One of the best times to visit North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain is when the snow coats everything in a fantastic glow. There are so many things to do in winter on and near Sugar Mountain that you may not know where to start.
Rest assured, there are enough activities to keep you and your family occupied for your entire vacation and then some. Whether you love to hit the slopes or stay bundled up warm inside, there are Sugar Mountain winter activities for everyone.
From snowshoeing to snow tubing, there’s more to do on Sugar Mountain than ski.
Sugar Mountain Winter Sports
Sugar Mountain resort is probably the top reason people decide to visit the area in the wintertime, and that’s because it’s one of the best spots to enjoy amazing winter sports. The Sugar Mountain Gold Course transforms in the winter and boasts 700-foot long tubing lanes and a magic carpet lift, as well as the option for night tubing.
There’s also a 10-thousand square foot outdoor ice skating rink that you’ll find at the resort. Rent some skates at the nearby Nixon Pro Shop and spend the day on the ice and surrounded by the beauty of the mountains. Afterwards, you can warm up inside with a delicious meal or some hot cocoa.
Of course, you can’t forget the option to ski or snowboard on the slopes of Sugar Mountain. There are so many options to enjoy the south’s top ski resort, including full or half day lift tickets, plus twilight and nighttime sessions. You can rent all your equipment right at the sports shop, and even learn how to ski or snowboard from a local professional if you don’t already know how.
Warmer Activities
If spending time outside in the cold doesn’t sound like something that suits you, there’s plenty to do in the area that lets you stay warm. Check out Serenity Day Spa for a relaxing experience. It’s located right across from the entrance to Sugar Mountain and you can enjoy a day of wellness with massages, facials, microdermabrasion, body treatments, and more.
There are several art galleries in the area to explore as well. This includes the Alta Vista Gallery, the Art Cellar Gallery, Carlton Gallery, Sally Nooney Gallery, and more. Make sure you stop by the Mast General Store as well. It’s a great place to get all of the necessities, and take a trip back in time. The original store offers gourmet country food, classic cast iron cookware, old fashioned toys and a lot more. Just down the road, you can find the Annex, which offers eclectic clothing, outdoor gear, and even an old fashioned candy barrel.
If rocks are your thing, Sugar Mountain has something for you too. Check out North Carolina’s only commercial cavers at Linville Caverns. Explore the underground caverns and see some beautiful mineral colors, a bottomless pool, and an underground stream.
Afterwards, head to the Sugar Creek mining company and have the chance to mine for your very own gemstones. If you find one you fall in love with, the experts there can even craft it into a piece of jewelry.
Head over to Flat Top Brewing in Banner Elk to sample their variety of quality and unique craft beers that are made from the freshest spring mountain water you can find. Or if wine is more of your preference, the Banner Elk Winery hosts regular wine tastings and tours amidst some of the most breathtaking mountain views you’ll find anywhere.
Where to Stay
With all of these fantastic winter activities, you’ll want to stay as close to everything as possible. That’s why you’ll love one of our slopeside mountain cabin rentals for your stay on Sugar Mountain. Some of the properties are located right in the lower slopes close to the resort ski lodge on Sugar Mountain. Other options are right at the very top of the mountain—right next to two ski lifts and even an indoor pool, spa, and tennis courts. Choosing one of these fantastic options will put you right in the middle of all the winter fun the area has to offer.
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