Winter and ski season

Three resorts, three towns

Beech Mountain Resort is in the Town of Beech Mountain. Sugar Mountain Resort is in the Town of Sugar Mountain, beside Banner Elk. Appalachian Ski Mountain is in Blowing Rock and is the closest skiing to Boone.

All three are High Country areas that depend on snowmaking. Natural snow is a bonus, the kind you brag about later. Opening day and closing day are announcements. A date from a past winter is not a promise for the next one. This guide does not print ticket prices.

Driving

The road up Beech Mountain is steep and can be icy. The Blue Ridge Parkway closes sections for ice and snow. Don't plan a ski weekend that only works if the Parkway is open. Check National Park Service road status the day you drive.

Boone is the supply stop. The resorts are not in downtown Boone. The grocery run and the first chair are two different drives.

The beaches in winter

The sand is still public. The air is mild compared with the mountains, with cold snaps rather than a ski season. Many seasonal businesses are closed. Swimming is a cold-water decision. It can be a good week for a long walk and a bad week if you wanted a full-service beach town.