{"id":18935,"date":"2026-11-10T19:54:17","date_gmt":"2026-11-10T19:54:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=18935"},"modified":"2026-11-10T19:54:17","modified_gmt":"2026-11-10T19:54:17","slug":"the-blue-ridge-mountains-are-where-you-want-to-be-this-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=18935","title":{"rendered":"The Blue Ridge Mountains Are Where You Want to Be This Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"justify-start\">\n<nav class=\"align-left col-span-full mb-base\" data-pom-e2e-test-id=\"breadcrumbs\"\/>\n<p>Discover great snow, great terrain, and great ski culture in Boone, North Carolina<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!--$?--><template id=\"B:1\"\/><!--\/$--><\/p>\n<div><\/p>\n<p class=\"fp-leadCaption py-tight text-left font-utility text-utility3-size leading-utility3-line-height text-secondary\">Beech Mountain in the North Carolina High Country.<!-- --> (Photo: Sam Dean)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n<p>Published November 10, 2026 12:45PM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>The biggest surprise here is the skiing. There are three major <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/ad.doubleclick.net\/ddm\/trackclk\/N254002.6495OUTSIDEONLINE\/B36121333.452277640;dc_trk_aid=656123338;dc_trk_cid=268603438;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;gdpr=${GDPR};gdpr_consent=${GDPR_CONSENT_755};ltd=;dc_tdv=1\">ski areas<\/a> in the High Country, all with some of the best trails, conditions, and vibes in the East. Here\u2019s how they stack up.<\/p>\n<h2><b>The Biggest<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/ad.doubleclick.net\/ddm\/trackclk\/N254002.6495OUTSIDEONLINE\/B36121333.452277640;dc_trk_aid=656123338;dc_trk_cid=268530062;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;gdpr=${GDPR};gdpr_consent=${GDPR_CONSENT_755};ltd=;dc_tdv=1\">Sugar Mountain Resort<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2756893\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Terrain park\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1708\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2760020 size-full\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/260304_SlopeandTerrainParkPhotos_006-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/260304_SlopeandTerrainParkPhotos_006-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Skiing the terrain park at Appalachian Ski Mountain.<\/span> (Photo: Explore Boone)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><b>The Highest<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>With a peak elevation just over a mile high,<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/ad.doubleclick.net\/ddm\/trackclk\/N254002.6495OUTSIDEONLINE\/B36121333.452277640;dc_trk_aid=656123338;dc_trk_cid=268538882;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;gdpr=${GDPR};gdpr_consent=${GDPR_CONSENT_755};ltd=;dc_tdv=1\"> Beech Mountain Resort<\/a> is the highest resort in the Boone area\u2014which makes sense, since it\u2019s 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\u2019s a way for everyone to enjoy this winter hub.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2756894\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Beer\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1708\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2756894\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Boone_inline_2-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Boone_inline_2-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Beech Mountain is one of the few ski mountains in the country with a brewery on the resort property.<\/span> (Photo: Explore Boone)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><b>The Oldest<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>First opened in 1962, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/ad.doubleclick.net\/ddm\/trackclk\/N254002.6495OUTSIDEONLINE\/B36121333.452277640;dc_trk_aid=656123338;dc_trk_cid=268603546;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;gdpr=${GDPR};gdpr_consent=${GDPR_CONSENT_755};ltd=;dc_tdv=1\">Appalachian Ski Mountain<\/a> is the region\u2019s 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\u2019s also an outdoor ice rink that offers skate rentals and private lessons.<\/p>\n<h2>More Ways to Winter<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s always a good snow year in the Boone Area, thanks to the area\u2019s 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 \u201cMidnight Blast\u201d on the weekend.<\/p>\n<p>And, of course, no ski day is complete without a quality apr\u00e8s scene. There\u2019s plenty to<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/ad.doubleclick.net\/ddm\/trackclk\/N254002.6495OUTSIDEONLINE\/B36121333.452277640;dc_trk_aid=656123338;dc_trk_cid=268538138;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;gdpr=${GDPR};gdpr_consent=${GDPR_CONSENT_755};ltd=;dc_tdv=1\"> eat and drink<\/a> in and around downtown Boone. Just a 20-minute drive from Appalachian Ski Mountain, Boone has everything from<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/ad.doubleclick.net\/ddm\/trackclk\/N254002.6495OUTSIDEONLINE\/B36121333.452277640;dc_trk_aid=656123338;dc_trk_cid=268537259;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;gdpr=${GDPR};gdpr_consent=${GDPR_CONSENT_755};ltd=;dc_tdv=1\"> High Country wine<\/a> to craft brews to farm-to-table restaurants with seasonally rotating menus.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2756896\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1708\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2758710 size-full\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/260304_IceRinkPhotos_001-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/260304_IceRinkPhotos_001-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Skating at App Ski Mountain, near Boone.<\/span> (Photo: Explore Boone)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>You can also experience winter\u2019s 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 <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/ad.doubleclick.net\/ddm\/trackclk\/N254002.6495OUTSIDEONLINE\/B36121333.452277640;dc_trk_aid=656123338;dc_trk_cid=268603234;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;gdpr=${GDPR};gdpr_consent=${GDPR_CONSENT_755};ltd=;dc_tdv=1\">Elk Knob State Park<\/a>, which has fun and challenging routes that will make you remember why the Blue Ridge Mountains are great in any season.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/ad.doubleclick.net\/ddm\/trackclk\/N254002.6495OUTSIDEONLINE\/B36121333.452277640;dc_trk_aid=656123338;dc_trk_cid=268540232;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;gdpr=${GDPR};gdpr_consent=${GDPR_CONSENT_755};ltd=;dc_tdv=1\"><i>Explore Boone<\/i><\/a><i> 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 \u201cthe Heart of the High Country.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.outsideonline.com\/adventure-travel\/destinations\/north-america\/the-blue-ridge-mountains-are-where-you-want-to-be-this-winter\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18936,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18935","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-wild-living"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18935","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=18935"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18935\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/18936"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18935"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=18935"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=18935"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}