Boone Area Nordic Ski
and Natural Snow Report—
See you next year! Winter 2011-'12 wasn't the snowiest anywhere in the country—but next winter—check back here for updates on natural snow conditions for cross country skiing, winter hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering in the Boone area. Be a part of our network of reporters—e-mail ranjohns32@gmail.com to let us know about the snow.
Here's the last report from "last" winter (it is out of date now!) just to show what this page offers...
IN BRIEF: Updated March 5, 2012
Winter Wonderland in the Boone Area.
Four inches of new snow were recorded at 5,000 feet on Beech Mountain Monday morning—with that and likely more on Roan Mountain. Best Guess, Roan may be skiable and is likely worth a drive if you don't require the best conditions.
Bottom Line: Think snow—and check back here.
Please send reports to ranjohns32@gmail.com.
Today into mid week brings great conditions at the ski slopes for telemark and downhill skiers.
Join the Locals: Keep in touch with the Boone Area cross country ski scene through the new High Country Nordic Association's facebook page. The Boone Area group's successful Second Annual High Country Tele-Fest was held on January 21st at Beech Mountain Resort.
Keep in Mind: A network of knowledgeable local skiers fuels this report, but don't expect the detail found in ski resort snow reports. There is no on-site reporting staff out on these trails—so we'll update our info as it becomes available. (After you've sampled local trails, please send snow reports to ranjohns32@gmail.com.)
Look further below for where to rent skis, suggested ski etiquette, and a video cross country ski lesson filmed at Moses Cone Park.
Ski Sites—
Roan Mountain: Likely skiable but not great (check the trail guide) or view this Roan Mountain ski video.
Analysis—Wind is expected to blow in as today's snow ends so drifting and possible bare spots on the road up Roan are likely.
Hikers aiming at Roan when significant skiable snow covers the trails are asked to take snowshoes to preserve ski conditions and create a separate hikers path on the road to preserve ski conditions. Even when meadows on the Appalachian Trail to the north over Round Bald have thin snowcover, drifts can be big on lee slopes. Check out our new trail guide to Roan Mountain.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Moses Cone Memorial Park, Julian Price Park: No Nordic Now ...
The carriage paths that wander through the towering white pine forests of Moses Cone Park are a favorite Nordic ski destination. Same goes for paths in Price Park, such as the Price Lake Trail and the campground and picnic area loops.
Check out our guide for the Bass Lake Trail, one option. Click here to download a Moses Cone Park trail map. The trails at Linville Falls are other good options when the snow is deep.
Gated Portions of the Parkway: No Nordic Now ...
Gated sections of the road from Mount Mitchell to Doughton Park are good when snowcovered. One of the Boone Area's best gated Parkway ski spots—the Grandfather Mountain/ Linn Cove Viaduct portion of the Parkway—runs north at the gate from US 221 near Linville close to the entrance of Grandfather Mountain, and south from the gate at Holloway Mountain Road/ US 221, south of Blowing Rock. For a map of that section, click here to download the Tanawha Trail map.
If gated or snow-closed portions of the Parkway are your destination—call the Parkway's automated road closure line (828-298-0398) or visit the Parkway Web site.
Beech Mountain: Snowy walks still OK in Emerald Outback (not enuf for snowshoes).
No Nordic skiing at the current time. The town’s well-maintained trails are a best kept secret Nordic spot when snowy—especially the new Emerald Outback trails. Check out www.hikebeechmountain.com for more.
Ski Resources
Where to Rent Skis—
The High Country Ski Shop at the Pineola Inn south of Linville on US 221 (828-733-2008 or 4979) offers most everything a beginner or expert skier would need—including skis, boots, and poles, rental equipment, and lessons. For winter 2011/12, the High Country Ski Shop has new light weight retail ski packages and backcountry ski gear (as well as snowshoes for sale). 1st Tracks in Boone also sells Nordic skis, and the Mast Store Annex in Valle Crucis and Footsloggers in downtown Boone have snowshoes for sale.
Where to Ski
More recommended trails are listed on our Cross Country Skiing page. Our extensive Hiking Guide contains in-depth information on great places to ski and hike in the snow. There's also a winter hiking page. Also check out the map at the bottom of our Blue Ridge Parkway Guide. Zoom in to find the Parkway's many ski and hiking trails and even get directions to the locations.
Etiquette—
1/ Walkers, please don't walk in ski tracks—it ruins the smooth stride and glide. Please establish a separate walkers' path and/or use snowshoes that compact but do not destroy the snow.
2/ Dogs are frowned upon in the most popular Nordic ski settings. They run in ski tracks and destroy snow conditions. Best bet: Find your favorite, out-of-the-way pet-friendly spot that's not a primary destination for skiers.
Where to Learn
Take the video nordic ski lesson below and sample the scenery at Blowing Rock's Moses Cone Park, one of the Boone area's best cross country ski sites. Or contact the High Country Ski Shop in Pineola for lessons (828-733-2008 or 4979).