Winter in the North Carolina High Country is a different trip altogether. The valley goes quiet, the pastures frost over and the ski resorts open up. Valle View Retreat makes a comfortable base for a ski group, with Sugar Mountain about 10 miles away and Beech Mountain about 12.
Sugar Mountain Resort
Sugar Mountain is the closest big ski area to the house. It has 20 slopes on 125 acres, a 1,200-foot vertical drop from a 5,300-foot summit, and 14 slopes lit for night skiing. Not everyone skis? There’s a tubing park, an outdoor ice rink with skates included, and guided snowshoe tours. The season usually runs from November to March. Tubing and skating tickets are sold online only and often sell out, so book as soon as your dates are set.
Beech Mountain
Beech Mountain Resort, about 12 miles from the house, is the other big option nearby, with skiing, snowboarding and tubing in the winter months. It’s worth checking both resorts’ snow reports and lift tickets before you decide where to spend each day.
Snow tubing at Hawksnest
For a day off the skis, Hawksnest Snow Tubing in Seven Devils has long tubing lanes for everyone aged 3 and up. The season is expected to open Thanksgiving weekend, weather permitting. Book online in advance.
Getting around in winter
Mountain roads can be icy in winter, especially early in the morning and after dark. Give yourself extra time, check the forecast before heading out, and if your group has a choice of vehicles, bring the one that handles snow best.
Coming home to the house
This is where Valle View Retreat really earns its keep. Peel off your ski gear, light the gas fireplace in either living room, and soak tired legs in the 8-person hot tub with the valley below. The kitchen has a double oven and a five-burner stove for a big pot of chili, and the game room keeps everyone busy on the evenings nobody wants to go out.
Check availability for your winter ski trip
Prefer not to cook after a day on the slopes? Book a private chef through our partner yhangry.