5 Southern Ski Resorts For A Fun And Affordable Winter Vacation

There's a time and a place for experiencing the country’s big mountains out West. For every other day, there’s the fun and easy-to-access ski resorts of the South.

But North Carolina and Virginia ski resorts don’t just attract eager skiers but also snowboarders, snowshoers, and fans of the sport’s favorite pastime: aprés ski.

Another reason we love skiing in these more relaxed ski areas? The affordability factor. Sure, the terrain may be more limited, but there are plenty of lodging options and restaurants and bars featuring live music. In short, don’t write off the South as it may just be your next best ski vacation.

Beech Mountain, North Carolina

There’s lots of skiing terrain in North Carolina, but one of the most popular, beloved spots in Beech Mountain, in the Northwest corner of the state. The ski resort at the center of town not only dishes up the main event—skiing—but also snowboarding and tubing, and just outside of the resort is an area for sledding (it’s free!) with the kids.

The ski town receives approximately 60 inches of yearly snowfall, so its 17 slopes on 98 skiable acres turn into a magical winter wonderland every year. Enroll the young ones (ages 3 to 14) in day camp so they can improve their ski or snowboard skills while mom and dad get to shredding.

Like any ski town worth its salt, there’s a brewery; Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Taproom & Grill features live weekend music alongside great pub grub. A variety of inns, lodges, and chalets can be booked through the mountain’s website. 

Sugar Mountain Resort, North Carolina

Another North Carolina ski resort, Sugar Mountain Resort is the state’s largest ski area with 125 skiable acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Snowboarders are most welcome, but ice skating, tubing, and guided snowshoe tours are also on the wintery menu. Beginner level skiers and snowboarders won’t have trouble finding easy, meandering greens, but Sugar Mountain’s double black diamond slope (Whoopdeedoo) is sure to attract advanced groups.

Fuel up—and warm up—after a day out in the elements with a steak dinner at Stonewalls Restaurant. Catch live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Book a vacation rental through the reputable Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals or Sugar Mountain Lodging. SugarTop condos typically have stellar views and provide access to an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna. 

Snowshoe Mountain, West Virginia

This season marks the 50th anniversary of Snowshoe Mountain, but if you miss the festivities, there’s still plenty to celebrate here in the Allegheny Mountain town. With excellent lift access, 12 lifts provide visitors with access to 244 skiable acres. A member of the Ikon pass, a seasonal pass providing access to a range of ski areas in the U.S. and beyond, Snowshoe is good for beginners but even better for intermediate fans of the sport.

After a day on the slopes, there’s no better place to be than in the Village, where traditional Appalachian fare and a fun aprés scene are the perfect cap to an active day on the mountain. Try a West Virginia craft beer at The Junction Ale House, or go upscale with a meal at 10 Prime. No matter what kind of accommodation you’re looking for—a charming chalet, perhaps? Or a modern condo?—Snowshoe has you covered.

Wintergreen Ski Resort, Virginia

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, not too far from Charlottesville, and about a three-hour drive from the D.C. area, Wintergreen is unique in that it’s a mountain-top resort. All of the amenities are built on peaks and ridges, rather than at the base.

With 129 skiable acres, there’s plenty of trails to keep skiers and snowboarders distracted. Cool temperatures in this part of the state allow for regular snowmaking throughout the winter season.

Dining options at Wintergreen include The Copper Mine for Southern creations, Iron & Ale for steak and seafood, and The Edge for hearty sandwiches and craft beer. Depending on your group’s size, you can rent a whole house or a cosy condo. A lovely pet-friendly option is Iris Inn, a stone’s throw from your next great burger at River Burger Bar.

Ober Mountain, Tennessee

Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and ice skating: You’ll find it all this winter at Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg. This mountain is on the smaller side with just 38 skiable acres, making it a fine choice for beginners or families with little ones stepping into skis for the first time.

For kids, there’s also The Snow Zone, a place to play and frolic in the snow. For any last-minute cold-weather items or snow gear and rentals, head to Ober Mountain Outfitters, and for non-essentials, be sure to make a stop in town at The Chocolate Monkey.

While Gatlinburg has a number of hotels, Airbnb is also available here for those who want more than a hotel room. Recent Nashville import, Daddy’s Dogs, is not to be missed when hunger strikes during your day at the mountain. Off mountain, Gatlinburg has plenty of diverse restaurants to satisfy whatever you’re craving.