Since skiing is undoubtedly one of the hottest winter sports available, people swarm to ski resorts in Tennessee and neighboring North Carolina during these times to enjoy the winter wonderland the Smokies provide. Both of these Southern states offer some of the best winter vacations in the US! The state’s proximity to some of the top family-friendly ski resorts in the nation helps skiers of all ages find their love for this popular winter sport.
If you’re looking for the best ski resorts in Tennessee, you’ve come to the right spot since we’ve put together the greatest guide to skiing in this state. There is certainly a ski resort along the mountains of Tennessee for you, whether you’re an expert skier trying to hone your ski skills or a beginner eager to check out this thrilling activity.
#1. Ober Gatlinburg, Tennessee
There are more attractions in Gatlinburg outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The only ski resort in Tennessee is located there as well. As a result, skiing and snowboarding down Ober Gatlinburg’s slopes need to be on your list of things to do in Gatlinburg. It has 11 ski routes, ranging from easy slopes for beginners to challenging black diamond courses. First-timers at this Tennessee ski resort must take either group or private instruction before they can ski or snowboard down any slopes. The Tennessee Mountains can be easily conquered once you have faith in your abilities, though!
There are several winter sports to choose from in Ober, including snow tubing, ice skating, Ice Bumper Cars, the Alpine Slide, and the Ski Mountain Coaster. Snow tubing is available at Tubing Hill, and ice skating is available at the indoor ice rink. Other alternatives are Ice Bumper Cars and Alpine Slide.
In the meanwhile, people looking for activities in Tennessee other than skiing at Ober Gatlinburg can visit Pigeon Forge. This charming mountain town is home to well-known tourist attractions like Dollywood and is only 15 minutes from Gatlinburg’s attractions.
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#2. Cataloochee Ski Area, North Carolina
One of the most beautiful states in the US is North Carolina, which boasts pristine beaches and gorgeous mountain ranges. In addition, it is home to the Cataloochee Ski Area, a 50-acre ski resort with 18 slopes, eight of which are dedicated to novice skiers. It is family-friendly and has a children’s program for teaching skiing and snowboarding to kids between the ages of 4 and 12. Despite having a reputation for being a beginner-friendly ski area, Cataloochee has two black diamond routes that provide more difficult terrain. Even experienced riders can enjoy freeskiing in Cataloochee. A terrain park with rails that can reach 22 feet high is available at the ski resort.
#3. Ski Saphire Valley Resort, North Carolina
The Ski Sapphire Valley Resort is another excellent place to go skiing for both novice and advanced skiers. This charming ski area is only a short drive from Tennessee, and it’s quite well-liked by neighborhood families with young children. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the 300-foot snow tubing run while making priceless memories with their loved ones. It’s a little ski resort, about 30 yards long, which makes it perfect for those who wish to avoid crowds and lineups. Compared to larger and busier ski resorts in Tennessee and North Carolina, it provides travelers with excellent value and a more personal experience.Â
There is no on-site accommodation at Ski Sapphire Valley. However, it has teamed with local vacation homes to provide its visitors with a wide selection of hotel choices, from small cabins to opulent townhouses. Spend an exciting day on the slope side and warm up by the fire pit of a rental cabin, or take in the lovely views offered by townhouses on the lakeside.
#4. Sugar Mountain Resort, North Carolina
Visit the Sugar Mountain Resort if you want to ski on slopes that are more challenging. This ski resort, which is two hours from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has 21 terrains served by eight contemporary lift systems. 13 of these slopes are for expert and advanced skiers, and the remaining slopes are for novice and intermediate skiers.
Once the sun goes down, the fun need not end. Many of the ski lines have floodlights that are operational until ten o’clock at night. You and your pals can thus ski far into the night! Visitors can skate on the facility’s 10,000-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink in addition to skiing and snowboarding. Be aware that there aren’t any cross-country skiing tracks, although there are snowshoeing and snow tubing paths.
#5. Wolf Ridge Ski Resort, North CarolinaÂ
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is another ski area with difficult terrain. This ski area, affectionately known as the Wolf, is a top spot for skiers, snowboarders, and snow tubers in Western North Carolina. Visitors can explore 54 acres of ski terrain with a peak elevation of 4,700 feet, located in the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains. There are 15 slopes at Wolf Ridge, including four for beginners, nine for intermediates, and two for advanced skiers. There is a 350-foot-tall hill designated specifically for snow tubing. These trails have four lift systems operating such as a quad chairlift, a double chairlift, and two moving carpet lifts. The Wolf also has illuminated snow tubing and skiing slopes for nighttime fun!Â
#6. Beech Mountain Ski Resort, North Carolina
The highest ski region on the East Coast is just over an hour from the Tennessee-North Carolina line. The Beech Mountain Ski Resort boasts towering summits and 95 acres of terrain, with a peak height of 5,506 feet. Put your finest pair of ski goggles on and board one of the nine lifts to reach the 16 tracks at the ski resort, which are suitable for both beginners and specialists. It has slopes for skiing and snowboarding in addition to a terrain park. Skiers of all ability levels can hone their freestyle abilities here without being concerned about the general public. But no matter where you are on the route, there are LED lights all along it so you can enjoy the slopes.
In addition to thrilling winter sports, visitors can engage in more leisurely pursuits like ice skating and snow tubing. Even younger children are allowed to skate for free! Just so long as they are accompanied by a paid adult. After a day of outdoor recreation, stop by the resort’s sky bar for a quick bite and beverage and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Try a craft beer from the resort’s on-site brewery while you’re there!
#7. Appalachians Ski Mountain, North Carolina
Appalachian Ski Mountain one of the best ski resorts in Tennessee is the ski resort for you if you want to test yourself and learn new tricks without bothering other guests. The ski resort’s three freestyle terrain parks, which are tucked away inside the slopes of the Appalachian Mountains and include gigantic rail and box setups that can reach up to roughly 40 feet, are perfect for daring riders to pull off aerial acrobatics. On top of all of this, there are nine slopes, including three black diamond trails.
Additionally, Appalachian is one of the few ski resorts in Tennessee and North Carolina that offers late-night skiing until midnight, so if you can’t get enough of having fun on the slopes, you’ll be happy to know. This ski resort offers ice skating as well as hockey, in addition to skiing and snowboarding.
What Is the Best Month to Go Skiing in Tennessee?
The two coldest and snowiest months of the year are January and February. By this time, the majority of the slopes are open, and there’s even a chance you’ll get to experience some natural snow during your stay!
What Is Tennessee Known for?
Tennessee is renowned for its vibrant music scene, fine whiskey, and the Great Smoky Mountains. Tennessee is the home of numerous well-known musicians, including Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley, who are both country music performers and vocalists.
Does Tennessee Get a Lot of Snow?
Most likely not, considering Tennessee is one of the states with the least amount of snowfall, with an annual average of only 5 inches. Warm clothing is absolutely required in Tennessee winters, which can be rather cold, but freezing precipitation is unusual and most winters are moderate.