It’s all downhill from here.

Planning for a ski/snowboarding trip is different than a regular holiday trip. There are so many things to keep in mind besides lodging – snow, prices, location in relation to slopes, nearby airports, prices, and what else there is to do in case the weather is a bust.

We’ve found seven mountain resorts to fit all those categories so the biggest challenge will just be finding a weekend that works for everyone.

If you have never hit the slopes before (or it’s been a long time)…

⛷️ Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley, N.C., has ten slopes and five lifts for skiers and snowboarders. This is one of the most beginner friendly resorts in the area and offers ski/snowboard lessons or tubing for those who don’t want to ski.

Bonus: Here’s a list of some of the best AirBnB’s close by.

💰 Lift tickets: $41 – $78 | Rental ski and snowboard equipment available

If you are trying to stick to a budget…

⛷️ Beech Mountain Resort is the highest ski resort on the east coast and if you’re looking for individual or family discounts, this is the place for you. There’s also an Alpine Village with ice skating, tubing, coffee shops, and more.

💰 Lift tickets: $20 – $79 | Ski/snowboard equipment and clothing available for rent

If you want an adult mountain weekend (which may end up like a college reunion)…

⛷️ Wolf Ridge Ski Resort near Asheville is good for large groups with a wide range of beginner and advanced ski trails. Wolf mountain offers cabin rentals with pool tables, beautiful views, private hot tubs, grills and fireplaces. The Views at Wolf Ridge features eight bedrooms – perfect for groups of 12-14 people.

💰 Lift tickets: must be purchased + picked up in the Base Lodge | Ski and snowboard equipment is available to rent

If you want to bring the whole fam…

⛷️ Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia is suitable for all ages (especially for those who don’t want to be on the slopes all day). The Outdoor Adventures center offers snowmobile tours, a climbing wall, horseback riding, pool/sauna + spa.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to hit the slopes (or just need a day off), the mountain-top “Village at Snowshoe” is a great place to shop + relax. And it’s beautiful at night.

Bonus: Check out this list of AirBnB’s nearby

💰 Lift tickets: $49 – $99 | Head ski and Burton snowboard equipment available for rental

Best advanced slopes: Hawks Nest | Best suited for advanced and intermediate skiers | If you’re a night skier, Hawks Nest is the best place for you – slopes are open until midnight Friday and Saturday nights.

Most trails nearby: Sugar Mountain Resort | If you’re looking for a big mountain (west coast skiers cringe here), Sugar is one of the largest resorts in Western N.C. More suited for beginner and intermediate skiers but there are also eight slopes to enjoy.

Best for activities other than skiing: Gatlinburg, TN | About 4 hours from Cola, Ober Gatlinburg is a small resort for skiing + snowboarding, but the city itself has a ton of options for dining + entertainment for the whole family. Also check out:

Wintergreen Resort
Moonshine Mountain, SC
Sapphire Valley, NC: Ski Sapphire Resort

I highly recommend checking out any of these getaways for chill NYE weekend. A day on the slopes + and an evening by the fire with wine sounds much better – to me – than queing up in a crowded bar.

Plus, we just spent most of last week in a mountain house in Tryon, N.C for a work retreat. It snowed on our last day + it was amazing. So now we’re all about taking a real trip up there.

–Sam