Winter outside of Asheville may not initially bring to mind thoughts of skiing or snowshoeing, but there are numerous opportunities for enjoying winter sports in western NC. Two ski areas also have tubing runs, winter hiking, snowshoeing, and even ice climbing!
Won’t it just feel good to get outside, breathe brisk air, and move your legs doing something? Another option (after booking your stay here at Wildberry Lodge) is to just take advantage of the hiking trails right on our property! These sports are easier to handle when it is not bitter cold (think the mid-20s during the night and climbing above freezing during the day).
Cataloochee Ski Area
Cataloochee Ski Area is just a quick 30-mile drive from Wildberry Lodge. There are 50 acres of skiable trails with 100% snowmaking. Beginner and intermediate trails predominate, with several black diamonds. There is a double, triple, and quad lift, as well as a moving carpet on the beginner slopes. All trails are lit for night skiing. If you don’t have your own equipment, rentals and lessons for skiing and snowboarding are available.
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is 40 miles from Wildberry Lodge. Choose from 15 different slopes, mostly beginner and intermediate levels. They also light the trails at night for skiing. Ski and snowboard rentals are available.
Tubing Opportunities
If skiing or snowboarding don’t appeal to you, tubing can be lots of fun and more accessible than you might remember sledding as a child. Why? The tube softens the bumpiness of the ride, and there is a “Magic Carpet” to return you and the tube to the top of the hill. Make sure you check conditions before you go, and see if an advance ticket is needed. Hills are lit at night for night-time fun.
Wolf Ridge has a tubing area separate from the ski resort; check the directions, as there have been some reports of problems with Google directions. Tube World is Cattaloochee’s tubing area, and you can reserve passes up to 14 days in advance.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is, of course, dependent on the amount of snow on the ground. If you don’t have your own equipment, try a guided hike at Sugar Mountain. They take care of all equipment, directions, and you can even get a hot cocoa for the the way home! If you already have snowshoes, look below for information on hiking, as you can use those trails for snowshoes IF there is enough snow.
Winter Hiking
Wintertime can give you the unique experience of hiking areas otherwise closed to traffic. Start your hikes at the Blue Ridge Parkway entrances closest to us (Waynesville and Maggie Valley); enter through there and park where there may be elevation closures.
Other possible winter hikes are the John Rock Trail in the Pisgah National Forest, the Lovers Leap Loop Trail, which is part of the Appalachian Trail, and the Rattlesnake Lodge Trail. If you prefer a guided hike, you can book a tour or combine some yoga and meditation with Namaste in Nature.
Ice Climbing
If you are really up for some adventure and have some experience rock climbing, think about ice climbing. Fox Mountain Guides have some limited locations for guided ice climbing, weather permitting.
Come and Enjoy Winter with Us
As you can see, there are quite a few varied winter sports in western NC. The first step to experiencing them is to check your calendar and book a stay at Wildberry Lodge. Is your preferred winter sport sitting inside by the fire, and enjoying a cup of hot cocoa, and reading or snoozing or getting outside? We think either or both are fabulous.
