The first day of winter was December 21, 2021; however, the influx of warm temperatures taking over our region surely does not make it feel like Winter is here. There is hope, winter temperatures are returning which means winter activities and fun. Below is a list of 5 places within 3 hours of Charlotte, to hit the slopes and experience the snow!
1. Appalachian Ski Mountain is located in Blowing Rock, NC which is 95 miles, 1 hour and 53 minutes away from Charlotte. Due to mild temperatures skiing and snow boarding is currently closed. They will re-open January 4, 2022 at 12pm and will run to March 27, 2022. Here is some other information to know before heading to Blowing Rock. Please check out their website link above for more details and information.
Rental Rates: $18-$35 for ski rentals. $36-$42 for snowboard rentals.
Lift rates: $34-$71.
Number of slopes: 12 (three green runs, three blue runs, three black diamond runs and three freestyle terrain areas)
Slope status: Please view their website for slope status and views.
Food & drink: There is a restaurant on-site open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with offerings like eggs and bacon, grilled burgers and hot dogs.
Not a fan of the slopes? Hit the ice skating rink instead. There are three ice skating sessions per day (noon to 2pm, 3-5pm and 7-9pm). Ice skating rates range from $19-$26 depending on the day of the week.
2. Sugar Mountain Resort is located in Elk, NC which is 113 miles, 2 hours and 15 minutes away from Charlotte. The resort is open for winter activities from now to March 25, 2022. They do offer other activities throughout the year, according to the season and weather. Here is some information to know prior to heading to Elk, NC. Please check out their website by using the link above for more details and information.
Rental rates: $18-$21 for ski rentals, $43-$49 for snowboard rentals, $12 for poles and helmet rentals are $9-$14.
Lift rates: $39-$80
Number of slopes: 21 (eight green runs, nine blue runs, one blue/black run, two black runs and one double black run).
Slope status: Please view their website for slope status and views.
Food & drink: There are several restaurant options nearby in case you get hungry.
Not a fan of the slopes? There’s tubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing as well. Please check out their website for the full list of activities.
3. Beech Mountain Resort is located in Beech Mountain, NC which is 121 miles, 2 hours and 35 minutes away from Charlotte. They are currently open from now through March 18, 2022 for winter activities. Here is some information to know prior to heading to Beech Mountain, NC. Please check out their website by using the link above for more details and information.
Rental rates: Ski & snowboard rentals range from $28-$34. Helmets rent for $10, ski boots and snowboard boots rent for $15.
Lift rates: $36-$46.
Number of slopes: 17 (four green runs, eight blue runs, four black diamond runs and two freestyle terrain parks)
Slope status: Please check out their website for slope status and views.
Food & drink: Grab a bite to eat from 5506′ Skybar or enjoy a beer and bar bites from Beech Mountain Brewing Co.
Not a fan of the slopes? Ice skating is closed for the 2021/2022 season, but tubing will open later this season. Please check their website for updates.
4. Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is located in Mars Hill, NC which is 160 miles, 2 hours and 40 minutes away from Charlotte. They are open from now until March 2022; however, due to warm temperatures right now the slopes are closed. They are looking forward to opening this first week of January. Please check their website for updates. Here is some information to know prior to heading to Mars Hill, NC.
Rental rates: $28-$36; $10 for helmets.
Lift rates: $35-$70.
Number of slopes: 14 (Four green runs, nine blue runs and two black diamond runs)
Slope status: Please check out their website for slope status and views
More mountain fun? Go snow tubing.
5. Winterplace Ski Resort is located in Ghent, WV which is 195 miles, 3 hours away from Charlotte. The resort is typically open until March 2022; however, due to warm temperatures the slopes are closed through January 3rd. They plan to reopen January 4th at 9AM. Snowtubing is scheduled to reopen at a later date. Please check the Winterplace snow report on their website for current conditions, hours of operations, and snow reports. Here is some information to know prior to heading to Ghent, WV.
Rental rates: $28-$39 including boots and poles, $10 for helmets.
Lift rates: $39.99-$70.99.
Number of slopes: 27 (12 green runs, 11 blue runs, 4 black diamond runs plus 1 terrain park)
Slope status: Please check out the website for slope status, view and the snow report.
Food & drink: Stop and grab a bite to eat at one of several on-site dining spots like Mountain Mama’s Food court, The Mountain House or Snowdrift Lounge.
Alternatives to the slopes? The resort is home to West Virginia’s largest snow tubing park.
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