Big Events This Winter

SUGAR MOUNTAIN

Opening – End of Season: Snowshoe Guided

Tours. A great way to stay fit during the winter months! Snowshoe tours are offered every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 3:00 p.m. and Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Based on instructor availability, additional tours are given on demand for groups of four to fifteen. The program includes a one-hour tour and snowshoe rental. Adult tours are for those who are 12 years or older. Children’s tours are for those ages 8-11. Sign up at least fifteen minutes prior to your tour time at the Snowsports School building. Dec. – Mar.: NASTAR. NASTAR is a public racing program that provides recreational racers with the opportunity to compare their ability to the fastest member of the US Ski Team. Nastar races are held every Saturday and Sunday at noon on Oma’s Meadow. Dec. 4-24: Santa at Sugar. Santa will be skiing, riding, and talking with all the good boys and girls. Dec. 10-12: SugarFest. A weekend full of fun includes consumer ski/snowboard equipment demos, the ribbon cutting celebration of the new, Big Birch quad chairlift, live music performed by the Glen Harlow & North Fork Band, fireworks at dusk, preseason ski clinic, Girls Go Shred Snowboard Day, appearances by Sweetie and Sugar Bear, and lodging specials. Indulge in a hot chocolate and whipped cream bar, a soup safari and North Carolina BBQ during SugarFEAST. Sponsored by the Village of Sugar Mountain TDA, Ski Country Sports, and Edge of the World.

Dec. 10-12: Pre-Season Ski Clinic. Three days of non-stop individual ski racing instruction. Clinic includes a three-day lift ticket, coaching fees, video analysis, and a scrumptious Saturday night dinner. Daily participation is welcome.

Dec. 11: New Big Birch Chairlift Ribbon

Cutting Ceremony. The ceremonial opening of 56 VISITOR’S GUIDE WINTER 2022 Sugar’s new Big Birch quad chairlift takes place at 10:00 a.m. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Celebration. A New Year’s Eve celebration mountain style! Join us for a complimentary alpine torch light parade at 11:45 p.m. and a firework show at midnight. A fee, as well as reservations for the indoor festivities from 9:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. featuring live music by The Rockabilly’s, are required, and should be made by calling 828-898-4521 x261.

Jan. 2: High Country Junior Race Series Giant

Slalom. A giant slalom competition for all High Country junior racers. Registration is 7:30-8:30 a.m. Race start is 9:00 a.m. on Oma’s Meadow. Jan. 5: Winter Trails Day. Winter Feels Good Winter Trails Day offers children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing for FREE. Discover the fun and fitness of snow sports. Guided tours are available on the hour from 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. The program includes a forty-five-minute tour and snowshoe rental. Adult tours are for those who are 12 years or older. Children’s tours are for those ages 8-11. Sign up at least fifteen minutes prior to your tour time at the ski/snowboard school.

Jan. 4: Septuagenarian (70 & Older) Party. A party to recognize Sugar’s “Senior Citizen Skiers.” ”Favors, refreshments, and good company take place at noon in the Last Run Lounge.

Jan. 16-17: USCSA Collegiate Race Slalom.

Giant slalom ski and snowboard competitions for qualified college students. Competitions begin at 9:00 a.m.

Jan. 29-30: USSA Slalom & Giant Slalom

Competition. Slalom and giant slalom competition for licensed USSA racers. U10-U21 and Masters. Registration follows USSA procedures. No registration on race day. 9:00 a.m. start.

