Winter is coming…
While the American south-east might be more often associated with balmy weather, tropical beaches and gator-filled swamps, it’s actually about so many other attractions. These include a whole range of superb ski resorts. Some of these are among the finest you’re likely to find anywhere in North America.
Although Florida isn’t going to surprise anyone with an outdoor ski run of its own any time soon, the South’s best ski resort facilities are spread across several different states. Here are some of the best.
1.Snowshoe Mountain, West Virginia
Photo courtesy of Snowshoe Mountain Resort
The Snowshoe Mountain resort sprawls across 11,000 acres of lovely snow-filled hills and encompasses its star attraction, Cheat Mountain, whose pinnacle tops out just shy of 5000 feet. Because of this, fans of the resort can look forward to an average of over 200 inches of snow each year, more than enough for some fantastic skiing and just about any other snow sport. Snowshoe Mountain has no shortage of fans either. Over 480,000 visitors enjoy its 60 or so slopes per year. Two of these slopes have been expertly designed by former Olympic skiers and both boast vertical drops of more than 1500 feet. Visit Here: www.snowshoemtn.com
2.Sugar Mountain Ski Resort, North Carolina
Photo courtesy of Sugar Mountain
The American South may not have anything like the towering peaks in the U.S. Rockies for winter adventure, but those of North Carolina, offer some of the highest peaks in the region. Among these is Sugar Mountain, whose pinnacle towers 5,300 feet above sea level. Near the top, is the Sugar Mountain Resort, offering runs for everyone from beginners to dedicated experts, Especially challenging is the Whoopdedoo, a double black diamond ski course that’s no joke. If you’re looking for something a bit different, there’s also a 10,000 square-foot ice rink and no shortage of world-class resort facilities. Visit Here: www.skisugar.com
3.Ober Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Photo courtesy of Ober Gatlinburg
This may be the only real skiing option in the state of Tennessee, but it doesn’t disappoint as a winter destination. Ober Gatlinburg delivers 10 different ski trails of varying difficulty levels and also has a great terrain park. The Ski Mountain Coaster gives stunning views of the surrounding hills during a relaxing ride to the summit, and from there, help yourself to nearly 3,000 vertical feet of twisting, winding ski runs. Visit Here: obergatlinburg.com
4.Wintergreen Resort, Virginia
Photo courtesy of Wintergreen Resort
This sprawling winter sports hub is enormous and has no shortage of spectacular ski trail options. The Wintergreen Resort covers 11,000 acres of lovely Blue Ridge Mountains landscape and visitors can enjoy award-winning ski terrain for skiers of nearly any experience level. Then of course, there’s the Plunge, the state’s largest tubing park, letting you fly along at over 30 miles per hour down a huge 900-foot tubing course. Family and friends without outdoor inclinations can easily enjoy themselves in the resort’s wonderfully comfortable lodge, fine dining restaurants and mountaintop spa treatments. Visit Here: www.wintergreenresort.com
5. Beech Mountain Resort, North Carolina
Photo courtesy of Beech Mountain Resort
For our final entry, North Carolina is back in the picture in a big way with Beech Mountain Resort and its 5,506-foot altitude. Why is this important? Because it makes this the highest resort in all of the eastern U.S., exceeding even the heights of Vermont’s world-class resorts. Beech Mountain Resort includes 17 trails, nine lifts, a terrain park and plenty of snowy fun for a visit by people of all ages. It’s also excellent for serious skiing. A 7,000 square foot skating rink is another attraction and the resort’s mountain village of lovely buildings is waiting to refresh with an on-site brewery, restaurants and cozy fire pits. Visit Here: www.beechmountainresort.com
Whether you’re making a winter escape to a world-class ski resort or simply traveling abroad for the holidays, Fairlifts has you covered with best in class service. We can schedule you an executive luxury charter to any destination. Contact Us for more information on availability and pricing.