With Charlotte as your starting point, numerous ski resorts within driving distance offer everything from beginner-friendly slopes to challenging trails for advanced skiers and boarders.
Here’s a ranking of the top 10 ski resorts around the Charlotte region, based on distance, amenities, terrain variety, and overall experience.
1. Snowshoe Mountain Resort (Snowshoe, WV)
Drive Time: ~5 hours
Snowshoe is one of the top ski destination on the East Coast, offering 60 trails across 257 acres and three unique ski areas. With 100% snowmaking coverage and a charming alpine village, it caters to all skill levels. Snowshoe also boasts tubing parks, a terrain park, and luxurious lodging options.
Highlights:
- Vertical drop: 1,500 feet
- Longest run: 1.5 miles
- Night skiing, terrain parks, and cross country skiing
2. Wintergreen Resort (Nellysford, VA)
Drive Time: ~4.5 hours
Wintergreen features 26 slopes across 129 skiable acres, offering picturesque views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a top-notch snowmaking system and a variety of trails, it’s perfect for families and groups of varying skills.
Highlights:
- Vertical drop: 1,003 feet
- Snow tubing and an outdoor ice rink
- Diverse terrain parks
3. Sugar Mountain Resort (Sugar Mountain, NC)
Drive Time: ~2 hours
Sugar Mountain is the largest ski area in North Carolina, with 125 acres of skiable terrain. It offers excellent trails for all levels, plus tubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing. While the number of trails and lifts are fewer than our top 2 picks, it’s a great choice for serious skiers/boarders living in Charlotte.
Highlights:
- Vertical drop: 1,200 feet
- 21 slopes and trails
- High-speed lifts for reduced wait times
4. Beech Mountain Resort (Beech Mountain, NC)
Drive Time: ~2 hours
At 5,506 feet above sea level, Beech Mountain is one of the highest ski resorts on the East Coast. Its 17 trails and cozy village atmosphere makes it another solid choice for day trippers coming from Charlotte.
Highlights:
- Vertical drop: 830 feet
- Outdoor firepits and après-ski bar
- Ice skating and scenic views
5. Appalachian Ski Mountain (Blowing Rock, NC)
Drive Time: ~2 hours
This family-friendly resort features 12 slopes and an impressive terrain park. Appalachian Ski Mountain is known for its welcoming atmosphere and smaller crowds compared to Sugar and Beech.
Highlights:
- Vertical drop: 365 feet
- Ice skating rink
- Affordable group lessons
6. Hatley Pointe (formerly Wolf Ridge – Mars Hill, NC)
Drive Time: ~2 hours
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just north of Asheville, Hatley Pointe offers 15 trails, stunning views, and beginner-friendly terrain. It’s ideal for a relaxed day on the slopes.
Highlights:
- Vertical drop: 700 feet
- Terrain for all skill levels
- Affordable pricing
7. Sapphire Valley Resort (Sapphire, NC)
Drive Time: ~2 hours
This small yet charming resort is perfect for beginners and families. Sapphire Valley’s two slopes and snow tubing park make it an accessible choice for those new to skiing.
Highlights:
- Vertical drop: 200 feet
- Tubing park with designated lanes
- Winter ziplining
8. Winterplace Ski Resort (Flat Top, WV)
Drive Time: ~3.5 hours
Winterplace is a great mid-sized resort with 27 trails and a well-maintained tubing park. It’s known for its relaxed atmosphere and consistent snow quality.
Highlights:
- Vertical drop: 603 feet
- Longest run: 1.25 miles
- Largest tubing park in the Southeast
9. Cataloochee Ski Area (Maggie Valley, NC)
Drive Time: ~3 hours
As one of the oldest resorts in the region, Cataloochee is a favorite for its 18 trails, affordable pricing, and convenient location.
Highlights:
- Vertical drop: 740 feet
- Exceptional snowmaking capabilities
- Popular ski school for beginners
10. Liberty Mountain Snowflex (Lynchburg, VA)
Drive Time: ~3 hours
Snowflex specializes in year-round mountain activities as one of the only ‘mountains’ with skiable artificial slopes on the East Coast. Blast down one of our Neveplast tubing runs or ski in all four seasons on our Snowflex slopes.
Highlights:
- Open Year-Round
- Olympic-Grade Trampoline
- Unique sledding options on the Snowflex surface
These ski resorts showcase the best of winter adventures near Charlotte.
Whether you’re seeking challenging slopes or family-friendly fun, there’s a perfect destination for every kind of skier or snowboarder.