Feb. 13: High Country Junior Race Series

Giant Slalom. A giant slalom competition for all

LIVE MUSIC AT SUGAR MOUNTAIN

Saturdays from 4 pm to 6 pm Stage in Main Level Base Lodge Area

www.skisugar.com

Dec. 11: Glen Harlow & North Fork Dec. 26: Glen Harlow & North Fork Dec. 27: The Collective Dec. 28: Smokin’ Joe Randolph Band Jan. 1: Typical Mountain Boys Jan. 8: The Rockabilly’s Jan. 15: Typical Mountain Boys Jan. 22: Smokin’ Joe Randolph Band Jan. 29: The Collective Feb. 5: The Rockabilly’s Feb. 12: Typical Mountain Boys Feb. 19: Glen Harlow & North Fork Feb. 26: The Rockabilly’s Mar. 6: The Collective Mar. 12: Smokin’ Joe Randolph Band

LIVE MUSIC WEEKENDS AT BEECH MOUNTAIN

Beech Mountain Resort will have live music most Fridays and Saturdays in the evenings. On Friday nights, the venue is Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Brewhouse at 7 p.m., and on Saturday nights, the venue is The Taproom and Grille at 8 p.m. Both are located in the Village at Beech Mountain.

www.beechmountainresort.com

Dec. 17: Logan Fritz Duo Dec. 18: Shelby Rae Moore Jan. 1: Winston Ramble Jan. 7: Julie Williams Jan. 14: TJ Darnell Jan. 15: The Talisman Jan. 21: The Soulamanders Jan. 28: Sam Collie & The Roustabouts Feb. 4: Zach McNabb and the Tennessee Esquires Feb. 11: The Harris Brothers

INTERESTING DATA & FACTS

Weather Population Land Area

POPULATION & LAND AREA

Boone Highest Temperature in Watauga/Avery

98 degrees – June 21, 1948 in Banner Elk Entertainment Schedule for BE Cafe 98 – June 26, 1916 in Banner Elk 98 – June 26, 1948 in Banner Elk 97 – August 9, 1944 in Banner Elk 97 – August 12, 1925 in Banner Elk Avery County Population: 17,806 Land area: 247.1 sq. miles Watauga County 96 – July 10, 1936 in Boone Entertainment Brick Oven 94 – June 29, 1936 in Boone 93 – June 28, 1952 in Boone 93 – June 30, 1936 in Boone Population: 54,086 Land area: 312.6 sq. miles

Population: 19,092 Land area: 6.13 sq. miles Elevation: 3,333 feet

Blowing Rock

Population: 1,378 Land area: 3.05 sq. miles Elevation: 3,566 feet

Banner Elk

Population: 1,049 Land area: 1.9 sq. miles Elevation: 3,701

Beech Mountain

Population: 614 Land area: 6.6 sq. miles Elevation: 5,505 feet

Newland

Population: 715 Land area: 0.7 sq. miles Elevation: 3,606 feet

Sugar Mountain

Population: 371 Land area: 2.39 sq. miles Elevation: 4,432 feet

Lowest Temperature in Watuaga/Avery

- 32 degrees – Jan. 21, 1985 atop Grandfather Mtn. - 31 – Jan. 21, 1985 in Banner Elk - 26 – Jan. 10, 1982 in Banner Elk - 26 – Jan. 30, 1966 atop Grandfather Mountain - 24 – Jan. 21, 1985 in Blowing Rock - 24 – Jan. 21, 1985 in Boone - 22 – Jan. 24, 1963 atop Grandfather Mountain

Biggest One-Day Snowfall in Watauga/Avery

22 inches in Banner Elk on March 13, 1993 20 inches atop Grandfather Mtn. on March 22, 2001 19 inches in Boone on Jan 27, 1998 18 inches in Banner Elk on Feb. 7, 1922

High Country junior racers. Registration is 7:308:30 a.m. Race start is 9:00 a.m. on Oma’s Meadow.

Feb. 17: until it’s gone: Spyder 2023 Sample

Sale. 2023 Spyder samples are 30% off retail prices only at Sugar Mountain Resort. Quantities and sizes are limited, so come early. Prices you won’t find anywhere else! Spyder is the World’s leading winter apparel company.

Mar. 5-6: USSA/SARA U10-14 Slalom & Giant

Slalom Championships. Slalom and giant slalom competition for licensed USSA racers. U10-U14. Registration follows USSA procedures. No registration on race day. 9:00 a.m. start. Mar. 7: March Madness. Beginning March 7, and running through the end of the season, Sugar offers up to 25% savings on lift tickets, rental equipment, and lessons. Restrictions apply.

