When it comes to hitting the slopes, we admit the Lowcountry falls flat. As in, there aren’t any slopes here. Or really even any small hills. Luckily, our neighbors in N.C. have a few slopes they’re willing to share– and are in perfect driving distance for a weekend road trip.
‘Tis the season for shredding, Shaun White fans– so here’s a guide for the best skiing experiences around N.C. Bonus: Some of these locations offer ice skating, tubing, zip lining, beer, shopping + more. Even better– they all offer hot cocoa. ☕
⛷️For a Griswold-approved family vacation:
Appalachian Ski Mountain | Photo by @appalachianskimtn
Appalachian Ski Mountain |📍 Blowing Rock, N.C. | 💰 $21-$72 (lift); $17-$36 (rentals) | 🚘 ~5 hours from Charleston
With three beginner slopes, three intermediate, three expert, + three freestyle slopes– no one will be left out. App Ski Mountain also offers ice skating with packages starting at $18. #Pro-tip: They offer night skiing seven days a week.
⛷️ For the skiers and non-skiers:
Cataloochee Ski Area | Photo by @zfoy
Cataloochee Ski Area |📍Maggie Valley, N.C. | 💰 $21-$82 (lift); $27-$32 (rentals) | 🚘 ~4.5 hours from Charleston
The oldest ski area in N.C., with 18 slopes + five lifts. The best part? For those non-skiers, head over to Tube World located just a few miles from the slopes for some (you guessed it), tubing.
⛷️For those on a budget…
Sapphire Valley | Photo by @anthonydenardis
Sapphire Valley |📍Sapphire, N.C. |💰 $21-$60 (lift); $11-$20 (rentals) | 🚘 ~5 hours from Charleston
Bonus: Sapphire Valley also offers a three-hour zipline tour on the Vordach for only $37.50.
⛷️For #SundayFunday...
Beech Mountain |📍Beech Mountain | 💰 $20-$79 (lift); $12-$45 (rentals)– 25% off in March | 🚘 ~5.5 hours from Charleston
13 slopes + five lifts ready to make your day in the snow worthwhile. Not to mention ice skating, tubing, freestyle terrain, + the Beech Mountain Brewing Company– one of the only US breweries owned and operated by a ski area. (Talk about a #Funday). Pro tip: After a long day on the slopes or the rink, wind down with the Long Winter Mocha Stout (9: ABV).
⛷️For those who want to stay more than one day...
Sugar Mountain Resort |📍Sugar Mountain |💰 $18-$74 (lift); $10-$33 (rentals)– 25% off in March | 🚘 ~5 hours from Charleston
With 21 slopes + eight lifts, ice skating, tubing, snowshoeing, 15 nearby lodging options, five nearby spa locations, nine dining options, and plenty of shops close by– you will want to stay as long as possible. Plus, there are ski lessons for the kids. (A.k.a on-mountain babysitting.)
⛷️For the non-skiers/boarders who still want to play in the snow:
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort | Photo by @genapaigeboue
Hawks Nest Tubing + Zipline |📍Seven Devils, N.C. |💰 Starting at $30 | 🚘 ~5-6 hours from Charleston
Featuring four areas + 30 different lanes, this is definitely the largest tubing park on the East Coast. For an additional rush of adrenaline, ride 20 zip lines across 4 miles suspended 200 feet in the air reaching speeds up to 50 mph.
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort |📍Mars Hill, N.C. | 💰 $20-$71 (lift); $10-$34 (rentals) | 🚘 ~4.5 hours from Charleston
In addition to skiing/snowboarding their 15 slopes, you can spend your day on the Tube Run featuring a “magic carpet” lift.
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Can’t swing a road trip this winter? Here are a few activities for those who want to stay put *and* stay cool:
❄️ Get your figure-skating fix at Carolina Ice Palace in North Charleston.
❄️ Take a surfing lesson at Folly Beach. It’s like snowboarding, right? Except the water isn’t frozen.
❄️ Catch a Stingrays game at the North Charleston Coliseum. Find their schedule here.
❄️ Hit the ice with Charleston’s Curling Club. Just make sure you lay off the performance-enhancing drugs.
– Jen