North Carolina City Makes USA Today’s Top 10 Ski Towns

Do you like to take to the slopes for skiing? If you live in North Carolina it's time to head to Banner Elk. The North Carolina City made USA Today's list of the Top 10 Ski Towns.

We have so much to do in the Carolinas. Some like the beaches, but if you are a winter sports person Banner Elk is a must-do. It just came in at number 6 on the list of the top 10 ski towns. It's a short drive from anywhere in the Carolinas and offers a terrific experience.

CBS 17 said the entry on 10best.com reads “Banner Elk offers excellent mountain terrain ideal for skiing. Two different ski resorts (Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain) are located within Banner Elk, both of which provide commendable lodging and add to the overall ski experience.”

If you are not a skier, there is plenty more to do. Maybe tubing is your thing? You can take an exhilarating ride down an Alpine Coaster. Or just kick back and do some wine tasting. It's all waiting in the winter wonderland of Banner Elk, North Carolina.

It seems like the winter weather is here to stay. YAY! I'm glad it's cooling down and if you're into skiing and/or tubing, you're probably glad too! Tubing is something I've never done on snow, and I would really like to try. I have gone skiing and it's definitely not my thing. Of course, I've had three knee surgeries so I'm skiing isn't the sport for me. LOL! If you love to frolic in the snow, Charlotte Five has a list of five awesome North Carolina ski resorts that aren't too far of a drive.

Most ski resorts in the North Carolina mountains open in mid-to-late November. Though significant amounts of snow may not fall when the season begins, temperatures fall enough to make weather conditions ideal for skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more on artificial snow. If you enjoy any or all of those activities, here are five places to check out this winter.

Pack a bag and get ready because Appalachian Ski Mountain opens on November 18, which is this weekend! This snow sport resort has been opened since the 60's and it's the second oldest in the state of North Carolina. Slope hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m.-midnight, Fridays and Saturdays

Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-travel/article268579807.html#storylink=cpy

As a kid, my family went to Sugar Mountain. The first and only time I tried to ski was at Sugar Mountain. I ended up on my butt real quick! LOL! But the trips were fun! The resort has over 20 slopes and has night skiing. Opening date is dependent on the weather.

If you like a thrill, then you need to check out Beech Mountain Resort. They have the highest ski slopes in the eastern U.S. If you don't know how to ski or snowboard, this resort offers lessons in both. And they also offer more than 50 features for freestyle skiers. Their opening day is set for November 19.

I'll be honest, I've never heard of Wolf Ridge. It's about 30 minutes north of Asheville is. It's a family-oriented resort that offers beginner and expert slopes. The resort also provides a top-rated snow sports school that provides lessons to all winter sports enthusiasts, regardless of skill level. Very cool! It's good to learn first so you don't end up on your butt like me! LOL!

Located in Maggie Valley, Cataloochee Ski Area offers lots of slopes and trails that are beginner level. And this resort has you covered if you need gear! Their rental department offers more than 4,000 sets of ski and snowboard equipment. And if you check out their website, it looks like they have some amazing tubing slopes! They open November 16, which is tomorrow, so you can plan a trip asap!