Friends walking at the slopes.
In general, ski areas near Asheville tend to have temperatures that are 20 degrees cooler than downtown Asheville in the winter months. The high elevation and difference in temperature can offer the perfect setting for ski enthusiasts and snowboarding. Although Asheville proper doesn't have its own ski slope due to these temperature and elevation differences, ski slopes and ski resorts are plentiful in as little as 30 minutes from Asheville and North Asheville so you can enjoy this cold weather sport while also making the most of Asheville restaurants and activities.
Where to go for ski slopes and resorts near Asheville by proximity
- The North Asheville and Weaverville area is conveniently located near the Hatley Pointe Ski Resort (formerly Wolf Ridge), a popular access area for skiing, snow tubing, and snowboarding. From downtown Weaverville, you can expect a scenic 25-30 minute drive to Hatley Pointe Ski Resort (formerly Wolf Ridge) area. The season can start earlier, but the resort usually opens for skiing at the beginning of December and runs through March. View our Weaverville, Burnsville, or Mountain Air rentals for quick access.
- Our homes in the Wolf Laurel and Wolf Ridge cabin collections are located directly by the Hatley Pointe Ski Resort (formerly Wolf Ridge).
- Up to elevations of 5400 feet, the Cataloochee Ski area is located very close to the Great Smoky Mountains and is typically a 40-45 minute drive from Asheville and downtown Asheville. Our Asheville rentals will provide the best access, and you can also get there in under an hour from many of our Black Mountain rentals.
- Accessible from the Banner Elk area is Sugar Mountain Ski Resort. While it can take around an hour and forty-five-minute drive from Asheville, staying in some Black Mountain or Old Fort rentals can reduce your driving time by 30 minutes.
- Beech Mountain Ski Resort is the highest ski area in the eastern US and also typically an hour and a half to an hour and forty-five-minute drive from Asheville area rentals. Cut down on drive time by staying in one of our Black Mountain or Old Fort rentals, while still being near Asheville.
Get more details about area slopes, opening times, and more in our ski blog.
Tips for Ski Season Access, Driving, Safety, and More
Western NC Skiing
- Mountain road conditions can change quickly. Road conditions closer to town can vary from the roads that are closer to high-elevation ski access areas. Be sure to check the weather forecast and driving conditions if you don't have four-wheel drive
- If you don't have the proper equipment for skiing or snowboarding, area ski slopes offer equipment rentals
- It's applicable year-round, but we always recommend dressing in layers in the mountains. For winter weather activities, be sure to have a waterproof, weather-resistant outer layer and warmer layers as well
- Bring along goggles to maintain clearer visibility when on the slopes
- If you're skiing during the daylight hours, bring along sunscreen as the snow can reflect the sunlight
- As a general rule, weekend ski times are always going to be more popular than mid-week ski times, so if you want to beat the crowd, come in the middle of the week
- Don't over-exert yourself. Take breaks!