Instead of traveling cross-country to get your ski fix, consider checking out one of these six fabulous Southern ski destinations. We’ve scoped out the most highly rated spots, with details on everything from the slopes to nearby restaurants and the local retail scene.
Whether you stick to the bunny slopes, hit the black diamond trails, or travel solely for the “après-ski” life, these skiing (and snowboarding) hubs have a lot to offer.
Omni Homestead Resort
Location: Hot Springs, VA
More Info: omnihotels.com
Tucked in Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains, the Omni Homestead Resort is a luxurious, family-friendly skiing destination. The resort offers 45 acres of trails, with nine downhill skiing runs and plenty of options to suit both beginner and advanced skiers, with renowned ski school options.
Children can ease their way onto the slopes at the resort’s “Little Penguins Program.” This ski school is geared toward children ages 5-11 and focuses on providing first-time skiers with a fun and safe experience. Older kids and adults can dust the snow off their skills at the resort’s Sepp Kober Ski School.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, guests can enjoy winter activities like ice skating on the resort’s Olympic-sized ice rink, tubing, riding mini snow mobiles, and catching movies or magic shows at the resort’s very own theatre. Adults will love amenities like the two 18-hole golf courses, The Spa at The Omni Homestead, a state of the art fitness center, and natural hot springs.
When it comes to dining, the Omni Homestead offers a variety of restaurants, ranging from fast casual to fine dining.
Grab a drink and light bites at the Presidential Lounge while you admire portraits of the resort’s Presidential guests throughout the years. During the holiday season, be sure to stop into the uber-festive Blitzen’s Christmas bar! And for a warm, comforting lunch you can’t go wrong with BBQ at Kober’s, their signature winter smokehouse.
For all-day fine-dining, the American Audubon Dining Room is a guest favorite that features seasonal and regional dishes. Martha’s Market is perfect for grabbing coffee and a pastry to start your day, and Rubino’s At The Cascades is a prime spot to enjoy a drink or snack and soak in the beautiful Cascades.
Beech Mountain Resort
Location: Beech Mountain, NC
More Info: beechmountainresort.com
Beech Mountain Resort boasts the highest slopes in the Southeast, with 95 skiable acres and peak elevations reaching 5,506 feet! The resort has 17 total skiing trails, with a nice mix of beginner, intermediate, black diamond, and freestyle runs. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy other winter activities like tubing down the mountain!
After you work up an appetite on the slopes, enjoy lunch at one of the resort’s on-site restaurants. The Lodge has hot, comforting meals perfect for refueling. Make your way to 5,506’, the “highest bar in the Southeast,” and enjoy lunch or a drink alongside breathtaking mountaintop views. The Beech Mountain Brewing Company Brew House is perfect for enjoying a quick bite or brew at the end of the day, and the aviation-themed Red Baron Room is a go-to for a cozy nightcap.
For shopping, Ski Beech Sports is your go-to for ski rentals and snow gear. The motto at Fred’s General Mercantile is “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it,” and this quaint general store sports everything from groceries to hardware and apparel. For a delicious off-mountain breakfast or lunch, check out the downstairs restaurant, the Backside Deli.
Sugar Mountain Resort
Location: Sugar Mountain, NC
More Info: skisugar.com
Sugar Mountain Resort transforms into a winter wonderland as soon as the first snowflake falls. With 20 slopes across 125 acres of snowy terrain, skiers and snowboarders have plenty of ground to cover. Beginners can take lessons at the Sugar Mountain Resort skiing and snowboarding school. If skiing and snowboarding aren’t your speed, enjoy tubing, ice skating, and even snowshoeing. No day at Sugar Mountain Resort is complete without lunch or a warm hot chocolate at the 350 Seat Cafeteria or the Last Run Lounge.
Take a day off from the slopes to enjoy the charming Village of Banner Elk. From boutiques like the Banner Elk Trading Company to the curated art gallery and arcade, there is plenty to see in this adorable ski village. For fine dining, try the award-winning Stonewalls Steakhouse, Sorrento’s Italian Bistro, or Prime 21 Steakhouse.
