Winter fun in Western North Carolina
- cdavis884
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
By Missy Craver Izard
Winter blues setting in? It might be time for a trip to the mountains. Whether you’re craving quiet days of stillness, a cozy winter house party or a full-on snow-skiing adventure, these mountains have something for everyone.
Western North Carolina is home to a true winter wonderland, offering snow-filled fun like skiing, snowboarding, sledding and tubing. It’s always an exciting time when the slopes come alive — so dust off those ski boots and head for the hills. Just be sure to check the resort’s website before you go to avoid any surprises or disappointments.
WNC Ski Resorts
Beech Mountain Resort Beech Mt., N.C.
Sugar Mountain Ski Resort Banner Elk, N.C.
Cataloochee Ski Area Maggie Valley, N.C.
Sapphire Valley Ski Area Sapphire, N.C.
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort Mars Hill, N.C.
Appalachian Ski Mountain Blowing Rock, N.C.
Hendersonville
For something different and very adult and child-friendly, try Hendersonville’s Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park.
Tuxedo Falls
It’s snuggle season. The winter months of WNC are the more serene time of the year in these mountains. So, it’s the perfect time for a getaway, including a Valentine’s trip to Tuxedo Falls — featured in the January Mercury.
Flat Rock
Before the curtain rises on the mainstage season, Flat Rock Playhouse throws open its doors with the Music on the Rock Series — a vibrant prelude that has become one of the Playhouse’s most effective invitations to new audiences. The 2026 lineup spans decades and genres, from Mixtape: The Best of the ’60s, ’70s & ’80s to Bee Gees Gold, Ultimate Doors, Songbird: A Tribute to Barbra Streisand and the genre-blending Boots & Blues. February 19-April 18. Plan the winter house party, buy your tickets and “rock the night away!”
Highlands
Looking for the perfect winter escape? The Old Edwards Inn in Highlands is a favorite. Plan to take in a massage, the sauna, elegant dining and superb lodging. Their Valentine’s Special is always a winner!
Thomas Dambo TROLLS, A Field Study
Now-February 17
Visiting on their first North American excursion, these 12 interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.
Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue. Standing seven to nine feet tall, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.
Learn more here: www.ncarboretum.org/trolls-a-field-study
The Great Outhouse Races
Saturday, February 7
The exciting Outhouse Races are taking place in Sapphire. Crazy? Maybe. Dangerous? Perhaps. Fun? Without a doubt! You won't find Outhouse Races on Snow anywhere else in North Carolina! Dozens of homemade outhouses race to compete for the throne.
Arts and Crafts Conference and Antique Show
February 20-22
For the past 39 years, Arts and Crafts enthusiasts, including new collectors, veterans, curators, craftspersons, authors, builders, architects, designers, editors and bungalow owners, have traveled to Asheville for the annual Arts & Crafts Conference and Antiques Show.
The education of the arts and crafts collector has been the goal of the annual gathering since the beginning. The event is unique for its full range of offerings for the passionate collector and those interested in the arts and crafts period. The three-day agenda includes lectures, small group discussions, special exhibitions, book exhibits, a contemporary crafts show and the finest of the antiques shows devoted to the arts and crafts.
Learn more here: arts-craftsconference.com.
For more adventures, events and places to stay visit: www.romanticasheville.com
Missy Craver Izard was born and raised in Charleston, S.C. and resides in Flat Rock, N.C. A retired summer camp director and art teacher, Missy is an entrepreneur, speaker, author, journalist, community leader and the recipient of several awards including the White House Champions of Change.
