Sugar Mountain Ski Resort gives you an exhilarating skiing and snowboarding experience in the Southeast without breaking the bank. Located near Banner Elk surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, its beauty and adventure has been enjoyed by families for over 50 years.

When Sugar Mountain Ski Resort opened back in 1969, it was just a few lifts and slopes. It soon was on the brink of bankruptcy, until Austrian native and avid skier Gunther Jocht arrived to bring some necessary innovations to the resort.

He is now the president and owner of Sugar Mountain Ski Resort along with his wife Kimberly, a nine-time member of the US Alpine Ski Team. Their ski expertise and business savvy has transformed Sugar Mountain from a makeshift ski resort to a prime ski destination of the Southeast.

Now I’m not so naive to think Sugar Mountain Ski Resort has the best snow in the world, or even the country. I went to college in Utah and learned to ski on the slopes in Park City. But for North Carolina residents, flying out west and then forking over another couple hundred dollars for lift tickets and equipment rentals can add up quick. It’s not always an option.

What I love about Sugar Mountain is that it gives North Carolinians the option for a quick weekend getaway where they can get their ski and snowboard fix.

They’ve come a long way since 1969. Sugar Mountain now includes one high speed six passenger chairlift, two high speed four passenger lifts, one fixed grip four passenger lift, two double lifts. There is also one handle tow rope for the terrain park and one magic carpet lift for the beginner’s area.

There are also 20 slopes that vary from advanced to beginner in difficulty. The majority are intermediate “blue” slopes which is perfect for me because I am by no means an expert. However, there are still plenty of beginner slopes and a ski school where instructors will accompany you and teach the basics of skiing or boarding.

Are skiing and snowboarding not your thing? Sugar Mountain has you covered. They provide multiple runs for snow tubing with an additional magic carpet conveyer lift to bring you back to the top. Ice skating is also available on their outdoor skating rink.

Come back to Sugar Mountain in the summer for a scenic lift ride, to experience their extensive bike park, or Oktoberfest activities. No matter your interests or the time of year, there is something for everyone.

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort just celebrated their 50th Anniversary, and there are sure to be many more years of family fun to be had. They made a great video commemorating the occasion, and sharing some of their interesting history that can be found on their website.

Come check out Sugar Mountain Resort and let us know what you think!