Adventures Across North Carolina in the Winter
Words by Kimberley Spivey
Layer up and pack your snow boots because Boone, North Carolina, is a winter wonderland during the colder months. Boone is in Watauga County in The Blue Ridge Mountains, with breathtaking views showcasing the beauty while soaring through the slopes and snow. Although it's a place to visit during all seasons, if you're contemplating planning a winter vacation, it's a location you want to visit between December and February. There are so many exciting outdoor amusements for families to enjoy on this perfect winter getaway. Whether you're a local native, returning, or new visitor, set your sights on thrilling adventures in Boone and the North Carolina mountains.
Outdoor Winter Sports
There's nothing like the adrenaline rush and excitement when gliding through the slopes at the top of a mountain. The elevation in Boone is 3,333 ft, ideal for popular winter activities. Appalachian Ski Mountain, Sugar Mountain Resort, and Beech Mountain Resort are all nearby areas well-known for winter adventures.
Ice Skating
Why not enjoy this wintery sport at a high-country ski resort? With the cool, crisp air lingering surrounded by striking architecture outdoors, you don't want to miss this opportunity to make unforgettable memories with family and friends. And if you're a newbie, cast your worries away because professional instructors are on hand to teach you the basics to get started. Choose to skate on your schedule, and if you'd like an evening session after dark, that's available, too.
Snow Tubing
If you're looking for a lot of chills and speedy thrills, head on the snowy slopes and get to tubing! Both Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain Resorts offer snow tubing. If you're looking for a gigantic space to immerse yourself in this adventure, check out the largest snow tubing park in the Southeast, Hawksnest Resort. It encompasses up to 30 lanes (400 to 1,000 feet long), with tubing in four separate park areas.
Skiing
If you want to experience the best snow skiing in the Southeast, an exhilarating sport that's a popular pastime, look no further. It awaits you in Boone. With the longest and largest slopes in Western North Carolina, explore up to nineteen miles of fun. There are a variety of ski slopes to choose from. Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain Resort, and Sugar Mountain Resort. From a novice skier to an advanced skier, these mountains offer what you're looking for.
Snowboarding
Head for the hills. It's bound to be a snowboarding extravaganza of a lifetime. Get your board ready and fly through the hillside at one of the three terrain parks in the Boone area. If you'd like to sharpen your skills, professional instructors are waiting to teach you what it takes to experience an exciting adventure.
Experience more of what Boone, North Carolina, offers at various restaurants, fine wineries, and breweries.
If you love hearty home-cooked meals just like grandma used to make, visit Dan'l Boone Inn, with over 50 years of serving the community, proudly honored by Southern Living Magazine and Our State Magazine. The Local is another popular eatery where family and friends can gather to enjoy a delicious dish, watch their favorite sporting events on the flat screen, or dance the night away with live music performances.
Wineries are famous for their gorgeous grounds and distinctive architecture. Everyone has a unique charm with a pristine setting. Banner Elk Winery, Grandfather Vineyards and Winery, and Venture Chocolate & Wine Co. have one thing in common. To leave you with an unforgettable experience while tasting the finest wines that please your palette. Plan a day to enjoy a vineyard and world-class beverages.
Visiting breweries is an adventure. Appalachian Mountain Brewery is rooted in history and kinship. Two cousins, Nathan Kelischek and Chris Zieber, of German heritage, created an establishment driven by passion and vision. It's the first brewery in Boone and is known for award-winning, high-quality beers. Booneshine Brewing Company was born after hours of homebrewing, intensive research, and visiting countless breweries. It was a labor of love. A plan morphed into a business, and the rest was history. The brewery proudly serves the community with craft beer and delicious food and supports local farmers, butchers, masters, and nonprofits.
While visiting the great town of Boone, also make time for exciting events to enjoy. New Year's is a spectacular time to watch the annual ball drop from Horton Hotel's rooftop. Kick back, relax, sip drinks and toast, and celebrate the upcoming year. And the best is yet to come at Tweetsie Christmas. Take a night ride under the moonlight and set your sights on thousands of dazzling lights, meet Santa in his Gingerbread House, see live performances, and much more.
Prepare and pack your bags for a trip to Boone, North Carolina. A getaway that you'll return to time and time again.