Colorado, Utah, and Montana all come to mind when considering states for a family ski vacation. However, did you know that several family ski adventures near Georgia are accessible by car? It’s a great way to meet your winter ski craving without paying for airfare! Also, there are ideal places to ski with your kids before spending money to travel to the West without knowing if they will enjoy it.
So go skiing before the snow disappears by checking out the list of fantastic resorts in neighboring states below!
Ober Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The only ski resort in Tennessee is Ober Mountain, a well-liked, all-year-round family vacation spot. The Downtown Gatlinburg area is only a short aerial tram ride away from retail, restaurants, and entertainment. The average yearly snowfall at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort is 18 inches.
Upon arrival, guests can ride the Ski Mountain Coaster, circle the arena in the Ice Bumper Cars, or ascend Mount Harrison via the Scenic Chairlift. Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snow tubing are some of the popular winter activities.
All skill levels of skiers, including beginners, midrange skiers, and advanced skiers, can find a variety of terrain on the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg. The ski area passes grant unrestricted use of the ski runs and lifts for one skiing or snowboarding session.
You can buy tickets for numerous days, and there are periods for the entire day, the twilight, and the night. Read the Ober Gatlinburg slope forecast for the most recent conditions and trail accessibility before making travel arrangements for your skiing trip!
If you forgot to pack your ski gear for your trip, don’t worry: Ober Gatlinburg offers accessible equipment and clothing rentals! Remember that no reservations can be made in advance and that all rentals are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t forget to return your day rental gear at the end of the day to avoid being charged for an additional day.
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Wolf Ridge Ski Resort, North Carolina
Located in Asheville, North Carolina, Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is just a short drive away for Georgia residents. The average annual snowfall at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is 24 inches. They have 15 lighted courses with one double lift, one quad lift, and two surface lifts spread across 54 acres of skiable terrain with 100% snowmaking capabilities. The average annual snowfall at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is 24 inches.
This is a great place to ski if you’re a beginner. With the help of their knowledgeable and friendly Snow Sports School teachers, visitors learn to ski or snowboard. Enjoy four easy trails to test your balance on, then roam once you’ve mastered how to ski! Four green trails are perfect for beginners, while eight blue trails allow intermediate skiers to have fun. Are you more experienced on the snow? The Wolf boasts some of the Southeast’s most challenging terrain! Try one of their three black diamond runs to see how your skills hold up.
Unwind in a swinging armchair with a cup of hot cocoa by a blazing fire following an exhausting day of skiing or snowboarding. Stay in one of the mountainside townhomes instead of a cheap motel for a more luxurious experience. Take in the views while taking advantage of the greatest on-mountain pricing. Stop by at their lift-assisted snow tubing spot and enjoy some time playing in the snow.
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Beech Mountain Resort, North Carolina
Beech Mountain is the tallest ski resort in eastern North America and is situated in the Rocky Mountains of western North Carolina. Its top elevation is 5,506 feet above sea level. On clear days, views can be seen all the way across Tennessee and up into Virginia. Beech Mountain Resort offers terrain for both novice skiers and seasoned professionals thanks to its 17 slopes and eight lifts.
The best time to visit is in January, when there’s an average of 19 inches of fresh powder! The average yearly snowfall at Beech Mountain Resort is 42 inches. Beech Mountain has improved its snowmaking system significantly in recent years, in addition to the availability of natural snow.
The beginner learning sections include wide-open freestyle sections with two double chairs. The mountain’s 830-foot vertical drop is serviced by a swift detachable quad chairlift rising to the peak. Upper and Lower Shawneehaw are well-liked intermediate slopes that descend from the mountain; the lower portion has a separate chairlift. The intermediate Robbins’ Run, Upper and Lower Robbins’ Run, and expert Southern Star descend the Beech’s steeper face. These slopes have a second double chair at the top.
This resort is all about the atmosphere. A charming alpine village and stores surround the bottom of the slopes. A popular spot for food and beverages is The Beech Tree, while the Viewhaus Cafeteria on the slopeside offers a lovely view and a wide, sunny veranda. Visitors to Beech Mountain can also use a sky bar at the mountain’s peak, which serves food and drinks as well.
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Appalachian Ski Mountain, North Carolina
Although Appalachian Ski Mountain (ASM) began modestly, it has grown into the top ski resort in North Carolina. Blowing Rock Ski Lodge was owned by Grady Moretz and four partners. The ski area included three slopes, a 12,000-foot lodge, and ropes and T-bars to transport skiers to the peaks.
Nevertheless, Moretz and his group had a more expansive plan that would take years to complete. A chairlift was installed in place of the rope tow in 1969. In 1972, the lodge was rebuilt, and the T-bar was destroyed to make room for another chairlift.
Appalachian Ski Resort is family-friendly and great for individuals looking to learn to ski. Appalachian Ski Resort provides Midnight Blast Nights several times in late December. Imagine yourself flying down illuminated slopes at nightfall while getting warm by the lodge fire.
Even though there are other ski areas in the region with some longer runs, many tourists like Appalachian Ski Mountain since it is less congested. Less traffic means less waiting time for the lifts.
Skiers also say that this resort has a more laid-back atmosphere and that check-in is simple. The average yearly snowfall at Appalachian Ski Mountain is 31 inches.
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Cataloochee Ski Area, North Carolina
Less than three and a half hours from Atlanta is the Cataloochee Ski Area in Asheville. It typically gets between 10 and 15 degrees colder there than in the city at elevations up to 5,400 feet.
They can have a long season with one of the most sophisticated snowmaking systems in the Southeast, which spans 18 slopes and trails. Warm yourself up in the lodge’s cafeteria, gear store, bar, and rental shop.
As they rent out a wide selection of equipment, you don’t need to bring your own or shell out a ton of money on new gear. A Cataloochee adventure has something for everyone thanks to 100% snowmaking on 18 slopes and trails, such as the Cat Cage Terrain Park, three aerial lifts, two moving carpet lifts, and more than 4,000 sets of snowsports equipment.
You’ll also find five lifts and a 740-foot vertical drop. Rails, boxes, jibs, and jumps are all available in the Cat Cage Terrain Park if you’re seeking an added thrill. The average yearly snowfall at Cataloochee Ski Area is 24 inches.
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Final Thoughts
Although there may not be many skiing options within Georgia, neighboring states like Tennessee and North Carolina have plenty to choose from. Hopefully, you find one (or more) that looks enticing to you! Remember to have fun and stay safe during any snow adventure!
The post Best Skiing in Georgia: Guide for Best Mountains and Dates for Prime Snow Conditions appeared first on AZ Animals.
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