Hit the Slopes in Boone

The Boone region makes for the ideal winter getaway

 Words by Paige Townley

As the temperatures drop this winter, the activities are only beginning to heat up in Boone. A quaint North Carolina town conveniently nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone is within easy reach of numerous major southern metro areas. The region offers the outdoor adventures to make it worth the drive or flight because some of the very best skiing and snowboarding in all of the South is found in Boone.

Appalachian Ski Mountain

Open since 1962, Appalachian Ski Mountain has the distinction of being the area’s very first ski area. Over the years, Appalachian Ski Mountain has expanded, and today it boasts 13 runs and an opportunity to hit those slopes for skiers of any skill level. Adding to the appeal is the on-site French-Swiss Ski College, which is known as the destination to learn to ski. The college has taught more than one million people how to ski and snowboard over the last 50 years.

Beech Mountain Resort

Beech Mountain Resort is known for being the highest ski area in the east. At 5,506-foot peak elevation, Beech Mountain Resort offers up a wide variety of terrain for skiing and snowboarding with 17 runs and a vertical drop of 830 feet. In the center of it all sits Beech Tree Village, where fire pits, dining options, shopping opportunities, brewery, and tap room await once you’re done with the slopes. 

Sugar Mountain Resort

The Boone area is home to North Carolina’s largest ski and snowboard destination, Sugar Mountain Resort. The property offers 20 separate slopes ranging in skill level from beginner to expert. With 115 skiable acres and a 1,200-foot vertical drop Sugar Mountain Resort makes for an epic day in the snow. When done on the slopes—or in one of the resort’s ski or snowboarding schools—you’re sure to enjoy a stop by one of its two cafeterias or the Last Run Lounge.

Ready to plan your winter getaway to Boone? Learn more at www.exploreboone.com.