Extreme skier Glen Plake is urging people to try a snow sport at close-to-home slopes—like those in the NC High Country— "where people are working hardest for the sport.”

The Boone NC area has the East’s highest peaks, highest ski areas, some of the South’s longest runs, greatest vertical drops, deepest natural snow, and coldest winter weather for making snow.

Appalachian Ski Mountain, Ski Beech, and Sugar Mountain Resort—the biggest cluster of ski areas in the Mid-Atlantic and South—total 240 acres of ski terrain, comparable to Snowshoe in West Virginia, and up to four times more terrain than the region’s other big ski areas.

 

Ski into Spring! A cold, snowy winter means great spring skiing in the Boone area! Awesome deals make it easy.   All NC High Country slopes offer March discounts, and area ski shops are giving the season's deepest discounts on new gear.    One of many to choose from, the Boone area ski shop Ski Country Sports, was just awarded this year's Southeast "Retailer of the Year" and a SKI magazine "Gold Medal."

For those who don’t ski, Tubing and sledding are everywhere. Hawksnest Resort is the East’s biggest snow tubing center. There are tubing runs at other ski areas, plus snowy hills for sledding. And there’s ice skating at Appalachian Ski Mountain (just named one of the country's top ten family skating sites), Ski Beech, and Sugar Mountain Resort.

High Country hikers have easy, woodsy walks — and serious, snowy climbs to stunning vistas. And the Boone NC area is famous for some of the South’s best cross country skiing.

Add dining and lodging in classic resort towns like Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk (called “the South’s only ski town” by SKI Magazine) — and the Boone NC area is the region’s premier ski destination.  

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Watauga County and the greater Boone NC area offers not only a picturesque place to escape and relax, but also an unending array of exciting outdoor adventures and attractions for the whole family.

Positioned conveniently along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Watauga County is home to the towns of Boone, Blowing Rock, Foscoe, Beech Mtn, Seven Devils, Valle Crucis and many other local communities each with their own unique charm and character.

Consistently voted one of America's top destinations for outdoor adventures the Boone NC area offers places to play during all 4 seasons.  Conquer whitewater rapids or meander down the New River in a canoe;  climb legendary mountain peaks or hike miles of trails and watch a magical sunset; glide down snow-covered slopes or catch some air snowboarding a terrain park.

Go fly fishing and catch a huge trout or relax and ease down the river in an inner tube.

Want more excitment? Hit the pavement cycling on roads that have been called the best in America for cycling which, naturally, makes the area a haven for mountain biking trails as well.

For those seeking a slower pace there are numerous festivals, tempting restaurants, and places to shop including unique antique shops, outlets, general stores and an array of coffee shops and bookstores to help relax your time away... 

When the activities are over for the day, Watauga County and the Boone NC area boasts cozy and inviting Cabins & Chalets, picturesque Bed & Breakfasts, and luxurious Resorts and Spas that provide a restful haven for even the most discriminate traveler.

For those seeking a more traditional visit to the mountains we have many Campgrounds including those with RV capabilities.  If hotels and motels are your pleasure there are plenty to choose from in the Towns of Boone and Blowing Rock.

Known for producing the nation's best Christmas Trees, Watauga County and the greater Boone NC area has rekindled an age-old tradition of the Choose-n-Cut Christmas Tree experience. Families from across the southeast plan annual vacations to the Boone NC area between Thanksgiving and Christmas to experience the North Carolina High Country during this special time of year.

Festivals and shops offer unique local products, concerts, tours, and theatrical performances fill the seasonal calendar, and a wide selection of Choose-n-Cut Christmas Tree farms are waiting to help your family find the perfect Christmas tree. Many farms even include hot apple cider and a hay ride too!

Click here to find Boone, Blowing Rock, and Watauga County area Choose & Cut Christmas Tree Farms. 

The Boone NC area is also home to Appalachian State University which delivers a multitude of benefits to the region including a full calendar of cultural and music events open to the community such as an Appalachian Summer Festival and dozens of NCAA Division 1 Men's and Women's athetic events featuring the 3-Time National Champion Appalachian State Football team.

Appalachian State University’s consistent overall quality is reflected by high rankings in national publications annually such as U.S. News & World Report’s 2008 America’s Best Colleges Guide.