Mar. 13: Richard T. Trundy Memorial Sugar

Cup Competition. A giant slalom competition for participants with an intermediate or above ability level. One hundred percent of the entry fees go to the American Cancer Society in memory of Sugar Mountain’s former director of operations, Richard T. Trundy.

Mar. 13: Sugar Bear’s Birthday Celebration.

Join Sugar Mountain Resort’s resident mascot, Sugar Bear, and his friends for a fun birthday celebration. Activities include the Great Bear Race, special treats, cake, and ice cream. For additional details please contact the Snowsports School. Mar. 20: Easter Egg Hunt. Dress up in your Easter costume and come join Sugar Bear and Sweetie Bear on the slopes in search of prize-filled eggs. You may be the lucky winner of a 2021-22 season pass hidden in the grand prize egg! Or be one of three contestants awarded a prize for most creative, imaginative, and colorful costume. Valid lift/slope tickets or passes and ski/snowboard equipment are required for participation. Event is ONLY for children 12 and under. Participants should meet at the bottom of the Easy Street slope at 8:30 a.m. Please call for additional details. Season End: Celebration Burning of the snow, live music performed by the Typical Mountain Boys from 3:00-5:00 p.m., camaraderie, and other fun festivities!

APPALACHIAN SKI MTN.

Dec. 4-5: Anniversary Weekend. $5 Ski Tickets for Saturday & Sunday Day Sessions. Come celebrate Appalachian Ski Mtn.’s 60th year of family fun as they roll back tickets to 1962 prices!

Dec. 5, Jan. 2, Feb. 6, Mar. 6: Sunday Night ½

Night Special. Ski or ride for only $12 on the first Sunday of each month. Tickets must be purchased online by noon the day of the session. Dec. 25: Christmas Day Skiing. The slopes will be open from 1 to 10 p.m. The day will serve as a fundraiser for Appalachian Ski Mtn’s ski patrol. Customers who purchase their tickets online before noon on Dec. 24 will receive a 50 percent discount! Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Celebration. Join Appalachian Ski Mtn. for New Year’s Eve, and ring in 2021 in style with their fireworks celebration. Slopes are open until 11:30 p.m. Late night ice skating is from 10 p.m. - 12 a.m., and restaurant specials are from 9 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Jan. 2: Smith/Dakine Shred for the Cup Rail

Jam. The Shred for the Cup Series has become the benchmark competition series in the region, with 3 events held throughout the winter season that test skiers & snowboarders skills in a variety of park disciplines (Rail Jam, Big Air, and Slopestyle). As always, the series has categories and features that cater to all skill levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) of both skiers & snowboarders, as well as dedicated Women’s categories (Beginner & Advanced) in both ski and board.

Jan. 23: Arbor/SPY Shred for the Cup Big Air.

The second event of ATP’s signature Shred for the Cup Series. Arbor & SPY Optics are the presenting sponsors of the Big Air, and will be on-site supporting the event with tons of product for winners!

BEECH MOUNTAIN RESORT

Please Check Their Website BeechMountainResort.com Jan. 1: New Year’s Eve Fireworks. Celebrate the end of 2021 and ring in 2022 with fireworks! The fireworks are free to enjoy and will begin when the clock strikes midnight. Fireworks can be viewed from the lodge deck and in the resort village. The resort village is the perfect place to relax by one of the many fire pits.

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We are Local.

Six of the High Country Top 50 REALTORS ® make up our Blue Ridge Realty & Investments Banner Elk Office. Located at 110 West Main Street in Downtown Banner Elk. Speak to an agent today, call ( 828 ) 737 - 3100.

Bill Aceto

Cindy Giarrusso Tracy Simms

Karen Cleghorn Linda Cramblit

John Heinlein

Experience the Difference!

With 6 Additional Office Locations to serve all your real estate needs!