This year, the annual “Sugar Fest” takes place from December 13 through 15. Join a “pre-season clinic” to dust off your skills and have early access to the season’s newest equipment. Warm up with the “soup safari” and hot chocolate bar while you enjoy the ski party and fireworks. Visitors can also take advantage of discounted lodging rates during event weekend.
Ober Gatlinburg
Location: Gatlinburg, TN
More Info: obermountain.com
If you’re looking for a one-stop destination for all things winter adventure, Ober Gatlinburg is the perfect choice. There are activities for the whole family — from skiing and snowboarding to tubing, ice skating, and zip lines. Little ones can get in on the fun and play in the “snow zone,” enjoy the ice bumper cars, slide down the Smoky Mountain bobsled, or ride the carousel.
Ober Gatlinburg has everything you need to enjoy a day on the slopes, whether you’re a novice or a pro. Schedule skiing and snowboarding lessons, rent equipment, and buy your pass, all upon arrival. To celebrate the holidays, “Ober Christmas” runs from November 30 through December 23. Enjoy daily festive movie showings and visits with Santa, and mark your calendar for “Cereal with Santa” (a breakfast and sing-along with Saint Nick himself) on December 14 and 21.
Climb down the mountain and enjoy downtown Gatlinburg after a full day of fun. Adults can enjoy local distilleries, breweries, and fine dining options. The whole family will love activities like putt-putt golfing and shopping. Be sure to stop by dining classics like the Old Smoky Candy Kitchen, the Donut Friar, and the Pancake Pantry, to name a few.
Snowshoe Mountain
Location: Snowshoe, WV
More Info: snowshoemtn.com
The average annual snowfall on Snowshoe Mountain is over 150 inches, making it a go-to destination for skiers all over the East Coast. The mountain features three different skiing and snowboarding zones: Western Territory, Silver Creek, and Snowshoe Basin. There are a whopping 56 trails across these three areas, with levels ranging from beginner to expert.
Snowshoe Mountain offers other winter activities to check out, including tubing at Coca-Cola tubing park and snowshoe mobiling, as well as unique experiences like the “Winter Adventure” dining tour. There are also plenty of slope-side dining options, like the Sugar Shack and Boathouse.
Head to the Junction Ale House for West Virginia craft beers and bar bites, and the Wildcat grocery for breakfast, lunch, and necessities. If you need a sweet treat to round out a day of skiing, try the Waffle Cabin for extravagant dessert waffles or Signatures and Sweets for homemade candy.
Skiers looking to travel in December 2024 should consider traveling for Snowshoe’s 50th anniversary celebration. From December 19 through 22, visitors can enjoy learning about the history of Snowshoe and join in celebrations like village après-ski parties, soul train dance parties, an all-gold rail jam, and more.
Massanutten Resort
Location: Massanutten, VA
More Info: massresort.com
Soak in breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains while you ski at Massanutten Resort. The resort covers 83 skiable acres with 23 trails and a peak elevation of 2,922 feet. Learn to ski or snowboard in any of the resort’s beginner classes, or test your skills on the new double black diamond trail! When you’re not on the slopes, check out the snow tubing and ice skating, then unwind after a long day on the slopes with a visit to the Spa at Massanutten, a full-service spa offering massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, and more.
From mid-November through the holidays, Massanutten’s annual Light Up the Park transforms the resort. The waterpark turns into a magical light display with a dancing tree show, snowflake tunnel, and ice throne. Little skiers will love crafting at “Santa’s Workshop,” where you can make your own gingerbread house, reindeer antlers, and ornaments.
When it comes to nightlife, Massanutten has après-ski down to a science. Enjoy a cocktail at Elevations Cocktail Lounge, and be sure to buy a ticket for the weekly “Live at the Lounge” parties. Fuel up at the Base Camp Bar and Grill, the Ski Lodge Cafeteria, or the Rugged Cup and Rame Bar.
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