Category: Banner Elk

Ski Resorts Opening in Boone

Since it is the end of November that means it is finally time for skiing in the Boone area!

While Hurricane Helene caused massive damage to the Boone area, all 3 ski resorts near Boone, Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, Appalachian Ski Mountain plan on opening on time.

Beech Mountain is located in the nearby town of Banner Elk, about 30 minutes away. Appalachian Ski Resort is located directly beside Boone, about a 5 minute drive.

Beech Mountain plans on opening November 29. Appalachian Ski Mountain plans on opening November 70. Sugar Mountain is about 15 minutes away near Grandfather Mountain.

Sugar Mountain in fact is already open!  The first major event at the mountain is SugarFest between Friday, December 13 and Sunday, December 15. SugarFest has many events for those who don’t ski too, such as food, drinks, and dancing to live music. On Saturday will be a fireworks show at 5:45.

William Kradel Leave a comment on Ski Resorts Opening in Boone Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, Hiking, Outdoor Fun, Skiing, Winter Activities

What is and isn’t open in Boone and Blowing Rock. 

It has been a few weeks since the devastating Hurricane Helene ravaged the Northeast, especially North Carolina and Tennessee. In the Boone area, many businesses and towns have reopened while some areas are still closed off. So which are they?

Grandfather Mountain will be reopening on October 23 at 9 am. From then forward, the park will be open 7 days a week opening at 9 am with the trails closing at 5 pm and the park at 9 pm.

Blowing Rock, where there are many areas to shop and eat, is fully open with the major highways safe and open for travel. For instance, the Oktoberfest celebration is this Saturday the 26th.

The Blueridge Parkway is closed until at least October 31 and then it will be re examined.

Boone is also fully opened with Appalachian State playing its first home football game since the Hurricane this Saturday against Georgia State

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Outdoor activities in Boone for those with disabilities

The Blue Ridge Mountains have many, many activities to do ranging from hiking, kayaking, climbing and more. Unfortunately, many have health issues which can make it seem like participating in any of these activities near impossible. 
Fortunately, that is where Waypoint Adventure comes in, they provide guided tours for those with physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities to be able to participate in these activities still.
Climbing can be done either outdoors or at an indoor climbing gym if that’s more convenient. Kayaking can be done either independently or with a member of the household in a tandem kakyak, though there will be a guide there as well.
More information can be found at https://nc.waypointadventure.org/private-lessons/

William Kradel Leave a comment on Outdoor activities in Boone for those with disabilities Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, Hiking, Hiking, Outdoor Fun, Whitewater Rafting

Sugar Mountain Music Events in January

A nice bonus of visiting Sugar Mountain on Saturdays for the multitude of winter activities there is the live music in the afternoon.

During January, there is a different band each Saturday from 4-6pm. On January 13 it is the Glen Harlow and North Folk band who play a mix of acoustic bluegrass, country, and traditional music. 

On the 20th is the Joe Randolph Band. They play retro blues, rockabilly, soul, surf, and swing music.

For the 27th is the Classic Highway band from here in Boone, NC. They play classic rock and souls music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. As well as country and blues. 

William Kradel Leave a comment on Sugar Mountain Music Events in January Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, Concerts and Events, Hiking, Outdoor Fun, Skiing, Winter Activities

SugarFest at Sugar Mountain

This December 9-10, Saturday and Sunday, at Sugar Mountain is the annual SugarFest! With all events running both days. 

Starting on Saturday at 9 am, you can try out the newest ski and snowboard gear from many of the major manufacturers such as Salomon, Burton, Never Summer, and more. This runs through 3:30 pm on both days.

At 10 am, ice skating and ice tubing opens and lasts until 10 pm. 

At 11 and running through 7pm, are all the food events. There is a soup safari which includes fresh gourmet soups. Also included is a BBQ Sweet Tea Lunch & Tea Special. Finally, what ski event would be complet3 without a Hot Chocolate & Whipped Cream Bar. 

At 3pm is an After Ski Party with music by the Glen Harlow & North Fork band.

At 5:45pm is a fireworks display. 

William Kradel Leave a comment on SugarFest at Sugar Mountain Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, Outdoor Fun, Skiing, Winter Activities

Beech Mountain Skiing Opening Day

With Fall here that means it is almost time for skiing season in the Boone area! And one of the first ski resorts, Beech Mountain, has already announced their opening days for tubing and skiing!

The tubing slopes will open on November 18th. The slopes will be open from 10 am through 4 pm. The set sessions are at 10 am, noon, and 2 pm.

The primary ski slopes open on Friday, November 24 at 9 am. Throughout the day there will be many giveaways and games in chances to win prizes. For instance, Blackstrap is giving away some free gear to the first 100 guests in! 

The ticketing system has 4-and 8-hour flex options so you can ski as you like!

William Kradel Leave a comment on Beech Mountain Skiing Opening Day Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, Outdoor Fun, Skiing, Winter Activities