North Carolina rarely lands a mention among must-ski destinations — which is a shame, since the Tar Heel State boasts some of the most scenic terrain in the country. With more than a thousand-foot difference between base and summit in many cases, the Southeast region itself offers conditions similar to those in the Northeast, often with the same elevations. The Appalachian Mountains, which stretch all the way to Georgia (where, once upon a time, one could actually ski), see more powder than you might expect in Tennessee, Maryland and even Virginia, all within a two-hour flight of New York.
This winter, let these hidden gems inspire you to head South for the winter:
Sugar Mountain Resort – North Carolina
Find 125 skiable acres at North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain, complete with a high-speed six-pack, five additional fixed-grip lifts and a tow for the terrain park. Night skiing is available at 15 of its 21 slopes, and little ones have their own ski school and tubing area.
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort – Tennessee
Ski 38 acres of varied terrain at Ober, complete with a vertical drop of 600 feet and a longest run of nearly a mile. The season typically runs from Thanksgiving to the end of March, making this Smoky Mountain resort an easy weekend getaway any time of the season.
Wintergreen Ski Resort – Virginia
With five lifts servicing more than 20 runs, including night skiing, this Virginia resort offers the amenities of a large resort with the familial hospitality of one independently operated. Powered by SNOWPOWER, Wintergreen is the only ski area on the East Coast to full cover 100% of its terrain with automated snowmaking.
Snowshoe Mountain – West Virginia
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A hidden gem of the Midwest (yes, we know we’re stretching the South), Snowshoe Mountain offers 38 runs, 7 lifts and 800 vertical feet, complete with slope-side dining. You’ll also find a kids’ park, tubing, and night skiing.
Wisp Resort – Maryland
Tucked away in the mountains (yes, mountains!) of Western Maryland, you’ll find Wisp Resort, offering 172 skiable acres, 34 runs and 100″ of snowfall each season in certain areas. Ski under the stars on 90% of the terrain during the week.
Luxury Ski Magazine 