Few states can claim to have extensive mountain and beach areas, and North Carolina is one of those states. Living in Durham gives you easy day-trip access to both!

As winter rolls in, you might be itching to hit the slopes. North Carolina has many ski options across the Blue Ridge mountains that dominate the Western part of the state, but today we’ll focus on three near the Boone area, as it’s a bit quicker to reach than Asheville.

One tip: rentals at the resorts themselves can be quite costly. We recommend 1st Tracks in Boone for more reasonable prices.

Appalachian Ski Mountain

Sitting between Blowing Rock and Boone, Appalachian Ski Mountain – or App Ski, as the locals call it – is a small resort perfect for an affordable and easy day out. Ticket prices are low and Boone is only 20 minutes away, making it popular for tourists and local university students.

App Ski is also a preferred spot for beginners: with only three black diamonds on the mountain, its slopes skew gentler and are great for practice. Ice skating and a cozy lodge are also available for anyone staying off the mountain.

App Ski relies a bit more on snowmaking than other local slopes, so it’s best to go after a big storm unless you can handle some ice.

Sugar Mountain

West of Boone near the tiny town of Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain. It’s a significant upgrade from App Ski, rising to 5,300 feet and featuring multiple black diamonds – including a double black. The trail map at Sugar is notable for its complexity. Simply take the express lift to the summit and mix and match as you choose on your way down.

Like App Ski, Sugar Mountain also offers ice skating, but families will especially appreciate the tubing area as a more accessible alternative to snowboarding and skiing.

Beech Mountain

With arguably the highest elevation of any Boone-area ski resort, Beech Mountain has some of the best slopes in the state! There’s nothing quite as difficult as Sugar’s double black on offer, but plenty of criss-crossing trails and a terrain park can cater to just about any skill level.

Something Beech has that is truly unique: a bar at the summit! You can ride the lift to the top and have a drink before making your way down…just be careful!

With its central location and rapid growth, Durham is one of the best places to live in North Carolina. The Vega puts you in the heart of the city, with beautiful, modern condominiums featuring terraces in every unit. Contact us today to learn more – spots are filling up fast!