Beech Mountain Resort is the highest ski area in the Eastern U.S., with a peak elevation of 5,506 feet.

It has 16 trails – including two terrain parks – on 95 skiable acres serviced by seven lifts. The resort’s ski school has programs for young and old, beginner or advanced. Snowboarding instruction is provided by an on-site Burton Learn-to-Ride Center.

A unique aspect of Beech Mountain Resort is the alpine village at the base of the slopes. The village is home to ice skating, snow tubing, a two-story ski lodge, craft brewery, ski rental shops, outdoor fire pit, snack bar and a souvenir store.

Beech Mountain has some of the widest runs in the High Country of North Carolina, along with a hi-speed detachable quad chairlift. At the peak is the 5,506 Skybar, named for the mountain’s signature elevation. The glass roundhouse is the perfect place to grab a beverage at the end of a full day of skiing or to warm up between runs. The Skybar has heated restrooms and a large observation deck overlooking the slopes.

Recent investments in equipment have greatly increased the snow making capability, and the resort also have a full-time terrain park coordinator who updates the terrain park features on a regular basis.

The typical ski season for Beech Mountain runs from Thanksgiving weekend to the middle of March. For more information, visit www.BeechMountainResort.com.

North Carolina’s largest ski area is Sugar Mountain Resort. Sugar offers 21 trails and eight lifts, including a new hi-speed detachable six-person chairlift that debuted during the 2015-16 season. The peak elevation is 5,300 feet, and Sugar has 115 acres of skiable terrain.

Sugar also boasts the only double black diamond slope in North Carolina, as well as the largest vertical drop (1,200 feet) in the state. Guided snowshoeing tours are another aspect that makes Sugar unique.

Sugar also has an outdoor ice skating rink and snow tubing park with magic carpet lift, plus the Sugar Bear Ski School offers a range of lessons for all ages and abilities.

The typical ski season for Sugar Mountain runs from mid November to late March. For more information, visit www.SkiSugar.com.