Winter in Boone, NC has just as much to offer visitors as it does in the summer months. You’re likely to encounter a blanket of snow followed by some days of sunshine to enjoy that snow. Floridians would disagree with the whole “sunny winter” stance that I hold. But being from Michigan, trust me. Boone has sunny winters!
If you aren’t so lucky to encounter picturesque winter weather, your vacation is not wasted! Check out these family-friendly indoor activities instead.
So what is there to do in winter in Boone?
For the adventurers and active kids in your family, you can ski, snowtube, go on a roller coaster, and even zipline! For calmer activities, you could try some winter hikes, festivals, snowshoeing, and ice skating. If you're in Boone between Thanksgiving and Christmas, you don't want to miss cutting down your own Christmas Tree or a ride on the Tweetsie Christmas Railroad.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Best Ages: 5+
Time Commitment: 1 day
When it comes to skiing and snowboarding in Boone, Appalachian Ski Mountain will be the smallest, closest, and least crowded. Sugar Mountain has the most runs, is the most beginner-friendly, but is also the busiest. Beech Mountain is almost as big, the furthest away, and more novice-friendly.
All three have childcare available for littles not yet old enough to ski. They’re also all able to make snow and have night skiing available.
Appalachian Ski Mountain
Distance from downtown Boone: 6-8 miles
Time from downtown Boone: 20 minutes
Number of runs: 11
Longest run: 0.5 miles
Google maps will give you two different options for getting to Appalachian Ski Mountain from Boone. The 6 mile route is more of a mountain road that you may want to avoid if there is snow or ice on the roads. The 8 mile route follows more major roads and would be safer in uncertain conditions.
App Ski Mountain is the smallest of your three skiing options in Boone, but it’s definitely the closest. And tends to be a bit less crowded with tourists on weekends. If you’re looking for a convenient one-day winter activity, App Ski Mountain could be the best choice for your family.
They also have a skating rink for anyone who’s looking for a slower-paced winter activity. And for those who simply want to stay warm and observe, their restaurant has views overlooking the slopes. So you can spot your loved ones as they head down the mountain.
Sugar Mountain Resort
Distance from downtown Boone: 15 miles
Time from downtown Boone: 30 minutes
Number of runs: 22
Longest run: 1.5 miles
Sugar Mountain is arguably the busiest of the three mountains. But it also has the most runs, and the longest runs available. It has the most green runs and is not as steep as Beech Mountain. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Sugar Mountain also offers snow tubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing.
It’d be best to pack your lunch or go into town for meals, as the food reviews at the lodge are less than stellar.
Beech Mountain Resort
Distance from downtown Boone: 23 miles
Time from downtown Boone: 45 minutes
Number of runs: 17
Longest run: 1 mile
Beech Mountain Resort is the furthest away, but tends to be a hair less crowded than Sugar Mountain. It’s the best for novice skiers. And it also boasts a mountain-top bar only accessible by chair lift and an onsite brewery and grill. Beech Mountain Resort also offers snowtubing for those not wanting to test their legs on skis.
Snowtubing and Sledding
Best Ages: 1+
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours
Nothing will bring you back to your childhood like some carefree snow tubing or sledding. It could be the perfect family fun activity if you're visiting during winter in Boone.
If you’re already there, both Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort offer onsite snowtubing. Even if the area hasn’t gotten any real snow lately, these snowtubing sites share snowmaking capabilities with the ski runs, so you will still be able to tube away!
Hawksnest also offers snowtubing and the ability to make their own snow. They also offer year round ziplining!
If you have your own sleds with you, Beech Mountain has its own sledding hill right at the base of the ski resort. It’s actually in the same spot as the overflow parking if you’re skiing and have to park further away.
If there’s natural snow around, the best spots for sledding near Boone include Jaycee Park, Moses Cone Park, and at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock.
Ice Skating
Best Ages: 3+
Time Commitment: 1.5 - 2 hours
Both Appalachian Ski Mountain and Sugar Mountain Resort offer ice skating near the slopes. They are both outdoors and have rental skates included in the price. At Sugar Mountain, 3 and 4 year olds skate free with an adult!
Ziplining
Best Ages: 8+
Time Commitment: 1 hour
You read that right - ziplining in the winter! In addition to snowtubing, Hawksnest offers winter ziplining. You’ll do fewer cables than in the summer, but it’s still a spectacular (and cold!) way to take in the snowy winter views.
Plus, for those kiddos not old enough or for anyone afraid of heights, they can opt in to snowtubing instead.
Winter Festivals and Events
Best Ages: 1+
Time Commitment: 1+ hours
Whether it’s watching the Boone Christmas Parade or ice carving and polar plunging at Blowing Rock Winterfest, Boone and its surrounding areas are no strangers to festivals and events. Check out the High Country Events Calendar to see what may be happening during your visit!
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
Best Ages: 3+
Time Commitment: 1+ hours
A roller coaster in the snow? That’s right! Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster operates year round, rain, sun, or snow. The Alpine Coaster is kind of like a bobsled… with a racecar seat… on a track. At least that’s how I describe it! The course weaves in and around the trees of the forest and up and down the mountainside. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, bundle up and buckle in!
Winter Hikes
Best Ages: 2+
Time Commitment: 1+ hours
There can be something extra peaceful and magical with a winter hike. Even though the Blue Ridge Parkway closes certain times in the winter, there are still plenty of options. You can check out the snow covered branches while listening to the babbling Goshen Creek, enjoy extra serenity in the forest of Elk Knob, or even warm up with a cup of coffee at the Grandfather Mountain cafe after a hike up to the Mile High Bridge.
For a full list of family-friendly hikes near Boone, check out Best Hikes in Boone, NC for Families.
Tweetsie Railroad Christmas
Best Ages: 1+
Time Commitment: 1+ hours (train ride is 20 minutes)
If you’re in the area between Thanksgiving and Christmas, your kids may love a visit to Tweetsie Railroad for their special holiday activities. Admire Christmas lights by train, have a visit with Santa, listen to the carolers, and even take a spin on some amusement rides. If you’re looking for an activity to put the Christmas spirit in the whole family, this could be it!
Snowshoeing
Best Ages: 8+
Time Commitment: 1+ hours
If you’re in Boone in the winter when there’s been a recent snowstorm, you may want to try your feet with some snowshoeing. For a wide, easy path, some people enjoy snowshoeing on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’ll be closed with all the snow, and provide for some spectacular views of the snowy mountains. For more ideas on where to test out the snowshoes, check out this article.
If you aren’t confident enough to head out on your own, Sugar Mountain Resort offers snowshoeing tours. You can also rent snowshoes around Beech Mountain.
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
Best Ages: 2+
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Just driving into Boone, you’ll probably notice the plethora of Christmas Tree Farms in the area. And the Christmas Tree season starts early! Often just before Thanksgiving. And farms start closing up mid-December. So this isn’t one you want to leave to the last minute.
Some farms are trees, trees, and more trees. While others have a Santa to visit, hot chocolate to sip, and crafts to purchase. Find what works best for your family, bundle up, and enjoy the experience!
What have you loved doing in winter in Boone? Is there anything I missed? Don’t forget - If the weather stinks, check out this list of indoor activities for kids in Boone. And if you’re looking to warm up with a hot coffee after all those outdoor winter activities, check out Quality Coffee in Boone, NC. And if you're hungry, you may want to read The Best Vegan Restaurants in Boone NC – And Some Honorable Mentions.