The village of Beech Mountain, the highest town in Eastern America (5,506 feet), is an ideal winter vacation spot in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. An average snowfall of 63 inches creates a wonderland for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sledding.
Explore 95 acres of ski terrain with 17 slopes and trails at the Beech Mountain Resort with a vertical drop of 830 feet. Their longest run, West Bowl, is one mile. At the top of the slopes, enjoy the summit views with drinks at the 5506' Skybar, accessible only to skiers and snowboarders in the winter. The Alpine Village, which is open to the public, offers the chance to unwind with local brews at Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Brewhouse, warm up at the coffee shop, shop for gear, and eat at The Lodge cafeteria or Taproom and Grill. The Beech Mountain Adaptive Ski Week supports adults with disabilities in partnership with Catalyst Sports.
Alpine Village
The picturesque Alpine Village at Beech Mountain Resort has shops and dining, as well as a tubing run featuring a special snowmaker that can produce snow in temperatures up to 50 degrees. The Lodge Cafeteria at the base of the slopes has burgers, fries, soups, and other quick food with panoramic windows for watching. Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Taproom and Grill has live music and a variety of spirits, brews, and a full menu located at the base of one of the high-speed quads. Ski Beech Sports offers everything you need for a great day on the slopes.
Freestyle
The terrain park consists of rotating freestyle features along the Meadows and Powder Bowl trails, a dedicated snowmaking system, and light towers, providing top-notch conditions in the park day and night. The terrain park can be accessed by Lifts 1, 5, and 6. ”
Events
5506' Skybar
Step off the chairlift atop the mountain into a unique glass roundhouse for food, drinks, and snacks in comfort. Or relax on the deck with panoramic mountain vistas from a mile high. Also, find heated restrooms.
Snow Tubing
A state-of-the-art tubing park has been created at the resort's Alpine Village at the base of the slopes. A dedicated, specialized snowmaker can produce snow in temperatures up to 50 degrees, providing ideal tubing conditions even when the weather is not! The magic carpet transports riders quickly to the top. Sessions start every two hours. Tickets are sold online. Note: Tubing runs are not always open when the slopes are open. Check the snow report ahead!
Snowshoe & Hike
Explore the 26-mile trail system maintained by the town of Beech Mountain by snowshoe (when there is 4-5 inches of natural snow cover on the ground). Or hike on warmer days. Rent snowshoes free of charge from the Buckeye Rec Center (call 828-387-3003 for availability) for 2 hours.
Town Sledding Hill
Beech Mountain’s free Town Sledding Hill is located off Bark Park Way, behind the Brick Oven Pizzeria. It has two dedicated snow-making guns to supplement natural snowfall when snowmaking conditions are present. It is open 7 days a week from dawn to dusk as long as it has snow. There is also a live webcam that you can use to check out the current conditions. It's free for kids 12 and under. Parents can ride down with younger kids. If you don't have a sled, you can buy one at Fred's General Store or rent one from Beech Meadows or White Wolf Lodge. Conditions for sledding are usually ideal from mid-December through February, depending on the weather. Call the Visitor Center for current conditions: 1-800-468-5506 or check out the live webcam.
Directions
Beech Mountain is located about 80 miles north of Asheville, near Banner Elk and Grandfather Mountain. The street address for the ski resort is 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain.
Beech Mountain Lodging and Rentals
Break free from chain establishments and select from an assortment of accommodations. From budget to luxury, choose from mountain lodges, bed and breakfasts, home rentals, cabins, chalets, and condos right at the slopes. For places to stay, go to the Beech Mountain website.
Beech Mountain Town Restaurants & Shops
Find a wide array of cuisines. Brick Oven Pizzeria is a longtime favorite for locals and skiers. Our favorite shopping spot is Fred’s General Mercantile, with groceries, clothing, sleds, and cafe. Nearby Banner Elk offers more shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Summer Hike & Mountain Bike
During spring, summer and fall, explore the 27-mile trail system. Read more about the Beech Mountain Trails.
Fall Color & Land of Oz
Peak fall color in the Beech Mountain area is usually around the first week of October. Also, each fall enjoy special tours of Land of Oz.
