by Lauren Kruchten | Jan 14, 2025 | Uncategorized
Beech Mountain is reopen for the season.
This winter, there’s a different ~beech~ calling. Sitting pretty at 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is a primo destination for an unforgettable cold-weather adventure. Reopen for the season following Hurricane Helene, eastern America’s highest town is known for its sweeping panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, setting the backdrop for a fun-filled weekend of snow sports—or more relaxing après-ski selects if that’s more your vibe. Not to mention it’s only a four-hour drive from Raleigh. Here, how to spend a snowy sojourn.
Hit the Slopes
Beech Mountain Resort
Adrenaline seekers, this one’s for you. A quintessential NC ski spot, the East Coast’s highest mountain resort is home to ample ski/snowboard trails for all skill levels—plus a freestyle terrain park feat. rails and jumps. There’s even tubing, sledding, winter hiking and night skiing! And newbies, have no fear, as the resort also offers lessons for all ages. Then it’s all downhill from there!
Liquid Courage
Beech Mountain Brewing Co.
Brews and views? It doesn’t get much better than that. Cozy up by the large fireplace, or venture out to the deck to enjoy impeccable vistas and the classic mountain resort menu with a succulent twist—perfect for skiers and snowboarders seeking a quick bite and/or a drink after shredding the gnar. Popular ops include the smashburger, loaded beer cheese nachos and buffalo tots—plus, any of the brews, natch. Be sure to stick around for fun events and live music from local bands and DJs to keep the fun going all night long.
5506’ Skybar
Will trek for booze. Take the chairlift up—you guessed it—5,506 feet to enjoy a bev in the warmth of the round glasshouse, or bundle up in one of the Adirondack chairs outside to really soak in the views. And you might actually want to drink responsibly as the only way down is by ski or snowboard (!).
First Chair Coffee Shop
Before embarking on your daily high-altitude adventure, make a pit stop at this cozy community-driven oasis touting the perfect cup of coffee to awaken your senses. In addition to classic caffeine and espresso picks, there’s also hot chocolate, seasonal drinks and rotating baked goods.
Fuel the Fun
Fred’s General Mercantile’s Backside Deli
A staple of the high-country community, this beloved haunt is so much more than just an eatery—it’s also a grocery, ski and snowboard outfitter, hardware store, gift shop, wild bird supplier and more. But don’t sleep on the comforting breakfast and lunch fare, ranging from breakfast burritos and biscuits and gravy to BLTs and hot dogs.
Holy Smokes BBQ
Holy smokes! Located at one-stop rental shop White Wolf Lodge, the locally popular ’cue haven is a must-visit for mouthwatering North Carolina pulled pork BBQ, Southern sides, and a range of sweet and zesty sauces made in-house daily. For a sweet finish, the restaurant’s homemade fudge counter—and the views off the back deck!—are not to be missed.
Mi Jalisco Mexican Grill
What doesn’t ~tequila~ makes you stronger—and a marg or two can only help your slope game, right? The classic Mexican restaurant boasts a large menu of authentic dishes, including vegetarian options. Faves include the sizzling fajita or mariscada, a combo of seafood and mixed veggies in a savory tomato-based broth, served with warm tortillas for a tasty touch. Shots for dessert, anyone?
Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria
This, well, famous outpost is known for more than just great pies (though there are 15 different delish specialties to choose from)—it also features family-friendly activities like mini golf, live music, outdoor movie screenings, a full arcade and other events. One of the *coolest* places on the mountain, indeed.
by Anna Beth Adcock | Nov 29, 2022 | Do, November 2022
Enjoy some winter fun at these ski resorts perfect for a long weekend escape.
Ready to hit the slopes?! There’s snow better way to sail through the frigid winter season than strapping on a pair of skis/a snowboard to shred down the slopes (or spring for a tube for a more easygoing experience!) for some solid blustery fun. And after sliding around the snow, après ski with a warm cider, cocoa or cocktail by the fire at one of the following resorts—all of which are within a six-hour drive from Raleigh. Ski ya there!
Don’t flurry, be happy! This top NC skiing destination situated about three hours from the City of Oaks has trails for all levels of skiers—from beginners on the Easy Street trail to experts on the double black diamond Northridge trail. And you can enroll your little skiers in Sugar Bear Ski School or Polar Bear Snowboard School to help them learn the basics of schussing down the slopes.
Another quintessential NC ski spot, Beech Mountain is home to myriad ski trails for all skill levels—plus ice skating and tubing. You can even go night skiing! After a long day on the slopes, après ski over to Beech Mountain Brewing Co., complete with fireplaces (natch) and a bevy of brews guaranteed to warm you up—then stick around for fun events like S’mores and Pours, and live music from local bands and DJs to keep the fun going all night long.
It’s snow time at Wintergreen! Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the resort offers skiing, golfing, a spa (!), fantastic dining options and Virginia’s largest tubing hill—plus a terrain park (think a skateboard park covered in snow). With 40+ features and a constantly changing layout, there’s something for every skill level each time you visit.
It’s all uphill at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort, what with over 60 skiing trails, 40 bike trails, snowmobiling, swimming, tubing, a ski village, a world-class spa, 30 different accommodation options and so much more—so even if you’re not a big skier, you’re guaranteed to have a great time. Schuss down the trails on Snowshoe Mountain before heading to The Village for some shopping, a hot toddy and a delectable dinner; then relax and unwind at The Spa at Snowshoe. Aka the perf winter getaway.
Tennessee’s only ski resort gives powder to the people with ice skating, a mountain coaster, ice bumper cars and an alpine slide, in addition to the standard skiing, tubing and snowboarding. Post-ski, make the short 15-minute trek to Downtown Gatlinburg to check out popular local spots like Smoky Mountain Winery, Pancake Pantry, and the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum (yes, it’s a thing).
Nestled in Blowing Rock, NC’s first high-country ski area is known for teaching skiers of all ages how to shred the slopes. To boot, the resort is home to the South’s largest independent ski school, the French Swiss Ski College, and offers ice skating and three different terrain parks (!). Then après over a warm cuppa back at the lodge and give the gift shop a gander.
That’s totally tube-ular! Boasting 18 ski slopes and trails, this Maggie Valley gem offers opps to ski, tube and snowboard. And if you’re ready to put your snow skills to the test, register to compare your chops to the fastest member of the U.S. Ski team via recreational racing program NASTAR. Also be sure to check out the special events—from family days and an afterschool program to Women on Wednesdays, a six-week program by and for females (wow!).
Shred the gnar at this Norman Rockwell-esque all-seasons ski resort, boasting skiing, snowboarding and a 500-foot tubing track (!)—NTM a zip line. At the bottom of the slope you’ll find the aptly named Slopeside Tavern serving up upscale American bar food, making it easy to fuel up while you’re carving through the snow. Meanwhile, primo townhouses, villas and homes on the resort provide a cozy place to rest your head after an adventure-filled day.
Only a 30-minute commute from Asheville, this for-the-fam ski resort offers activities for adventurers of all interests—from skiing and snowboarding to caving, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Need to practice your pizza technique? Nosh on a slice or two of ’za from The Lodge Pizzeria (see what we did there?!).
