Whether you're a beginner or an expert, boarder or skiier, one of the best parts about living in the Metro Charlotte area is our proximity to some fairly decent slopes! So go get your skis waxed, grab your favorite beanie and pack up for a weekend: here are 10 ski resorts for you to take advantage of Winter in all her glory.
North Carolina
Appalachian Ski Mountain
Location: Blowing Rock, NC
Distance: Approximately 2 hours from Charlotte
Slopes: 9 slopes (3 beginner, 3 intermediate, 3 advanced)
Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and night skiing (all slopes are lit)
Family Fun: Ski Wee and Cruiser Camps for kids aged 4-12, plus nursery care for children ages 1-4. New Mountain Challengers program for experienced young skiers.
Pro Tip: Book nursery care in advance as spots fill up quickly.
Beech Mountain
Location: Beech Mountain, NC
Distance: Approximately 3 hours from Charlotte
Slopes: 17 trails (3 beginner, 7 intermediate, 4 advanced, 3 terrain trails)
Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and ice skating
Family Fun: Snow Kamp for kids 3-5, Traxx program for kids 6-12, and Burton Learn to Ride lessons for kids 6-12. Childcare is also available for kids ages 1-5.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of the "Beech Pass" for afternoon to night skiing.
Cataloochee Ski Area
Location: Maggie Valley, NC
Distance: Approximately 3 hours from Charlotte
Slopes: 18 slopes (44% beginner, 39% intermediate, 17% advanced)
Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing
Family Fun: Private lessons for kids 3+ and group lessons for kids 8+. Half-day and full-day programs available for children ages 4-12.
Pro Tip: Avoid peak weekend crowds by visiting on weekdays.
Sapphire Valley
Location: Sapphire, NC
Distance: Approximately 3 hours from Charlotte
Slopes: 2 slopes (great for beginners and kids)
Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing
Family Fun: A smaller, family-friendly resort with gentle slopes perfect for beginners.
Pro Tip: Ideal for families with young kids looking for a low-key ski experience.
Sugar Mountain
Location: Sugar Mountain, NC
Distance: Approximately 2.5 hours from Charlotte
Slopes: 7 slopes, with more opening throughout the season
Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing
Family Fun: Sugar Bear Ski School (ages 5-10) and Polar Bear Snowboard School (ages 7-14)
Pro Tip: Ski school spots fill fast, so book early to secure your child’s spot.
Hatley Point - OPENING MID-DECEMBER2024
Location: Mars Hill, NC
Distance: Approximately 3 hours from Charlotte
Slopes: 15 slopes with varying difficulty over 54 acres of terrain
Activities: Skiing, snowboarding,
Family Fun: Individual lessons for kids 4+ and group lessons for kids 7+
Pro Tip: This is a brand new resort at the former Wolf Ridge Resorty
Virginia
Omni Homestead
Location: Hot Springs, VA
Distance: Approximately 4.5 hours from Charlotte
Slopes: 9 trails (mostly beginner and intermediate)
Activities: Skiing and snowboarding
Family Fun: Little Penguins Ski School (ages 5-11)
Pro Tip: Since this is a resort property, booking a stay gives you priority access to ski services.
Wintergreen
Location: Wintergreen, VA
Distance: Approximately 4.5 hours from Charlotte
Slopes: 26 slopes (variety of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain)
Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and Treehouse Snowsports School for kids 3-15
Pro Tip: Stay on-site for priority access to skiing and snowboarding lessons.
West Virginia
Snow Shoe
Location: Snowshoe, WV
Distance: Approximately 5.5 hours from Charlotte
Slopes: Over 50 trails with a range of beginner to expert terrain
Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowmobiling, skating, and sleigh rides
Family Fun: Pre-Ski School for kids 2-4, Advanced Mountain Clinic for confident skiers 13+
Pro Tip: Roads to Snowshoe can be tricky in winter, so plan for 4WD or AWD vehicles.
Winter Place
Location: Ghent, WV
Distance: Approximately 3 hours from Charlotte
Slopes: 27 trails (12 beginner, 11 intermediate, 4 advanced)
Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, and the largest tubing park in West Virginia
Family Fun: SkiWee and Snow Explorers programs for kids with half- and full-day options
Pro Tip: Book lift tickets online for the best rates and to avoid long lines.
Plan Your Trip
Ready to plan your next winter adventure? These slopes offer something for every skill level and family dynamic. Book your lessons and childcare early to avoid disappointment, and always check weather and road conditions before you head out. Enjoy your winter escape!
