For Southerners, it’s an easy drive to ski resorts in NC verses flying out west. Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock, NC is perfect for families who are learning to ski and snowboard. It’s compact and easy to keep an eye on kids, even if they aren’t standing right next to you.
Appalachian Ski Mountain Blowing Rock North Carolina is one of several North Carolina Ski Resorts. It has nine runs, three freestyle terrain parks, four chair lifts and two conveyors.
The App Ski Mountain Lodge is located at the base of the mountain and it’s easy to see all the runs, perfect for parents who want to give their kids a little more freedom. The lodge also has wi-fi, so if parents aren’t skiers, they can let the kids go, and get some work done.
Located within the Appalachian Ski Mountain is the App Terrain Park for freestyle terrain skiers and snowboarders. In all there are three terrain parks, highlighted with over 60 rails, boxes, jibs, and jumps. The park is built by the riders for riders.
Plus, it’s the home of the French-Swiss Ski College at App Ski Mountain and is very well respected and a successful ski school program. Here’s what else you need to know about Appalachian Mountain skiing in North Carolina before you go.
Appalachian Ski Mtn. had its beginning over 50 years ago when Grady Moretz and four other partners purchased the area as a foreclosure in a public auction. The ski area was known as “Blowing Rock Ski Lodge” when it opened in 1962 and officially named Appalachian Ski Mtn. in 1968.
Don’t want to ski? They also have an ice skating rink. Ready for ski season appalachian? We are!
SKI NORTH CAROLINA: APPALACHIAN SKI MOUNTAIN FRENCH SWISS SKI SCHOOL
Ski lessons aren’t just for kids. Taking a lesson is the best way to enjoy skiing North Carolina resorts. According to Jim Cottrell, who started the French-Swiss ski school in 1969 and has literally written a book on ski instruction, it takes three lessons to become proficient and truly enjoy the skiing experience. Private lessons and group lessons are available.
If you don’t have three days, don’t worry, just do what you can each time and gradually learn the skills you’ll need. If you’re kids are like mine and think that snowboarding is the cool way to go, let them know it may take them a little longer to get going, but the same three lesson rule applies. Three lessons and they’re off (and in control).
SKI NORTH CAROLINA: APPALACHIAN SKI MOUNTAIN GEAR AND CLOTHING RENTALS
Like other ski resorts in North Carolina, App Ski Mountain offers gear rentals (skis, boards, boots, poles and helmets) but they also offer appeal rental. Great for those that are flying and don’t want to pack bulky ski clothing or those that don’t want to purchase clothing that kids will outgrow before wearing again. Note: Goggles, hats and gloves cannot be rented, so pack those items when you come.
SKI NC: APPALACHIAN SKI MOUNTAIN WHAT TO EXPECT
Weekends and holidays at any of the NC ski resorts are much more crowded than weekdays. If you can swing it, come during a weekday for more room and less waiting.
One of the benefits of Appalachian Ski Mountain is that it is compact. Nestled in the mountains, it’s off the beaten path. Parking is available onsite for a minimum cost and the farthest area of the parking lot is about a ¼ mile or less from the lodge, so everything is very close. Once you park, here’s what you need to do:
- If you are renting clothing, stop by the gift shop upstairs to get fitted.
- Once you have clothing, head downstairs to rent your gear and get your lift ticket.
- Appalachian Ski Mountain offers group and private ski lessons. Before you get all your ski equipment, find out about taking a lesson. Sign up on the lower level at the ski school counter.
- Once you have a lesson time, get your boots first. The staff needs the boot to adjust the bindings on your skis, which you’ll get next.
- Purchase your lift ticket. (Appalachian Ski Resort has an 8 hr. lift ticket, good for 8 hrs. after purchase. If you want to maximize your time, purchase the lift ticket AFTER getting gear. If you think you’ll be fine with a little less time on the mountain, purchase this before getting gear so you don’t have to haul gear into this line)
- Finally, pick up your poles outside. (snowboarders don’t use poles)
Note: Getting fitted for gear can take a while, especially on busy days. Each set of skis has to be calibrated to the individual, so it’s a personalized fit every time. Allow at least an hour to get your gear and get fitted. That means if you plan to be on the slopes skiing at 10 am, you’ll need to arrive at the mountain no later than 9 am to keep your schedule.
