About 11 hours in the car and you can be at a full blown snow destination.
Beech Mountain is a year round destination, but in the winter snow turns this mountain town into an easy east coast ski stop.
Here is what to know before you go:
What to do:
If you are used to skiing in the west- get excited because the prices are fantastic! Individual or group classes are available – or just buy a lift ticket and enjoy. Kids under 5 years old get FREE rentals and lift tickets with an adult package or a class. Rentals are easily available right a the base of the ski mountain near ski school drop off.
Private ski lessons are one or two hours at $67/hour plus tip. Private lessons can only be booked same day. TRAXX the kids ski school can be booked in advance.
There are 17 trails to run and the lift lines weren’t bad when we were there.
There are NO refunds no matter what (snow conditions, Covid, etc) so be confident in your plans before booking.
Kids must be 42 inches tall to ride. 2 hour windows of time can be booked. Sign your waivers online here before you even go. Head up to the base of the mountain to book your tickets in person day of. The attendants told us it gets faster as the day goes on. As of Jan 2022 it was about $32 weekdays and $37 on weekends per person and included the use of single and double tubes. Check the bottom of yours to make sure it isn’t cracked.
Closed this season expected to be back for winter 2022-2023
Where to sleep:
We rented a house through VRBO. The view was incredible and having a hot tub to watch sunset in was pretty fabulous.
Other options include:
The 4 Seasons at Beech is located near a variety of shops & restaurants, just ½ of a mile past the kids’ free sledding hill, and one mile before the entrance to Beech Mountain Resort. A game room, fitness room, & laundry facilities are onsite, as well as Valle de Bravo Mexican Grill. There is also a picnic/grilling area & playground. All rooms have kitchenettes.
The Beech Alpen Inn compliments its mountain setting with the old world charm of the rustic inns of the European Alps. In winter, the inn is a snow scene and you can walk to the slopes or you can catch a complimentary shuttle to Ski Beech village about a mile away.
What to eat:
Takeout or dine in. Dine in at least once – bring quarters so kids can enjoy the arcade. Right behind is a sledding hill with a pizza food truck. In summer it’s mini golf. There is a little train that circles the ceiling much to the delight of kids of all ages.
One local advised us- “the pizza and calzones are FIRE- but don’t bother with nothing else.”
Holy Smokes BBQ is a quality southern BBQ that’s quick and easy. Ski rentals are available in the same building.
Mi Jalisco Mexican Grill is located in the 4 Seasons at Beech hotel at 608 Beech Mountain Parkway. They are open 11-9 pm seven days a week, and they also have a small bar serving beer, wine and mixed drinks. Mi Jalisco serves carefully prepared Mexican dishes sure to please, and they have a good selection of vegetarian options.
Fred’s is a general store right in town. They have most everything- grocery items, ski rentals, sleds, and a little deli. It feels like you are transported back to what I imagine the 70s were like in the best way.
There is a full blown grocery about 15 minutes away.
If you are looking to break up your drive – we stopped at this Savannah Airport Doubletree and it was a perfect stopping point for us both directions.
I imagine summer here is full of adventure too! This ropes course looks fun!
What we packed:
Snow gear
Clothes to layer
Games (spot it,
Puzzle
Pajamas
Socks
Snow boots
Sunglasses
Hat
Ski helmet (if you have, if not you can rent)
Smores stuff
Slippers
Bubble bath
Bathing suit for hot tub
Cosmetics
Chapstick
Crockpot
Cooler to stow grocery’s we brought or bought on the way in since we planned on cooking at home for the majority of meals
These are some easy meals we made:
chili with cornbread
pasole
tomato soup and grilled cheese
PBJ
Crock pot lasagna and cole slaw
Chicken, broccoli and rice casserole
Pancakes
Overnight oats