Monday, August 11, 2014

4 Places to Snow Ski in Dixie

If you're from the South, you're just beginning to feel and see evidence that winter is on its way. With the change in season, come the holidays and a chance to enjoy winter sports. If you're looking for a snow ski getaway closer to home, why not consider skiing in Dixie? Here are 4 ski resorts in the Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains that are within one-day driving distance for most Southerners.

1. Ober Gatlinburg
1001 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865)436-5423

Ober Gatlinburg ski resort, located on the top of Mount Harrison, provides magnificent views of the Smoky Mountains. Winter sports available at the resort are: snowboarding, tubing, ice skating, and, of course, skiing. For a beautiful two-mile climb to the ski resort, catch a ride on the Aerial Tramway in downtown Gatlinburg.

Trails and Slopes

The resort has nine trails/slopes, one freestyle terrain park, and four ski lifts. The top elevation is 3,300 feet, and the longest run is slightly less than one mile. Night skiing is available on most slopes.

  • 2 Beginner Slopes
  • 5 Intermediate Slopes
  • 2 Advanced Slopes
Equipment Rentals

  • Skis/Boots/Poles
  • Snowboard/Boots
  • Jacket
  • Pants
  • Helmets
Restaurants

  • Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant and Lounge
  • Sidewalk Cafe
Accommodations

You won't have a shortage of places to stay while you're visiting Ober Gatlinburg. Lodging choices include hotels , cabins , or chalets . Many of the cabins and chalets have everything you need, and some have their own private fireplaces and hot tubs.

2. Beech Mountain
1007 Beach Mountain Parkway
Beech Mountain, NC 28604
(800)438-2093

As part of the Blue Ridge Mountain range, Beech Mountain is the highest ski area in the Eastern United States. Its stunning views of the surrounding countryside includes nearby Grandfather Mountain. Snow sports at Beech Mountain include skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.

Trails and Slopes

Beach Mountain has 13 trails/slopes, 2 freestyle terrain parks, and 7 ski lifts. The top elevation is 5,506 feet and the longest run is approximately one mile. Night skiing is available on most slopes.

  • 3 Beginner Slopes
  • 6 Intermediate Slopes
  • 4 Advanced Slopes
Equipment Rentals

  • Skis/Boots/Poles
  • Snowboard/Boots
  • Jacket
  • Bibs
  • Helmets
Restaurants

  • View Haus Cafeteria
  • Beach Tree Bar and Grille
  • Beach Mountain Bakery
  • Other dining choices.
Accommodations

There are a variety of lodging rentals, ranging from homes, chalets, cabins, condos, and hotels. Here are some of the choices.

3. Sugar Mountain
1009 Sugar Mountain Drive
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828)898-4521

Sugar Mountain, the largest ski area in North Carolina, has fabulous panoramic views from the top of the mountain. It offers, skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.

Trails and Slopes

Sugar Mountain has 19 trails/slopes, 1 freestyle terrain park, and 7 ski lifts. The top elevation is 5,300 feet, and the longest run is 1.5 miles. Night skiing is available on most slopes.

  • 7 Beginner Slopes
  • 9 Intermediate Slopes
  • 3 Advanced Slopes
Equipment Rentals

  • Skis/Boots/Poles
  • Snowboard/Boots
  • Ski Boards
  • Helmets
Restaurants

Accommodations

Sugar Mountain offers Early Season, Mid-Season, and Late-Season Winter Value Packages, which includes discounts on lodging. Efficiencies, lofts, condos, or homes are available, depending on which of the three Accommodation Packages you choose.

Other Lodging Choices

4. Wintergreen
39 Mountain Inn Loop
Roseland, VA 22967
(855)699-1858

Wintergreen is a great getaway all year round, but twice deemed the best ski resort by the readers of Washington Post.com, it is perfect for winter skiing, tubing, snowboarding, and ice skating. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there's a slope at Wintergreen that will fit your experience level.

Trails and Slopes

Wintergreen resort has 24 trails/slopes, 2 freestyle terrain parks, 2 tubing parks, and 5 chair lifts. The top elevation is 3,515 feet, and the longest run is almost 1.5 miles. Night skiing is available on 14 of the slopes.

  • 7 Beginner Ski Slopes
  • 4 Intermediate Ski Slopes
  • 13 Advanced Ski Slopes
Equipment Rentals

  • Skis/Boots/Poles
  • Snowboard/Boots
  • Helmets
Restaurants

  • The Copper Mine Bistro
  • Devils Grill
  • The Edge
  • Stoney Creek Bar & Grill
  • The Market
Accommodations

Wintergreen Resort's lodging choices are furnished studios, mountain villas, beautiful condos, or cozy homes. All accommodations of one or more bedrooms include a fireplace.


Source: Ski Southeast