If you’re looking to discover the North Carolina ski scene, you’re in luck. We’ve gathered together some of the state’s best ski resorts that are situated pretty close to Charlotte (the farthest resort is less than 3 hours away). Some of these resorts boast extremely challenging terrain, like Wolf Ridge, while others offer great parks like Appalachian Ski. Whichever your preference, there’s something for every skill level, plus tubing and snowshoe options at some resorts if you want to try something a little different. Don’t forget to try out some of the amazing restaurants, breweries, and bars that sit at the bottom of the mountains or are in quaint ski towns nearby for some après-ski.
1. Sugar Mountain Ski Resort
Sugar Mountain Ski Resort, only 2 hours and 15 minutes away from Charlotte, is one of the best all-around resorts. With 21 unique slopes open for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, plus the ability to snowshoe and ice skate, Sugar Mountain is perfect for the entire family. If you’re more of a night owl, give one of their most unique offerings a try: night skiing. Snowboard and ski down the mountains illuminated by glowing orange and white lights for an after dark experience. Tickets prices depend on the hour and day, but full price weekday tickets run at $49 and weekends, $80, but check out their website for the full rundown.
Where: 1009 Sugar Mountain Dr, Sugar Mountain, NC 28604
2. Appalachian Ski Mtn.
It was the summer of ’69 when Appalachian Ski Mtn. began to grow into the ski resort we know today. If you’re looking for a place that’s closer to Charlotte, then ASM is your best bet since it’s less than two hours away. The lodge now covers 46,000 square feet and has expanded to twelve slopes, including two terrain parks that are accessible by multiple, unique lifts. Equipment rentals are available and ski tickets cost $44 for adults on the weekdays and $69 for weekends. ASM is also uniquely located near Boone and Blowing Rock which, collectively, host over 100 different eateries for the perfect après-ski.
Where: 940 Ski Mountain Rd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
3. Beech Mountain Resort
2 and a half hours from Charlotte is Beech Mountain Resort, where you’ll be closer to the epic North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains. Beech Mountain is the perfect year-round resort with, currently, 16/17 open trails, and 5 out of 8 ski lifts operating with stunning panoramic views. Beech is open through March 18th, and while their ice skating is closed for the season, you can still enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Ticket prices depend on the time slot you choose, as well as the month, so their entire list of prices is here. Don’t forget to make a quick stop for a beer and a bite at Beech Mountain Brewing Co.
Where: 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604
4. Cataloochee Ski Area
Cataloochee Ski Area is located near Maggie Valley, just less than 3 hours from Charlotte. There are 18 slopes available to ride here, with less than half being more suited for beginners, and the rest divided up between intermediate and advanced. Lift ticket prices cost $47 for 6 hours and $37 for 4 hours on weekdays, but prices differ depending on the day. Check out their full price chart here.
Where: 1080 Ski Lodge Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751
5. Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is closer to Asheville with the drive coming in at around 2 hours and 40 minutes. Enjoy 53 acres of skiable terrain, with some of NC’s most challenging slopes. Not to mention, they’ve also got a vertical drop of 74 feet. Lift rates range between $35-$70 with a full range available on their chart here.
Where: 578 Valley View Cir, Mars Hill, NC 28754