With our first snow melting away, we have a ski trip on our minds. Whether you are a skier, snowboarder, tuber, or spectator, we know you are ready to get out of the house for an adventure. So, are you ready to hit the slopes, but aren't sure where to go? Check out the best and closest slopes to head to this season! In under four hours, you can be enjoying a great view slope side. Get ready for a weekend adventure at one of our three favorite ski slopes to start making memories with family and friends.
Beech Mountain
In the heart of the Appalachian is Beech Mountain. Don’t let the name fool you, snow covered mountains are waiting for you less than 3.5 hours from Apex. With 8 lifts and 15 slopes on 95 acres, Beech Mountain is ideal for a quick weekend trip. With free skiing and snowboarding lessons (with rentals Monday through Thursday) Beech Mountain is a place the whole family can enjoy. As a certified Burton Learn to Ride Center, learn the tricks before you take on the mountain alone. Beech Mountain is proud to provide the Powder Bowl freestyle terrain park that is home to advance and intermediate shredders with boxes, rails, and kickers. Or try the Meadows Freestyle Park to build your skills before taking on the Powder Bowl.
With a newly renovated lodge and craft brews, what’s a better place to hang out after a day on the slopes? Beech Mountain Brewing Co. has collaborated with Blind Squirrel Brewery to “set the standard for craft beer in the High Country.” The brewery is located in the Ski Village with ski-in ski-out access! So, grab your The North Face 3-in-1 jacket and head to western NC.
Sugar Mountain
Skiing, Snowboarding, Tubing, and Ice Skating - Sugar Mountain has it all. Not only is it home to one of the highest vertical drops and largest amount of skiable terrain in Western NC, but it also has a 700’ tubing run. With a “magic carpet lift” to carry you to the top, it’s easy to stay late sliding down the mountainside. Adjacent is the 10,000 square foot ice skating rink for more winter-time fun. Looking for another type of adventure? Try the guided snowshoe tour for an hour hike and rentals for only $25. But if you are just ready to hit the slopes, Sugar Mountain offers 7 lifts and over 125 acres of snow covered mountains to conquer. Both skiers and snowboarders love the terrain at Sugar Mountain. With only a 3 hour drive, make Sugar Mountain one of your winter getaways this season.
Wintergreen Resort
A staff favorite at Apex Outfitter, Wintergreen Resort is one of the top spots for skiing close to home. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, less than 4 hours from the Raleigh-Durham area, Wintergreen Resort spans across 11,000 acres. Featuring 25 slopes (beginner to expert) and two terrain parks for freestylers, Wintergreen was voted the “Best Ski Resort” by the readers of Washington Post. Wintergreen features some of the best terrain around for skiing and snowboarding close to North Carolina. For a short drive, you can enjoy the slopes and the largest snow tubing park in the state. With eight lanes, 900 foot chutes, and a 100 foot vertical drop, these tubing lanes aren’t only for the kids.
Now you know where to go, but do you have everything you need to wear? Apex Outfitter is stocked for your winter adventures. Shop our winter collection to pick up jackets, base layers, and accessories for the entire family from your favorite brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, and more. From The North Face 3-in-1 jackets to the Metropolis Parka, we have everything you need to outfit your adventurous side in the mountains. Capilene base layers will keep you warm all day on the slopes, while Patagonia Nano Puff jackets are perfect for layering to wear into the night. At Apex Outfitter we will keep you warm head to toe with insulated gloves, Smartwool socks, fleece beanies, neck gaiters, and more. So, grab a Patagonia Black Hole duffel and start packing! The mountains are calling...
Ready to embrace the warmer weather? We know we are and there are so many places around the Triangle to get outside! Combine relaxing views with being active by heading to one of our favorite spots. Whether it’s a kayaking adventure or finding that hidden fishing spot, we’ve got you covered with a Summer Guide to Raleigh’s best parks.
