Sugar Mountain Newcomers: Relocation FAQs, Utilities & Tips

Sugar Mountain Living

Welcome to the Village of Sugar Mountain! Here are some resources to help newcomers and long-time residents alike.

Incorporated in 1989, our resort village of Sugar Mountain is high in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains – elevations ranging from 4,100 to 5,300 feet. Our premier ski resort is privately owned, while our public golf and tennis club is owned by the village. We are located in Avery County and share the zip code 28604 with four other nearby towns (causes a little confusion). In fact, many village addresses appear as “Banner Elk”. Our estimated year-round population is 189. On winter ski weekends and during the popular summer months, the population swells when many of the 1,570 homes are occupied. It’s sweet to live on Sugar!

Utilities & Services for Sugar Mountain

Water: Carolina Water Service of North Carolina
Start or stop water and sewer service at an existing or new location in Sugar Mountain.
Phone: 800-525-7990
Office Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm & 24 hour emergency

Electricity: Mountain Electric Cooperative
Phone: 828-733-0159
Office Address: 1373 Elk Park Hwy, Newland, NC 28657
Office Hours: 8 am-5 pm

Propane: Blue Ridge Propane
Phone: 828-733-3603
14 Turbyfill Rd, Newland, NC, 28657
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm, 24 hour emergency

Natural Gas: Piedmont Natural Gas 
Phone: 1-800-752-7504
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. & 24 hour emergency

Cable TV, Internet, Landline Phone: Spectrum
Phone: 1-855-243-8892

Cable TV, Internet, Landline Phone: SkyLine / SkyBest
Phone: 1-800-759-2226
20 High Country Square Hwy. 184, Banner Elk, NC 28604

Garbage Pickup: Provided by the Village – read more. Be sure to have Bear Proof Trash Bins.

Updates from Village Hall
Sign up for email updates for residents and owners from Village Hall. Email Tammy Floyd to request to be added. Read more about Village Hall departments and staff members.

Resident Info
All home and condo owners should complete the Owner Info Request Form so the village hall and the police department have your contact info for important messages and emergencies.

County Offices
The county seat for Avery County is Newland (10 miles from Sugar Mountain). Go to their website for many resources. Go to the Avery Register of Deeds for wedding licenses, real estate recordings and vital records. Did you know? Newland (elevation 3,606 feet) is the highest county seat east of the Rockies!

Post Office 28604
Since several towns share a zip code, just one post office serves our area. It is in nearby downtown Banner Elk (155 Central Way SW). For details, go to the USPS website.

Sugar Mountain Weather
The best local weather forecast for Sugar Mountain is Ray’s Weather. However, forecasts are challenging in our high mountains. Our weather can change quickly, especially in the winter. Due to the difference in elevation on the mountain, temperatures are often 5 degrees cooler at the summit than at the base of the mountain. Go to: Sugar Mountain Base Forecast (4,100 feet at Ski Lodge)| Sugar Mountain Top Forecast (5,200 feet at summit). Summer high temps are usually in the 70s. Winter brings 60-80 inches of snow (late October through April).

Snow Removal / Winter Driving
We clear our village streets frequently during snow events. However, 4-wheel drive is highly recommended especially higher on the mountain (and sometimes required). Many condo communities have private contractors to clear parking areas.

Retirement
Our resort village is a popular destination for second homes and retirement. Find plenty of places to get involved in our communities. Take classes at the Avery Learning Center in Newland.

Library
Avery County Morrison Public Library is located at 150 Library Place, Newland.

Hospitals
Built in 1999, Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital in nearby Linville (7 miles) is a small acute care hospital with an inpatient behavioral health unit, full-service emergency department, imaging department, laboratory and Rehabilitation Center. Watauga Medical Center in Boone (16 miles away) is a 117-bed regional referral medical complex, offering both primary and secondary acute and specialty care. Read more.

YMCA
We are fortunate to have a fantastic Williams YMCA nearby in Linville (adjacent to the hospital) with indoor pool, fitness classes, wellness center and more. Read more.

Register to Vote
The Avery County Board of Elections office is in Newland. Go to their website to update your address or get local election details.

Schools
The nearest elementary school is a couple of miles away in Banner Elk. Read more about Avery County Schools

Sugar Mountain Community Association
Stay informed, meet your neighbors and help to make Sugar Mountain even better by joining this property owners’ group. The SMCA provides activities such as dinners, games, hiking, book club, dining out and more. Many activities are held at the J. Douglas Williams Park, a 14-acre park developed by the SMCA. They also represents the interests of all property owners to the Sugar Mountain Village Council, whether those owners are full-time or part-time residents. Membership dues are just $25 per household. Go to their website.

Local Business Services
The Avery County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center (4501 Tynecastle Highway, Unit 2, Banner Elk) is located at the Shoppes at Tynecastle at the intersection of NC 105 and NC 184. It is open Monday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm, and staffed with knowledgeable and friendly folks to answer your questions. Go to the Avery Chamber of Commerce website.

Maps
Download the Village Zoning Map PDF
See us on Google Maps