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
Appalachian Ski Mountain in 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, which is very well respected and a successful ski school program. And don’t forget ice skating! Here’s what else you need to know about Appalachian Mountain skiing in North Carolina before you go.
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 your 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 clothing rentals. 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: Pre-booking online is now required for gear and clothing rentals!
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.
Before you even arrive to the park, get your lift tickets HERE. Pre-purchase is now required for tickets and equipment rentals. You’ll get more time on the slopes this way, which is awesome.
Once you arrive at the park, you’ll pick up your rentals — clothing and gear. Allow time for this! Getting fitted for gear can take awhile, 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.
Now, head out for your lesson (you can pre-book those too!) or hit the slopes when you’re ready!
APPALACHIAN SKI MOUNTAIN BLOWING ROCK NC SESSIONS
Appalachian Ski Mtn offers some unique lift packages from other North Carolina skiing resorts.
- 8-Hour Flex Ticket. Appalachian Ski Mountain offers the 8-Hour Flex Ticket, which allows you up to 8 consecutive hours of slope time starting between 9am and 5pm. ASM’s Flex Ticket allows you to begin your 8-hour session as early or late as you choose. Start skiing at 9am and go until 5pm. Start at noon and ski until 8pm. If you want to go later, they’re open until 10pm during the week and 12am for their Midnight Blast sessions.
- Super Session. The Super Session ticket is for the die-hard skier — you can ski from 9am – 10pm or Midnight, depending on when the slopes close on the day you choose. Basically, it’s an open to close ticket.
- Night Session. The Night Session ticket is a little cheaper and lets you ski under the lights. This allows skiing between 5pm and 10pm.
- Midnight Blast. The Midnight Blast ticket allows skiing from 5pm to Midnight.
- Half-Night Session. The Half-Night Session ticket is only offered on Midnight Blast nights, and allows skiing from 8:30pm to Midnight.
Appalachian Ski Mountain also offers Season Memberships. If you live nearby or plan to visit often, this is the way to go.
Remember, Lift Tickets should be purchased online in advance. You can get your tickets HERE.
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.
WHERE TO STAY
Looking for the perfect place to stay during your Appalachian Ski Mountain trip! We’ve got some great options.
- Appalachian Ski Mountain has a great list if you’re looking for Slopeside Lodging. These spots are great for families or groups.
- We recently visited Graystone Lodge with our kids in nearby Boone, NC, and cannot recommend it enough! The indoor pool was a huge hit! This awesome hotel is only about 20 minutes away from the ASM.
- Here’s a great list of Hotels, Inns and Lodges in Blowing Rock.
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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