Okay, Soda Citizens, let’s be real – skiing (and other snow-related activities) isn’t something we’d associate with Columbia. While we’re firm believers that our city has unlimited offerings, activities that require that powdery white stuff, or mountains for that matter, just aren’t in the cards for us. ❄️
But, there are plenty of options for everyone – whether you’re a pro skier or snowboarder, total beginner, or just enjoy hanging out and taking pictures in the snow – that are just a road trip away. While the après ski drinks and activities may be out of the question this year, there are plenty of daytime activities to soak up the joy of fresh powder on the mountain.
Disclaimer: many resorts are offering limited availability of lift tickets + requiring advanced purchases this year to prevent overcrowding in light of COVID-19. We recommend checking individual resort websites for updated protocol information + case counts in nearby areas before booking a trip.
📍 Blowing Rock, NC | 🚙 ~3 hour drive from Columbia | 💰 $32-75 (lift tickets) + $18-36 (rentals)
Calling all adventure seekers – this mountain is for you. With three terrain parks, App offers more freestyle slopes than other North Carolina ski areas. The mountain also had nine additional trails + for those who prefer to stay off the slopes, there’s also an ice skating arena on the mountain.
📍 Beech Mountain, NC | 🚙 ~3 hours 45 minute drive from Columbia | 💰 $30-84 (lift tickets) + $28-34 (rentals)
With 17 trails and eight lifts, Beech Mountain makes a great day trip from Columbia or an overnight trip with night skiing. There are also tubing and ice skating activities on the mountain.
📍 Sugar Mountain, NC | 🚙 ~3 hour 30 minute drive from Columbia | 💰 $23-77 (lift tickets) + $16-45 (rentals)
There’s a snow activity for everyone in the family at Sugar Mountain, including snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding, ice skating and snow tubing. With 21 slopes and eight lifts, Sugar Mountain makes a great day or weekend trip.
📍 Maggie Valley, NC | 🚙 ~3 hour drive from Columbia | 💰 $28-73 (lift tickets) + $33 (rentals)
As the oldest ski area in North Carolina, Cataloochee is a great mountain for beginners + skiers and snowboarders looking to improve skills. The mountain has 18 trails and five lifts.
Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline
📍 Seven Devils, NC | 🚙 ~3 hour 30 minute drive from Columbia | 💰 $33+
Balance not your strong suit? Hawksnest has over 30 lanes for snow tubing that range from 400-1,000 feet long, making it the largest tubing park on the East Coast. Plus, over 20 ziplines span over four miles, with some as long as 2,000 feet.
📍 Mars Hill, NC | 🚙 ~3 hour drive from Columbia | 💰 $21-78 (lift tickets) + $24-34 (rentals)
Wolf Ridge is located around 40 minutes outside of Asheville, making it a great stop to add to a weekend trip. The 14 slopes are great for beginners and intermediate levels.
📍 Ghent, WV | 🚙 ~4 hour 30 minute drive from Columbia | 💰 $37-76 (lift tickets) + $20-39 (rentals)
A straight shot up I-77, Winterplace Ski Resort has 27 slopes, a terrain park + and ten lifts and has been named the best place to learn to ski in the Southeast. For those who prefer not to hit the slopes, there’s also 14 lanes of snow tubing.
📍 Snowshoe, WV | 🚙 ~7 hour drive from Columbia | 💰 $55-118 (lift tickets) + $35-40 (rentals)
Okay this one may be a stretch for a reasonable road trip length – but trust me, it’s worth the drive. With 61 slopes, Snowshoe Mountain is the largest ski resort in the Southeast + there’s a large variety of slopes for all skill levels.
📍 Nellysford, VA | 🚙 ~5 hour 30 minute drive from Columbia | 💰 $29-99 (lift tickets) + $36-46 (rentals)
With 27 slopes, Wintergreen Resort has options for all skill levels, including a designated lift for an expert level of the mountain.
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