North Carolina has much more to offer in winter than you might think. Despite having what's termed as a humid subtropical climate, parts of the state get snow in the winter months. This quasi-winter atmosphere lends itself towards activities you would typically see in more traditional winter climates. If you're looking to ski, snowboard, sled or ice skate, North Carolina can accommodate.
Along the backdrop of the Blueridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains are a total of six ski resorts. If you search hard enough, you will find runs that challenge advanced skiers. The double black diamond run at Sugar Mountain is an example. It is the only such run in the state.
The majority of the runs are geared towards beginners and leisurely family outings. You will not find the types of elevations that grace resorts in true winter states like Colorado and Utah. All the North Carolina resorts have learned the craft of snow-making. A temperature in the high 50's, combined with the highest elevation in the Eastern United States, gives the region the type of climate that allows for snow-making. Appalachian Ski Mountain invested $3 million in snow-making equipment and other improvements to their resort over the last three years.
Snowboarders can also benefit from these upgrades. A progression park is up and running at Appalachian Ski Mountain, which is another first for North Carolina. This park is geared to freestyle snowboarders. The terrain features jumps, rails and half-pipes that promise to give novice and advanced boarders a run for their money.
Sledding and tubing parks abound in the Town of Beech Mountain, at Moonshine Mountain and the Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center. Hawksnest's snow tubing mountain is built on the largest hill on the East Coast.
A new winter zip line highlights Hawksnest's winter season. It's being billed as the country's longest zip line course.
Any gear you might need for any of the activities is easily rented at any one of the resorts.
If you head to Sugar Mountain you will also stumble upon a skating rink. Hot cocoa is a staple for the ski-and-skate crowds and is available at any one of the resort's slope-side restaurant/bars.
Grandfather Mountain has a well-maintained system of hiking trails. Hikers are cautioned to make sure they have an excellent knowledge of survival skills for winter hiking and bad weather, which could set in on a minute's notice.
Cross-country trails can be traversed at Cone's Park in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
One of the best spectator sports in winter is hockey. The city of Raleigh has adopted this beloved Canadian sport in the form of an NHL franchise, the Carolina Hurricanes. The season is in full swing from October to April.
No matter the season, you can always take a drive along the Blueridge Parkway, known as "America's Favorite Drive." It takes you across a scenic landscape featuring old-growth forest and waterfalls. Parts of the parkway can be closed during the winter. It's best to check ahead with the state Tourism Bureau before venturing out on the road.
