Discover great snow, great terrain, and great ski culture in Boone, North Carolina
Beech Mountain in the North Carolina High Country. (Photo: Sam Dean)
Published November 10, 2026 12:45PM
Everyone who loves the outdoors has heard of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Many have been there, likely during a magical Appalachian summer or to catch one of the world’s most magnificent fall foliage shows. But few know that the Blue Ridge Mountains are also a winter wonderland. Discover why for yourself on a trip to the North Carolina High Country.
The biggest surprise here is the skiing. There are three major ski areas in the High Country, all with some of the best trails, conditions, and vibes in the East. Here’s how they stack up.
The Biggest
Sugar Mountain Resort is the largest ski area in North Carolina, with 125 skiable acres, six chairlifts, and terrain for all levels. It also has the most vertical of the three Boone Area resorts, with 1,200 feet from summit to base. Bonus: A 700-foot-long tubing park adds another great option for family-friendly downhill fun.
The Highest
With a peak elevation just over a mile high, Beech Mountain Resort is the highest resort in the Boone area—which makes sense, since it’s located in the highest municipality in the eastern United States. With 17 trails, a tubing park, cozy slopeside firepits, and even an on-site brewery, there’s a way for everyone to enjoy this winter hub.
The Oldest
First opened in 1962, Appalachian Ski Mountain is the region’s oldest ski resort and has grown into a local institution. The mountain hosts community events and ski/snowboard competitions throughout the year and is loved by first-timers and seasoned vets alike. Like a little variety in your winter sports vacation? There’s also an outdoor ice rink that offers skate rentals and private lessons.
More Ways to Winter
It’s always a good snow year in the Boone Area, thanks to the area’s reliable snowmaking capabilities. You can expect 100 percent slope coverage at Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain and the greatest snowmaking pumping capacity per acre of any resort in the Southeast at Appalachian Ski Mountain. All this is to say you can ski and ride in consistent conditions from opening to closing day. Another perk for squeezing the most out of a winter getaway? Night skiing. All three resorts are open until 10 p.m. most days. Appalachian Ski Mountain is even open for “Midnight Blast” on the weekend.
And, of course, no ski day is complete without a quality après scene. There’s plenty to eat and drink in and around downtown Boone. Just a 20-minute drive from Appalachian Ski Mountain, Boone has everything from High Country wine to craft brews to farm-to-table restaurants with seasonally rotating menus.
You can also experience winter’s peace and quiet in the Blue Ridge backcountry on a hiking or snowshoeing adventure. Explore the trail network at Moses Cone Memorial Park, close to Boone, or enjoy sweeping views of the Appalachian Range at Elk Knob State Park, which has fun and challenging routes that will make you remember why the Blue Ridge Mountains are great in any season.
Explore Boone is the Boone and Watauga County Tourism Development Authority responsible for promoting travel, tourism, and corporate travel, sponsoring tourist-related events and activities, and financing tourism-related capital projects. As a popular outdoor recreation, dining, and shopping destination, Boone is known as “the Heart of the High Country.”
