Situated between the two largest ski resorts for snow sports in the Southeast, Banner Elk is the top mountain town in North Carolina for a winter adventure getaway. A few miles north of town is Beech Mountain, the highest ski area in the eastern USA with an average of 80+ inches of snow each year and 17 runs. A few miles south is Sugar Mountain with 21 runs and has 100% snowmaking capability when Mother Nature needs a little help. Together, ski and snowboard on 200+ acres. Plus, go tubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing. Or just sit back and watch the fun!
If you are new to skiing or snowboarding, both resorts offer lessons. Plus, there are many fun events and special weekends with plenty of festivities. Go midweek for the best deals including big discounts on lift tickets. During most winters, the ski season begins by Thanksgiving Weekend.
If you prefer riding the slopes on a tube, both Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain have state-of-the-art snow tubing parks. Also, just 10 miles away is Hawksnest (2058 Skyland Drive, Seven Devils), the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast. Their 30 lanes span 400-1000 feet long with a variety of terrain. In addition to tubing, Hawksnest offers exhilarating zipline experiences high above the snow tubing lanes. Another exhilarating experience in Banner Elk is Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, which is open year-round, even in snowy conditions.
Arrive early to shop for or rent gear. Stay an extra day to enjoy some of the other things to do in the area. Massage those sore muscles at a spa or head to a brewery or winery to sample local vintages. Stop by Banner Elk Winery (60 Deer Run Lane) to sample their wines - open every day 12 Noon-6 PM.
Go to the Banner Elk Ski Town website for more.
Banner Elk is certainly extra festive during the Christmas season!
Rest well in a cozy inn, boutique hotel or cabin rental. Pic: Perry House B&B
Your first stop should be the Visitor Center at the Chamber of Commerce (100 Main Street). Then explore the galleries and shops in the village center. Nearby attractions like Grandfather Mountain and the Blue Ridge Parkway are often open in the winter (weather permitting).
If you come in later November or December, take home a Christmas tree from a local farm.
Don't miss the nearby original location of Mast General Store in Valle Crucis. Read more.
Go to the Banner Elk Ski Town Web site for more winter fun.
Go to our Banner Elk Guide for things to do year round.
More About Banner Elk
Banner Elk Lodging
At a cool elevation of 3,701 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Banner Elk offers a variety of vacation rentals, log cabins, condos, mountaintop homes and hotels. Near Grandfather Mountain,… read more
At a cool elevation of 3,701 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Banner Elk offers a variety of vacation rentals, log cabins, condos, mountaintop homes and hotels. Near Grandfather Mountain, Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, two ski resorts and endless outdoor adventures.
19 Outdoor Adventures in Banner Elk
The resort town of Banner Elk is the center of outdoor adventure in the NC High Country. Feel the thrill of an alpine coaster, dangle in the air at an adventure course, hike the profile trail at… read more
The resort town of Banner Elk is the center of outdoor adventure in the NC High Country. Feel the thrill of an alpine coaster, dangle in the air at an adventure course, hike the profile trail at Grandfather Mountain, or enjoy mountain biking, UTV tours, whitewater rafting, and ziplining.
Banner Elk Restaurants
This small town high in the mountains has become a culinary hot spot. Whether you’re looking for an upscale meal for a special occasion, a hearty sandwich after a day outdoors, or a casual steak… read more
This small town high in the mountains has become a culinary hot spot. Whether you’re looking for an upscale meal for a special occasion, a hearty sandwich after a day outdoors, or a casual steak dinner, check out their locally-owned and innovative restaurants.
Banner Elk Wineries & Breweries
The resort town of Banner Elk offers a nice selection of area wineries, including Banner Elk Winery, Grandfather Vineyard & Winery and Linville Falls Winery. You can also visit two craft… read more
The resort town of Banner Elk offers a nice selection of area wineries, including Banner Elk Winery, Grandfather Vineyard & Winery and Linville Falls Winery. You can also visit two craft breweries – Kettell Beerworks and Beech Mountain Brewing – as well as the indoor/outdoor Blind Elk Tap Room. These tasting rooms are connected by scenic drives high in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
Take the exhilarating ride on the only Alpine coaster in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains, located in Banner Elk.
Take the exhilarating ride on the only Alpine coaster in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains, located in Banner Elk.
Small Town Christmas, Banner Elk
Many events during this weekend in our top ski town of Banner Elk. Tree lighting and variety show on Friday evening. Saturday highlights include a 5k, Alpaca Farm tours, holiday market, and more.… read more
Many events during this weekend in our top ski town of Banner Elk. Tree lighting and variety show on Friday evening. Saturday highlights include a 5k, Alpaca Farm tours, holiday market, and more. In the evening, Tate-Evans Park has train rides, luminaries, and light shows. Take home a Christmas Tree from a farm.
Banner Elk
This quaint mountain village at 3,700 feet elevation is located between the Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain ski areas, near Grandfather Mountain hiking, and has great restaurants, breweries, and… read more
This quaint mountain village at 3,700 feet elevation is located between the Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain ski areas, near Grandfather Mountain hiking, and has great restaurants, breweries, and shops. Enjoy Wildcat Lake Beach and many events, including the Woolly Worm Festival in October!
Ensemble Stage, Banner Elk
Enjoy professional theater in the mountains with Ensemble Stage, a theater troupe known for high-quality performances and a year-round schedule. Ensemble Stage’s intimate 99-seat theater provides… read more
Enjoy professional theater in the mountains with Ensemble Stage, a theater troupe known for high-quality performances and a year-round schedule. Ensemble Stage’s intimate 99-seat theater provides every attendee with a great vantage point for a variety of plays, including comedies, dramas and thrillers. Staged radio shows and a Christmas musical revue are popular offerings each year.
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