Blowing Rock

1129-1 Main St. Blowing Rock, NC 28605 (828) 295-7777

Boone

895 Blowing Rock Rd. Boone, NC 28607 (828) 262-4646

Boone

2237 Hwy 105 Boone, NC 28607 (828) 263-8711

Lenoir

215 Church St. NW Lenoir, NC 28645 (828) 795-1122

Linville

3616 Mitchell Ave. #3 Linville, NC 28646 (828) 733-9694

West Jefferson

10 N Jefferson Ave. West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 489-3042

NOVEMBER 2021

11/19 Crazy Christmas at Mystery Hill,

Runs through Dec. 30, Blowing Rock, 828-264-2792

11/19 Tweetsie Christmas,

Runs through December 30, Tweetsie Railroad, 800-526-5740

11/26 Chetola Resort Festival of Lights,

Runs through January 30, Blowing Rock, 800-243-8652

DECEMBER 2021

3 A Banner Elk Christmas, Ensemble Stage, 828-414-1844, https://ensemblestage.com 3 Festive First Friday, Downtown Boone, 5-8 p.m., www.joneshouse.org

3 Christmas Crawl,

Downtown West Jefferson, 5-7 p.m.

3-5 A Small Town Christmas in Banner Elk,

828-898-8395, www.bannerelk.com/

4 Carolina Snowbelles Present: A Carolina

Snowbelle Christmas, The Appalachian Theatre, 828-865-3000, www.apptheatre.org 4 Breakfast with Santa, Watauga County Parks & Recreation, 8-10 a.m., 828-264-9511 4 Saturday with Santa, Ashe Arts Center, 336-846-2787

4 Winter Exhibition Celebration,

Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, 6-10 p.m. 4-5 Santa at The Blowing Rock, 828-295-7111, www.theblowingrock.com

5 Christmas with Darin & Brooke Aldridge,

The Appalachian Theatre, 828-865-3000, www.apptheatre.org

APPALACHIAN THEATRE

5 A Banner Elk Christmas, Ensemble Stage, 828-414-1844, www.ensemblestage.com

10 Fall 2021 Commencement,

Appalachian State University

10-11 Cinema Classics: It’s a Wonderful Life,

The Appalachian Theatre, 828-865-3000, www.apptheatre.org 10-12 The Nutcracker Ballet, Studio K, 828-265-6621, www.studiokdancer.com 11 Holiday Parade, Downtown Boone, 2 p.m., www.joneshouse.org

11 Blue Cactus and Shay Martin Lovette,

The Jones House, www.joneshouse.org, 7:30 p.m. 11-12 Santa at The Blowing Rock, 828-295-7111, www.theblowingrock.com

17 Christmas with Elvis: Matt Lewis & The Long Live the King Orchestra,

The Appalachian Theatre, 828-865-3000, www.apptheatre.org 17-19 A Banner Elk Christmas, Ensemble Stage, 828-414-1844, www.ensemblestage.com

18 Mountain Home Music’s Holiday Concert,

The Appalachian Theatre, 828-865-3000, www.apptheatre.org 18-19 Santa at The Blowing Rock, 828-295-7111, www.theblowingrock.com 21 Cinema Classics: Elf, The Appalachian Theatre, 828-865-3000, www.apptheatre.org

22 Christmas Parade & Festival,

Town of Beech Mountain, 4 p.m.

JANUARY 2022

10 First Day of Classes,

Appalachian State University 22 Dan Tyminski Band, The Appalachian Theatre, 828-865-3000, www.apptheatre.org

27-30 Blowing Rock Winterfest,

Downtown Blowing Rock, www.blowingrockwinterfest.com

28 American Spiritual Ensemble,

The Appalachian Theatre, 828-865-3000, www.apptheatre.org

FEBRUARY 2022

8 “The Great Gatsby” with Aquila Theatre,

The Appalachian Theatre, 828-865-3000, www.apptheatre.org

26 Boone Docs Film Festival,

The Appalachian Theatre, 828-865-3000, www.apptheatre.org