It’s time to click into those ski bindings and strap into those boards, because the season for winter sports is upon us. We’re here to help you find the best spots to hit the slopes this winter — especially as we try to support tourism in the area after Hurricane Helene — all within two hours of Asheville.
🎿 Shred the slopes
Hatley Pointe, Mars Hill | ~40 minutes from Asheville
The former Wolf Ridge Ski Resort assumed new ownership and rebranded as Hatley Pointe, a boutique mountain resort. Along with updated snowmaking capabilities, the lodge features a full-service restaurant, grab + go options, and a Peaks & Pies pizza truck. The resort is expected to open any day now; in the meantime, you can view a live webcam of the mountain.
Before too long, the ski lodge will be looking nice and cozy.
Photo via @hatleypointe
Cataloochee Ski Area, Maggie Valley | ~1 hour from Asheville
The mountain is open for the season with 18 slopes geared towards beginners and experts, alike. The resort also offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain parks for snowboarders.
Ski Sapphire Valley, Sapphire | ~1.5 hours from Asheville
This smaller mountain with two runs and three lifts is set to open on Saturday, Dec. 14. Pro tip: Schedule your trip around the Great Outhouse Races during Presidents Day weekend to watch folks strapped inside outhouse costumes compete to see who can ski the furthest.
Appalachian Ski Mtn., Blowing Rock | ~2 hours from Asheville
The mountain is now open through mid-March, with nine runs ready for you to shred. If you want to show off some tricks, there are four freestyle terrain areas complete with jumps and rails.
Sugar Mountain Resort, Sugar Mountain | ~1.5 hours from Asheville
The resort is open, but we recommend checking which slopes and lifts are ready before heading out. If slopes aren’t your thing, you can lace up your skates and hit the ice rink or rent gear for a guided snowshoeing excursion.
Beech Mountain Resort, Beech Mountain | ~2 hours from Asheville
This spot has it all, with 17 trails, eight lifts, and a terrain park (just be sure to check current conditions to see what’s open before you go). It even has its own brewery on site and a bar at the top of the mountain. The resort is now open for day and night skiing + tubing.
❄️ Have a tubular time
If you can’t seem to get your pizza and french fry moves down — or you’re looking for an activity with no experience necessary — you can still get in on the winter sports wave by checking out a snow tubing park.
Zip N Slip Snow Tubing Park, Mars Hill | ~30 mins from Asheville
The park recently shared that any post-Helene damages have been repaired, and it will be ready for its opening on Friday, Dec. 13. After a one or two-hour session of tubing, journey to the solarium and relax by the fireplace.
Tube World, Maggie Valley | ~45 mins from Asheville
This park is operated by Cataloochee, located about four miles away from the ski area. Anyone above the 42-inch height requirement can fly down the slope in an inner tube — the children’s “Wee Bowl” is currently closed.
Black Bear Snow Tubing, Hendersonville | ~50 mins from Asheville
Winter tubing will open on Saturday, Dec. 21. Tubers and spectators alike can hang out in the lodge, sip on a hot drink, and have fun on the playground.
Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park, Hendersonville | ~1 hour from Asheville
Tubing season starts Friday, Dec. 20. After your two-hour session, recharge by the fire with a hot cocoa or refuel with food from the Southern Hawg BBQ truck. This park is cash only, but it also offers lower costs for various budgets.
Bonus: Sugar Mountain Resort and Beech Mountain Resort also both offer snow tubing, if you make the trip to the High Country.
