4 Hidden Gem Ski Destinations in the Southeast
The winter season has arrived, and as temperatures begin to drop and snow begins to fall, odds are you'll find yourself craving a winter getaway. This season, trade in your beach vacation for a trip to snow-capped mountains. Relish in the winter season by taking a ski trip where you can enjoy a hot chocolate after a long day on the slopes and take in the crisp mountain air. We've compiled a list of four of the best ski destinations in the Southeast that you and your family will be reminiscing about for years to come!
VIRGINIA SKIING
1. Shenandoah Valley & Massanutten, VA
The state of Virginia welcomes you with 6,000 acres of resort in Shenandoah Valley. Massanutten Ski Resort has been open to the public since 1973, offering gorgeous views of Virginia sprawling before you on soft downhill runs. Massanutten Resort has plenty to do outside of skiing down one of its tree-lined trails. You'll find plenty of delicious restaurants surrounding the resort to fuel you up after a long day of skiing or snowboarding. Enjoy your wintertime in Massanutten off the slopes at their ice skating rink, spa, or indoor waterpark – making it the perfect destination for both skiers and non-skiers.
For your Massanutten Vacation Rental, book with Vacation Properties Made Simple. This 100 Collection™ partner has an impressive portfolio of ski-in/ski-out rentals, log cabins with roaring fireplaces, and lodges with gorgeous patios. You can anticipate the best service from the Vacation Properties Made Simple team, with everything from a fully stocked house to a local team that's available when you need them. Book your stay with them today!
NORTH CAROLINA SKIING
2. Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk
Western North Carolina is home to the Appalachian Highlands range, with the Blue Ridge Mountains hosting plenty of ski resorts for you to choose from. You'll find Appalachian Ski Mountain in the middle of Blowing Rock and Boone. This mountain is known for its French Swiss Ski College, which offers a welcoming environment for anyone to learn how to ski.
With two ski resorts, Banner Elk is a hotspot for hitting the slopes in North Carolina. Beech Mountain has the highest elevation of a ski resort on the East Coast. With 5,500 feet of elevation, this ski resort is ideal for those looking for more of a thrill! Sugar Mountain Resort has 125 acres with 21 slopes, ranging from beginner-friendly greens to challenging black diamonds. The resort features night skiing and a robust snowmaking system to ensure quality conditions throughout the season.
The best Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk vacation rentals are with Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals. You'll find plenty of mountain retreats perfect for your ski trip, including select ski-in/ski-out properties at Beech Mountain Resort. Browse their collection of massive lakefront homes, lodges with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains, or quiet creekside homes in the woodlands.
3. Asheville, NC
Travel south along the mountains of Western North Carolina to the vibrant town of Asheville. Here you'll find an impressive art scene, plenty of outdoor activities, and obviously, some great skiing! Located about 40 minutes north of Asheville is Hatley Pointe Ski Resort. This newly rebranded ski resort has 15 ski slopes with a mix of levels - from beginner slopes to advanced, there is something for everyone! Be sure to look in advance for reservations this ski season.
About 50 minutes west of Asheville is Cataloochee Ski Area, with 18 slopes for skiers of all types. Cataloochee holds a special place in North Carolina's winter sports history as the state's first ski area. The resort features 50 acres of skiable terrain, including several freestyle areas with jumps and rails for snowboarders and adventure-seeking skiers. Their extensive snowmaking system covers 100% of their terrain, ensuring reliable conditions throughout the season. As a result of the devastation Hurricane Helene left behind, the community of Asheville and surrounding areas have been in the process of repairing the damage. With ski season coming up and individuals looking to travel to the area, be mindful of the fragility of this community as things open back up. If you are planning to book something, be sure to look in advance at what the open dates are and if there is anything you need to know regarding your stay.
For your Asheville vacation rental, stay with Greybeard Rentals. They offer some of the best places to stay near Hatley Pointe Ski Resort and Cataloochee Ski Area. With amenities like roaring fireplaces, patios looking out towards the mountains, and hot tubs with lakeside views, you're bound to be impressed by these homes. These rentals are perfect for medium-sized groups, offering homes with 2 to 5 beds. You’ll find a perfect balance of relaxation and excitement in your Asheville mountain home.
TENNESSEE SKIING
4. Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, TN
Just 14 minutes from Gatlinburg and 20 minutes from Pigeon Forge, you'll find Ober Mountain, a family-friendly ski resort in the Great Smoky Mountains. The resort offers year-round activities, but winter brings out its best features with 10 ski trails, a terrain park, and Tennessee's only ski area. The slopes offer something for all skill levels, and their snow tubing park adds extra excitement for visitors who want to try something different.
The best Ober Mountain vacation rentals are with Mountain Laurel Chalets, our 100 Collection™ partner! Whether your group has 4 or 14 people, Mountain Laurel Chalets will have something to accommodate you. Each property has accents and features that encompass mountain living and amenities that will make you feel right at home. Many chalets offer stunning views of the Smokies and quick access to both the ski resort and the charming attractions of Gatlinburg.
From Virginia's sprawling Shenandoah Valley to the peaks of the Great Smokies, these hidden gem ski destinations offer a winter escape in the heart of the Southeast. Your next unforgettable winter adventure awaits!
