Here’s what you need to know to plan a ski trip in the Smokies (without wasting hours on mind-numbing research).
The first item of business is to choose your dream destination.
The Smoky Mountains run through North Carolina and Tennessee, and there are several worthwhile ski resorts between the two states. Better yet, all the resorts are within driving distance from Gatlinburg, so you can pop over to North Carolina for a day trip to try out some more extreme slopes.
Ober Mountain is the only ski resort in Tennessee, and it’s popular with beginners and veteran winter sports enthusiasts alike. Hailed as a family-friendly option, Ober Mountain also offers a Snowsports School where new skiers can learn skiing essentials like gliding, slowing, turning, and stopping in a safe environment.
Aside from being a go-to skiing spot in Gatlinburg, TN, you can also buy an activity wristband to access fund extras like:
You can also rent gear like skis, jackets, pants, and helmets on the mountain if you like to pack light or want to experience the sport before investing in expensive equipment.
| Tip: Keep an eye on Ober Mountain’s Ski Report for the latest details about slope conditions. |
The Cataloochee Ski Area is a popular resort in North Carolina that offers daytime and nighttime skiing options. While it’s more geared towards beginner and intermediate skiers, they do have a couple black diamond slopes for more advanced skiers. If you’re new to the slopes, you can book ski lessons at the Cataloochee Ski Area for anyone over four. Equipment, boots, bindings, and clothing are also available for rent in the building beside the main lodge.
| Tip: Pull up the Cataloochee Snow Report for the latest statuses regarding mountain conditions, trails, and lifts. |
Sugar Mountain is a well-known ski resort with 125 acres of skiable terrain. It’s also the home of North Carolina’s largest ski slope, a big draw for vacationers. Aside from that, Sugar Mountain has 14 well-lit trails, so you can ski at night. Equipment like skis, poles, boots, helmets, and clothing are also available for rent if you need them.
| Tip: Keep an eye on the Sugar Mountain website for the latest details about events, snowfall, and slope closures. |
The Appalachian Ski Mountain keeps the slopes fresh by laying fresh snow over a deep snow base and grooming the trails so they’re easier to glide down. On top of that, they light all of their trails for nighttime skiing. They also offer private and group ski lessons and intermediate workshops. You can also rent clothes and equipment at the resort or stop by the Alpine gift shop for souvenirs.
| Tip: Check out the Appalachian Mountain Slope Report for the latest weather, road, and slope condition updates. |
The Beech Mountain Resort has 95 acres of skiable land. Like other local ski resorts, they rent out ski gear and offer skiing lessons to kids four and up. However, if your little adventurer is too young for skis, Beech Mountain also offers Snow Kamp, where Preschool-aged kids can make art, participate in enriching activities, and play games.
Beech Mountain has plenty to offer if you decide to put down your poles for a breather or après-ski (after you’re done skiing) — especially during the winter holidays. Around Christmastime, the ski resort typically hosts movie screenings and Santa meet-and-greets. And if you’re there at 12 a.m. on January 1, you can also catch their awe-inspiring fireworks show.
| Tip: Download the Beech Mountain Daily Slope Report for the latest details about events, snowfall, and slope closures. |
| Plan to spend an average of $2,500 – $4,000 for a comfortable one-week, two-person ski trip vacation in Gatlinburg. |
Whether you’ve decided on a ski resort or you’re still waffling, you should start thinking about the financial aspect of your upcoming winter vacation. Start by deciding what you want to see, do, and spend on your trip. Also, figure out:
Once you have a set dollar amount to work with and a better idea of what’s most important to you (e.g., getting ski lessons, exploring the local nightlife, trying new restaurants, and booking a luxury cabin), look into cost breakdowns of:
Before you take off on your whirlwind ski trip, make sure you have everything you need. Insulated outerwear, thermal layers, loungewear, and ski gear will be essential for a fun and comfortable vacation.
Still not sure exactly what to bring? Just follow along with our ski trip packing list — here’s what you need to bring:
Enhance your ski trip in the Smokies by booking a cozy mountain cabin with unmatched views. Make sure you get the best deal by reading reviews and looking for lavish amenities like hot tubs, saunas, and fireplaces. Here are a few cabins we offer near the best slopes the Smoky Mountains have to offer:
Escape to this budget-friendly haven nestled in the heart of the Smokies. Ideal for a fun family getaway, this stay boasts a jetted tub, a King bed, bunk beds for the kids, and a gas fireplace. With the bonus of arcade games and a lovely veranda, this spot is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of skiing.
Reserve this spacious and unique cabin that accommodates up to six guests. With a circular design, you can enjoy unencumbered views of the Smoky Mountains. You can also unwind on the deck around the fire table or thaw out in the 101-degree hot tub while taking in the panoramic scenery.
Elevate your ski trip with a stay at this luxurious chalet-inspired retreat. This 2-acre estate offers a private escape with convenient access to popular attractions and local slopes. The property also has a heated pool house, hot tub, theater, and kitchen. Given its popularity, early booking is recommended for those seeking the epitome of luxury in their ski trip accommodation.
Also, don’t forget to book a cabin six to nine months before your trip for better availability odds.
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With so many great Smoky Mountain ski resorts in the area, you can’t go wrong. Wherever you choose to go, have fun basking in the wintery wonderland and creating lasting memories. And when you’re done playing in the powder, we hope you’ll head back to an Elk Springs Resort mountainside cabin to warm up and get ready for your next adventure.
Still have questions about what you can expect from a Smoky Mountain ski trip? Here’s what you need to know.
The snow skiing season in Gatlinburg, TN, usually runs from late December to early March. However, it’s impossible to guarantee specific dates, depending on local weather conditions.
You don’t have to buy travel insurance to go skiing, but it’s recommended. Skiing is an amazing sport but it, and traveling, comes with risks like injuries, lost baggage, and other unforeseen events. Investing in travel insurance can help you mitigate unexpected financial expenses.
Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg offers Alpine and freestyle skiing. Some skiers find suitable cross-country ski trails in the Smoky Mountain National Park, but this isn’t always possible due to limited snowfall.
