The village of Beech Mountain, the highest town in Eastern America (5,506 feet), is an ideal winter vacation spot in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. An average snowfall of 84 inches creates a wonderland for skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing and sledding.
Explore 95 acres of ski terrain with 17 slopes and trails at the Beech Mountain Resort with a vertical drop of 830 feet. Their longest run is one mile. At the top of the slopes, enjoy the summit views with drinks at the 5506' Skybar. In the Alpine Village, unwind with local brews at Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Taproom and Grill, warm up at the coffee shop, go ice skating, shop for gear and eat at the The Lodge cafeteria. The Beech Mountain Adaptive Snowsports Center supports adults with disabilities.
Alpine Village
The picturesque Alpine Village at Beech Mountain Resort has shops and dining, as well as a 7,000-square-foot ice skating rink. The Lodge Cafeteria at the base of the slopes has burgers, fries, soups and other quick food with panoramic windows for watching. Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Taproom and Grill has live music and a variety of spirits, pizza and burgers, located at the base of the high speed quad. Ski Beech Sports offers everything you need for a great day on the slopes.
Freestyle
The terrain park, called The Park, has rotating freestyle features, a dedicated snowmaking system, light towers, and a surface tow lift providing top-notch conditions in the park day and night.
Events
5506' Skybar
Step off the chairlift atop the mountain into a unique, glass roundhouse for food, drinks and snacks in comfort. Or relax on the deck with panoramic mountain vistas from a mile high. Also find heated restrooms.
Snow Tubing
A state-of-the-art tubing park has been created at the resort's Alpine Village at the base of the slopes. The magic carpet transports riders quickly to the top. Sessions start every two hours. Note: Tubing runs are not always open when the slopes are open. Check ahead!
Snowshoe & Hike
Explore the 20-mile trail system maintained by the town of Beech Mountain (when there is 4-5 inches of natural snow cover on the ground). Or hike on warmer days. Rent snowshoes free of charge from the Buckeye Rec Center (call 828-387-3003 for availability) for 2 hours.
Town Sledding Hill
Beech Mountain’s youth sledding hill is located next to the Visitor Center in the middle of town (403-A Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain). It's owned by the town, and they make snow during cold weather. It's free for kids 12 and under. Parents can ride down with younger kids. If you don't have a sled, you can buy one at Fred's General Store. It's open daily weekday 1-5 PM and weekends 9-5, usually mid-December through February, depending on the weather. Call the Visitor Center for current conditions: 1-800-468-5506.
Directions
Beech Mountain is located about 80 miles north of Asheville, near Banner Elk and Grandfather Mountain. The street address for the ski resort is 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain.
Beech Mountain Lodging and Rentals
Break free from chain establishments and select from an assortment of accommodations. From budget to luxury, choose from mountain lodges, bed and breakfasts, home rentals, cabins, chalets, and condos right at the slopes. For places to stay, go to the Beech Mountain website.
Beech Mountain Town Restaurants & Shops
Find a wide array of cuisine. Brick Oven Pizzeria and Pasta is a longtime favorite for locals and skiers. Our favorite shopping spot is Fred’s General Mercantile, with groceries, clothing, sleds, and cafe. Nearby Banner Elk offers more shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Summer Hike & Mountain Bike
During spring, summer and fall, explore the 20-mile trail system. Read more about the Beech Mountain Trails.
Fall Color & Land of Oz
Peak fall color in the Beech Mountain area is usually around the first week of October. Also, each fall enjoy special tours of Land of Oz.
