natural resources, Appalachian culture, and tourism. In the winter, the NC mountains entertain skiers and snowboarders at numerous resorts and slopes. In the area encompassing Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other nearby towns, you can visit Appalachian Ski Mountain (the High Country’s first ski area, beginning over 50 years ago, and now featuring 12 slopes, including two terrain parks serviced by one double chairlift, two quad lifts, two conveyor lifts, and one handle-pull lift), Beech Mountain (the highest ski area in the east at 5,506-feet peak elevation, with 17 total trails, eight total lifts, and a vertical rise of 830 feet), and Sugar Mountain (the state’s largest ski/snowboard area with 22 slopes, including a terrain park, eight total lifts, 125 skiable acres, and a 1,200 feet vertical drop) for awesome ski and snowboard slopes, cute cabins, adorable downtowns, and fun for the whole family. In Maggie Valley of the Great Smoky Mountains is the Cataloochee Ski Area, the oldest ski region in North Carolina with 18 slopes, a top elevation of 5,400 feet, and a vertical drop of 740 feet. And about 40 minutes from Asheville is the charming Wolf Ridge Ski Resort, offering 54 acres of skiable terrain, 15 runs, and a vertical drop of 700 feet. There are so many great options from which to choose – or plan a road trip to try out all of North Carolina’s sweet slopes! While skiing may be a favorite pasttime for many North Carolina snow lovers, its majestic mountains offer other winter fun. Specifically, snow tubing and sledding – some of the easiest and most
BY GRACE LOWER
DRIVEABLE
DESTINATION WINTER FUN TO OUR WEST
T
he mountains of North Carolina are beautiful and enjoyable any time of the year; however, winter is an especially marvelous season to take in all that the area has to offer. In the winter, the mountain region of North Carolina is adorned with brisk winds, crystal-clear views, and exciting winter activities. One such activity that draws people from all over is the opportunity to ski in the Old North State. My first experience with skiing was last winter here in North Carolina, and I can say firsthand that it’s a must-try activity. So keep reading – then grab some snow gear and head west for an unforgettable winter vacation.
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FAMILY EXPO Resources, Education & Fun for the Whole Family! SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Wake Forest Renaissance Centre 405 S. Brooks Street Indoor Exhibit Hall with 40 exhibitor booths featuring local businesses and nonprofits, including schools, camps, extracurricular activities, and more! Outdoor Kid Zone with 10 exhibitor booths and activities for kids and families.
The Appalachian Mountains span from New York to Alabama, with the Blue Ridge range concentrating from southern Pennsylvania to Georgia. In North Carolina, the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains host numerous benefits to the state, including ecological diversity, 54
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