Category: Winter Activities

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

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!

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Live Music at Sugar Mountain in January

With the skiing season underway, what are some of the events going on at the resorts? At Sugar Mountain they have multiple bands lined up to play music throughout January.

On January 14, the Smokin’ Joe Randolph Band plays at Sugar Mountain from 4pm through 7pm. They play a wide variety of blues, rockabilly, surf, swing, and soul music.

On January 21, the Classic Highway Band visits from 4pm through 6pm. They are a Boone band who specialize in classic rock, blues, and soul music from the 60s-80s.

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

Snowshoeing Tours at Sugar Mountain

For many, one of the most exciting parts of a vacation is trying new things! And Sugar Mountain offers what is likely new for many people: snowshoeing tours!

The Snowshoeing season on Sugar Mountain runs from December through March. During the week, snowshoe tours are offered every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 3:00 p.m. On Saturday, they are at 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. 

Both rentals of showshoes and the guided tour by an experienced guide are included. Adult tours are for those who are 12 years or older. Children’s tours are for those ages 8-11. You need to sign up at least fifteen minutes prior to your tour time at the Snowsports School building at the resort.

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