Our village surrounds the Sugar Mountain Resort that features 125 acres of ski terrain on 20 slopes and 8 lifts for rapid transport. In fact, it offers the most ski area and the largest vertical drop (1,200 feet) in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains. With skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ice skating and snowshoeing, there’s fun for the entire family for a winter getaway. Find a variety of places to stay near the slopes – including vacation rentals and mountain homes of all sizes.
The Sugar Mountain summit at almost 5,300 feet elevation averages 78 inches of natural powder each season, making it one of the snowiest spots in North Carolina. Ski slopes typically open by Thanksgiving thanks to an extensive snow-making system. Depending on mother nature, they remain open through most of March. See the weather forecast and averages.
Since we are in the middle of a ski resort village, find everything you need nearby – including many ski equipment rental shops, winter sport stores, restaurants, vacation rentals and much more. See our Winter Guide for many things to do off the slopes. To beat the crowds and save money, ski midweek (see ways to save).
For summer fun on the slopes, see Bike Park & Scenic Lifts.
Stay on the Mountain
Find cozy mountain cabins, convenient slope-side condos and luxury home rentals of all sizes on our mountain. It’s all about convenience at Sugar Mountain – with two grocery stores for stocking your kitchen and many restaurants within a few minutes of the slopes. Check out our places to stay!
Tips for Ski Vacations
Equipment Rental
Rent skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, poles, jackets, bibs and more at the main Lodge (go to “Rentals” first and buy lift ticket there). Get details on the resort website. Also, find several options to rent and buy equipment at the entrance of Sugar Mountain – see our Shopping Guide.
Beginner Tips
First time to ski or snowboard? See our Beginner Ski Tips & Advice to answer many questions!
Ski Lessons
Sugar Bear Ski School and Polar Bear Snowboard School teach skiing to kids ages 5-10 and snowboarding to kids ages 7-14. Ski and snowboard group and private lessons are available for all levels, ages and abilities. Whether this is your first time skiing or snowboarding, or you’ve been skiing or riding for years, you are sure to improve your skills. Get details.
Ski Packages & Specials
Find many discounts and ways to save! See our list of current specials and promotions for skiing, snowboarding, tubing and ice skating.
Trail Map
Plan ahead and check out all the options. There are 5 miles of ski runs. See a map of the slopes and lifts.
Snow Tubing Park
No experience needed! Everyone enjoys a fun trip on provided tubes down groomed lanes at Sugar Mountain Resort. A Magic Carpet lift brings you back to the top for continuous riding. Read more.
Ice Skating
One of the town’s tennis courts is transformed into a 10,000 square foot ice skating rink, with plenty of rental skates available. 1.5-hour sessions begin every two hours. It’s located near the tubing runs, across the street from the ski lodge. Read more.
Snowshoe Tours
Head out with a guide to explore the snowy forests along the slopes. Read more.
Ski Lodge Address & Directions
GPS: 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Sugar Mountain, NC 28604 (ski lodge on left side and tubing/ice skating on right side)
Note: When you reach the mountain, be sure to go to the main entrance of Sugar Mountain (use GPS address 106 Sugar Mountain Dr) at the blinking light and big sign. Often, GPS will tell you to turn too early – taking you on a very curvy and hilly road. Stay on Sugar Mountain Road for parking. GPS can be very confusing on the mountain with our winding roads. Follow signs in the village.
Parking
Great news! Parking and shuttles are free. On busy days, especially Saturdays and holidays, there will be multiple parking lots near the lodge and at the main entrance of Sugar Mountain. Ice Skating and Tubing has a separate parking area, across the street from the lodge (golf/tennis center).
Free Village Shuttle Bus
Ride the Sugar Bus at no charge on most weekends from condos and rentals on the mountain to the ski lodge. Read more.
Tickets & Hours
Slope lift tickets can be purchased at the main ticket windows in front of the main lodge, in the Rental Department, and in the Ski School building.
Adult Full Day: $94 Sat & Sun + Holiday periods & $58 Mon-Fri
Adult Half Day: $74 Sat & Sun + Holiday periods & $48 Mon-Fri
Go to the Resort Website for all rates. Also, see a list of ski discounts.
- Day Session: 9 am-4:30 pm (ticket sales begin at 8 am)
- Half-Day Session: 12:30-4:30 pm
- Night Session: 6-10 pm
- Tubing: 10 am-10 pm
- Ice Skating: 10 am-10 pm
- Open every day, including Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.
Sugar Mountain Weather
Our weather high in the Blue Ridge Mountains can change quickly! Four-wheel drive is always recommended especially if you stay higher on the mountain. Since we are in the south, we always have warmer spells that affect slope conditions. On other days, be prepared for below zero wind chills. Read more about our weather with forecast, averages and more.
Driving in Snow
See our Winter Weather & Driving Tips to help you prepare for your trip.
For the latest information and slope conditions, go to the Sugar Mountain Resort Website. Phone: 828-898-4521.
Ski Resort Events
- SugarFest, December 13-15, 2024: A weekend full of fun includes consumer ski/snowboard equipment demos, live music performed by The Collective, fireworks at dusk, preseason ski clinic with two-time Olympian, Krista Schmidinger, 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, and Ski Country Sports. Go to their website for details.
- New Year’s Eve Celebration, December 31, 2024: 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 Collective, are required, and should be made by calling 828-898-4521 x261.
- Winter Trails Day, January 7, 2025: 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. Space is limited and on a first come, first served basis.
- March Madness: Get up to 25% savings on lift tickets, rental equipment, and lessons.
- Live Music: Enjoy free live music inside the lodge most Saturdays 4-6 PM.
Village Visitor Center
Located near the village main entrance and open 24/7, our Outdoor Info Kiosk has plenty of brochures and updates about our area for many other things to do. Also, see our illustrated Village of Sugar Mountain map for a quick overview.
Slope Conditions
For the latest information and slope conditions, go to the Sugar Mountain Resort Website. Phone: 828-898-4521.
For summer fun on the slopes, see Bike Park & Scenic Lifts.
More Info: Winter Things to Do | Shopping (Groceries to Sporting Goods) | Restaurant Guide