after a day of shredding. The fire pits, views, local Community Well hot chocolates (laced with Godiva liqueur), and COZY rooms make The Horton the place to be this winter.
No matter your winter activity plans visiting the high country this winter is a good decision. The beautiful Blue Ridge mountains offer views you don’t want to miss this winter. You’ll find a plethora of food and beverage options near Boone. And the local ski mountains at your fingertips make it the perfect little getaway for you and friends. Whenever visiting the High Country area, stop by and see us at The Horton Hotel in Downtown Boone, located directly on King Street. And add on The Winter Ski Package to your stay; it’s the best way to ski and stay! Call us at (828) 832 8060 or email us at info@thehorton.com to find out more about The Horton.
Written by Sydney Blair, Front Desk Assistant at The Horton Hotel