APPALACHIAN SKI MOUNTAIN BLOWING ROCK NC SESSIONS
Appalachian Ski Mtn offers some unique lift packages from other North Carolina skiing resorts.
- 8 hour Ticket: Most ski resorts in North Carolina have set ‘sessions’ for skiing. At Appalachian Ski Mountain, the 8 hour ski pass allows you to ski for 8 hours (or until close) from when you purchase the lift ticket.
- Midnight Blast: on Friday and Saturday nights in January and February, Appalachian Ski Mountain stays open until midnight. This pass is good from 5 pm – Midnight. Perfect for those who are driving in for the weekend, but still want to get some skiing in the night they arrive. Plus, how cool does night skiing sound?
- 4 Hour Early Return: Return to the cashier within four hours of purchasing a full price eight hour flex ticket and receive an App Ski Mountain debit card or cash back. It isn’t the full price, but at least if little Johnny decides he doesn’t like skiing, you can get some money back or a debit to return with someone who does enjoy skiing.
- Multi Day Tickets: Plan on spending more time on Appalachian Ski Mountain? Consider this pass.
APPALACHIAN MTN BASE LODGE AND SKI SHOP
In 1962, the original architect, William P. Reinhardt, recreated a European old-world alpine atmosphere when he designed Appalachian’s Bavarian-style ski lodge. Nestled at the base of the slopes, and overlooking the ski area, this 46,000 sq. ft. smoke-free lodge is packed with amenities for skiers and non-skiers alike. This is where you can always find a warm and cozy place just to sit and relax.
MORE SKI RESORTS TO DISCOVER
Sugar Mountain is in nearby Banner Elk. About 40 minutes from Blowing Rock, there are 21 slopes, including the area’s only double-black-diamond run. Also unique to Sugar Mountain is snowshoeing, available several times a week with instructors. The tours take participants into the less-often seen terrain on Sugar Mountain. The mountain also features tubing and ice skating.
Beech Mountain Resort is about 30 miles from Blowing Rock. The mountain is the highest ski resort in Eastern United States, at 5506 ft. above sea level. Ski Beech also features the only high-speed quad lift in North Carolina with a panoramic vista. You won’t believe the views at Ski Beech! The resort has two different terrain parks, and one is kept especially for beginners, while the other is open to advanced enthusiasts. Don’t miss special brews by Beech Mountain Brewing Company.
NORTH CAROLINA SKIING FAQ
When is the best time to ski in North Carolina?
The best time for skiing in North Carolina is from November through to early April.
What should I wear when skiing in North Carolina?
When skiing in North Carolina you’ll want to wear insulated, waterproof pants and a coat. Most ski resorts have these available for rent. Generally goggles, hats and gloves cannot be rented, so be prepared by bringing your own along.
Where are the best places for beginners to ski in North Carolina?
Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley is one of the best places to ski in North Carolina for beginners. But most resorts have a beginner course!
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR NORTH CAROLINA VACATION
- PLAN YOUR NORTH CAROLINA VACATION
- BOONE: 24 FUN THINGS TO DO IN BOONE NC YOU CAN’T MISS
- FAYETTEVILLE: 19 THINGS TO DO IN FAYETTEVILLE NC YOU’LL LOVE
- BEACHES: 16 SENSATIONAL NORTH CAROLINA BEACHES YOU NEED TO VISIT THIS SUMMER
- SKI RESORTS: 5+ NORTH CAROLINA SKI RESORTS THAT ARE ‘SNOW’ MUCH FUN
- CHEROKEE: 15 THINGS TO DO IN CHEROKEE NC THAT YOU CAN’T MISS
WHERE TO STAY NEAR APPALACHIAN SKI MOUNTAIN
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