One-tank trip: Beech Mountain

By Amy Hunter

For the AJC

One of the highest points in North Carolina at 5,506 feet above sea level, Beech Mountain provides plenty of opportunities for winter sports lovers to get their snow on.

Enlarge photo

Ski Beech With a view of an Alpine-style village below, skiers enjoy the real and man-made snow found at Ski Beech in Beech Mountain, N.C.

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Beech Mountain has around 350 year-round residents, but in the winter draws thousands of ski buffs and snow boarders who hit the slopes.

While you could easily spend a long weekend without ever leaving Beech Mountain, there are several other points of interest in the area. Sugar Mountain is close to Beech Mountain and provides additional options for outdoor activities. If you’re up for a slightly longer drive, the Penland School of Crafts is a worthwhile spot to spend the afternoon. Plan your visit during the holiday season, and take home a North Carolina Christmas tree from one of the choose-and-cut spots in nearby Banner Elk.

Don’t Miss

Beech Mountain
Resort

Ski Beech, which is slated to open its season Nov. 21, relies almost entirely on manufactured snow and operates 15 trails, including two black diamond runs. There’s also a 7,000-square foot outdoor skating rink open daily. New this season is a two-lane tubing park and an all-new terrain park with its own lift and a full complement of rails, boxes and rides. Ski Beech offers day and night skiing and a fully stocked rental store with everything from skis to bibs.

Private and group ski instruction is available by Professional Ski Instructors of America certified instructors

Ski Beech also holds a winter fest on Jan. 9 and 10, a 25-year tradition that includes a bathing suit competition for men and women and a cardboard box derby. 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, N.C. 800-438-2093, www.skibeech.com

Penland School
of Crafts

About an hour from Beech Mountain Resort, the center offers intensive workshops on all types of crafts, including photography, ironworking and painting. Though not all areas of the school are open to the public at all times, Penland does offer tours of the campus when classes are in session by reservation on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The school has a gallery that showcases work by several local and national artists that are affiliated with the school, says Robin Dreyer, communications manager at Penland. Notables include ceramic sculptor Michael Sherrill, glass sculptor Richard Ritter and blacksmith Zach Noble. Penland also offers a map of 60 other artist studios in the area that visitors can explore as well as full-time, onsite resident artists whose studios are generally open. 67 Dora’s Trail, Penland, N.C., 828-765-2359, www.penland.org

Genesis Wildlife
Sanctuary

When you’re ready for a break from the snow, consider a visit to the Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a non-profit organization that rehabilitates and releases injured animals back into the wild. The nature center at the sanctuary is open to the public and houses animals like hawks, owls and raccoons that cannot be released, says Leslie Hayhurst, director of the sanctuary. Special nature programs can be arranged if requested in advance. 210 Grassy Gap Road, Beech Mountain, N.C., 828-387-2979, www.genesis-wildlife.org

Snowshoe at 
Sugar Mountain

When you’re ready to return to the snow, consider a visit to Sugar Mountain. About 30 minutes from Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain is celebrating 40 years this season and offers snowshoeing in addition to downhill skiing. A snowshoe guided tour is one hour long and can either be an intense workout or a casual walk, depending on your preference. Children’s tours for those under 12 but over eight are also available. 2173 Sugar Mountain Drive, Sugar Mountain, N.C., 828-898-4521, www.skisugar.com