Winter in Atlanta is a magical time filled with many fun activities, but skiing is one that you’d have to travel some distance for. Fortunately, there is a ski town that you may not know about only a 5-hour drive from Atlanta – North Carolina’s Beech Mountain. With the ongoing pandemic, many people looking for a vacation would prefer to drive with the ability to stay mostly isolated. Skiing is also great for social distancing, as it keeps you outside at a safe distance from others.
It’s no surprise that some of the most popular destinations for 2020 are ski lodges and resorts. If you’re from Atlanta or nearby, it would be smart to keep Beech Mountain in mind for your next trip. Its proximity, affordability and all it has to offer make this a very attractive vacation option for the Southern skier. It offers beautiful views of snow-capped mountain tops and 80 inches of yearly snowfall. Beech Mountain is also the highest Eastern American town at 5,506 feet. Here are a few reasons to keep Beech Mountain at the top of your travel list in the upcoming months.
Beech Mountain offers a better value
If you can drive to Beech Mountain, then you’re already saving a bundle compared to traveling via airplane to Northeast or Western ski towns. Once you’re there, however, prices at Beech Mountain continue to be more affordable than fellow ski resorts. Here’s a price comparison to show you just how much you could save by checking out this off-the-beaten-path destination.
Beech Mountain
- Lodging: Chalets as low as US$250 (+ fees) for a 2-night stay
- Adult Weekend Lift Passes: US$82
Utah/Deer Valley
- Lodging: Most options require a 3-night stay with a cost of around US$975 for 3 nights
- Adult Weekend Lift Passes: US$169
Vermont/Jay Peak Resort
- Lodging: Nightly rates start at US$280
- Adult Weekend Lift Passes: US$89
There are plenty of things to do
Beech Mountain Resort offers a centralized location within the town of Beech Mountain. You can take advantage of all of the activities and adventures in store for guests of all ages and skill levels. At Beech Mountain Resort, you’ll find 17 trails for skiing, snowboarding and tubing, ranging from novice to advanced skill levels. If you want to spend some time around, but not on, the mountain, then the ice-skating rink, souvenir/apparel shop, one-of-a-kind “Skybar” and on-site brewery might be of interest.
The area also offers free winter adventures and unique excursions available to visitors like snowshoeing and sledding. If you’re interested in tramping through the snow, you can check out a pair of snowshoes for free at the Buckeye Recreation Center for use traversing the Emerald Outback Trails. Kids can’t go wrong with a sledding adventure on the Youth Sledding Hill, an experience designed for children aged 12 and under. Bringing your own sled is encouraged, but you can also rent one at one of several stores nearby.
Beach Mountain offers a variety of accommodations
No matter what type of stay you’re looking for, there are options to fit your budget. Couples to large groups can find accommodations in the many hotels, condos, chalets and private homes in the area. Additionally, there are several quaint inns and lodges worth checking out. It’s possible to find rooms for as low as US$100 or less per night.
If you’re not able to find the right lodging directly in the town of Beech Mountain, there are plenty of places worth checking out throughout the nearby mountains. The towns of Banner Elk, Sugar Mountain and Seven Devils are just a few minutes drive down the mountain. A nearby eclectic locale and college town, Boone, is also just a scenic 40-minute drive away. Between all of these mountain villages, there is no shortage of charm to make you feel right at home.
With all of these pros, it’s easy to see why a ski holiday at Beech Mountain is just what your winter needs. You can explore the area throughout the day, then curl up in front of a crackling fire on the mountain at night. For a mountain getaway that won’t bust your budget, Beech Mountain is a perfect choice to find all of the same adventures and experiences of expensive ski towns just a little closer to home.
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