Ski Resorts in North Carolina: Where and when ski season starts

Living in Myrtle Beach is an absolute dream come true! We are beyond fortunate to be surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty and 60 miles of pristine coastline. It’s like living in paradise! Millions of people visit here every year to dip their toes in the warm Atlantic Ocean waters.

So, what do locals do when we need a winter getaway and do the touristy thing? One those things is packing up the car and kids, and head to the beauty of the ski resorts in North Carolina.

Most North Carolina ski resorts are a 6 to 8 drive from the beach (of course depending on the weather and road conditions), leaving us ample time to hit the slopes.

One of our On The Cheap sister sites, Charlotte on the Cheap, compiled an outstanding article on six ski resorts in Western North Carolina.

A big shout out to Jody Mace, Editor/Publisher of Charlotte on the Cheap for such a fantastic and informative article.

Jody covers the following six ski resorts in her article:

Appalachian Ski Mtn
Beech Mountain Resort
Cataloochee Ski Area
Sapphire Valley Ski Area
Sugar Mountain Resort
Hatley Pointe (formerly Wolf Ridge Ski Resort)

A representative from Beech Mountain reached out to us with some specific info for Myrtle Beach on the Cheap readers who are interested in checking out this ski resort.

I wanted to offer this FREE advice from Beech Mountain that helps planners should you be working on anything for additional winter topics:
With sweeping views of snow-capped mountain tops from 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain, NC is a popular destination for winter getaways. Once the 80 inches of yearly snowfall blanket the beautiful mountain hideaway, the highest town in Eastern America attracts winter sports enthusiasts as it features a ski resort.
As with any destination that enjoys a busy peak winter season, visitors should be prepared and plan accordingly. Here are some winter trip tips for visiting Beech Mountain from December through February.
Overnight Stays
For a more relaxing experience, visitors should consider booking during less busy times. The busiest times to visit are Holiday weekends and the week between Christmas and New Years.
Those who are planning to visit during the peak times should make sure to book early.
The least crowded times to visit are mid-week. Weekdays also feature higher discounts and shorter ski resort lines.
Visitors should plan meals accordingly and expect delays during peak times. Some options include dining outside of peak hours (try late lunches or early dinners) or utilize the fully equipped kitchens provided in most of the rentals on the mountain by cooking meals.
Optimizing Ski Resort Visits and Navigating Parking
Midweek offers fewer crowds and shorter lines.
Visitors should order lift tickets online to reduce wait times.
First-time skiers or snowboarders should take advantage of the lessons offered by the resort.
With limited space and required reservations, guests should schedule classes and childcare online prior to arrival.
Equipment is needed to ski or snowboard properly, and guests should reserve any needed items online to ensure availability. Also ski and snowboard bindings should be adjusted.
Ski resort parking is LIMITED.
During most holidays and weekends, lots are full by early morning hours. Guests may want to consider booking vacation rentals within walking distance of the resort.
Once the main parking lots are at capacity, visitors are directed to overflow parking 1.5 miles away. The gravel lot may be challenging depending on weather conditions so visitors may want to consider the paved pay-to-park lot a block away.
If the overflow parking signs are sighted at the entrance of town, visitors should go ahead and park in those lots or risk heavy traffic and being turned around.
Visitors are discouraged from walking to the resort from the overflow lot for safety reasons. Free shuttles from the entrance to the overflow parking lot run to the resort continuously until 11 p.m.
Large groups should consider carpooling.
If there are non-skiers in a group, they are welcome to drop off and pick up those visiting the resort.
There are no taxis, Ubers or Lyfts that operate on the mountain. Premier Transportation and Guide Service provides rides to the resort for a fee, along with additional VIP add-on options.
Proper Attire for Winter Conditions
Visitors should dress in layers to accommodate constantly changing body temperature.
The first (inner) layer should be thermal underwear to wick moisture, dry quickly and provide warmth. Avoid cotton which holds moisture chills.
The second (middle) layer options include turtlenecks, sweaters or sweatshirts which will keep the sweat in vapor form and not permeate the jacket. Fleece fabric works well. Another great option is a vest for better arm movement.
The third (outer) layer calls for insulated, waterproof pants and coats. Waterproof fabrics are key as the snow is wet. This heavier layer is also key for the chairlifts where conditions are windy.
Additional attire includes:
Socks should be made of thin, woolen fabric so adventurers can feel boot soles.
Head gear should keep heads and ears warm. A helmet can provide additional safety.
Gloves keep moisture from hands so should be waterproof. Mittens are also an option.
Boots are often rented, and the correct fit is key to winter sports as feet guide the ski and snowboard equipment. Boots should fit firmly around the foot but not so tightly that they cut off circulation or numb the area.
Sunburn is possible despite the colder temps, so skiers and snowboarders should consider wearing sunscreen, especially spending hours outdoors with sunlight reflected off snow.
Driving During Wintry Conditions
Visitors are encouraged to follow best practice suggestions for winter driving (slow down, keep distance between cars, accelerate and decelerate slowly, don’t power up hills, don’t stop while traveling uphill unless standstill traffic, make sure brakes work, don’t travel beside plows and more).
It is suggested to monitor forecasts for driving conditions and be prepared to adjust travel times.
GPS is not dependable so guests should instead look for directional signs and messages. A great resource is the Beech Mountain Visitor Center for free maps.
After a snowfall, the main roads will be cleared quicky and then secondary roads will be plowed as possible.
Signs at the bottom of the mountain will inform travelers if chains and/or four-wheel drive is required. Visitors should not attempt to drive up the mountain if the signs are flashing.
Emergency supplies such as water, food, warm clothing, blankets, and medications should be kept in the vehicle for emergencies. It is also advised to keep tools such as a flashlight, ice scraper, shovel and more on hand.
All vehicle tires should be properly inflated with plenty of tread and the gas tank should at least be half full driving during winter conditions.
Cruise control should never be utilized on slippery surfaces such as ice and snow.
Visitors should never try to use a vehicle in an enclosed space such as a garage for warmth due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Tune into 1620AM for the latest traffic conditions
How to Best Enjoy the Free Sledding Hill in Town
Plastic sleds are required and can be rented at nearby businesses. Demand can exceed supplies during busy times.
Weekends at the hill are very busy, with early morning providing the least crowded conditions.
As with winter sports, participants should wear warm clothes and gloves.
When the snowmaking equipment is in use, sledders should cover all exposed skin.
Follow these rules:
Sled at your own risk, Beech Mountain does not supervise sledding hill activities.
The sledding hill is open during daylight hours only, no night-time sledding is allowed.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Children 12 and younger may sled and adults may only sled when riding with a preschooler.
The building of ramps, snowmen, and other structures is not allowed within the sledding hill fences.
Riders must use their feet to slow themselves at the bottom of the hill. Do NOT hit the pads at full speed.
Always check to be sure your lane is clear before launching and always sled in control.
Once you finish your run, move quickly to the side, and walk up the walkway of the sledding hill.
DO NOT WALK DIRECTLY UP THE SLEDDING HILL.
Jennifer Nowicki, Beech Mountain Public Relations