Appalachian Ski Mtn.: A Place to Learn/ A Family Tradition

Blowing Rock's hometown ski resort launched High Country skiing in 1962. Appalachian Ski Mtn. heads toward the half century mark as one of the South’s most multifaceted resorts.

The mountain’s beginner terrain makes it the perfect home for the French-Swiss Ski College, regionally recognized group ski specialists. The Professional Ski Instructor of America ski school brought Jean Claude Killy to Boone in 1972, taught its one millionth lesson in 2002, and celebrates its 40th anniversary this winter. There are group and private lessons for skiers and snowboarders from never-ever to expert, including the SkiWee program for kids. Two dedicated beginner areas include an easy conveyor belt lift and a handle pull surface lift.

Two quad chairlifts serve additional easier terrain and three separate terrain parks, one new this year, with more than 40 rails, boxes, and tabletops.  Appalachian is serious about snowboarding and freestyle skiing. Check out the App Terrain Park for more on its region-leading program.

A second quad and a double chair serve the entire 365 vertical feet of Upper (expert) and Lower Big Appal (intermediate). Switchbacking Orchard Run swings long and wide to the bottom of both lower chairs. Also from the top, black diamond runs Hard Core and Thin Slice dive through the woods for experts (Click here for a Trail Map).

And Appalachian’s ever-expanding snow-making system really lays it on.

The massive base lodge embodies Appalachian’s family atmosphere. The upper lodge has a mesmerizing slope-side view from an outside deck, and the huge fireplace in the main dining room is always ablaze with 4-foot logs. And there’s Wi-Fi for skiers who need to check e-mail. There are separate serving areas for cafeteria-style fast food and substantial home-cooked meals. The lower lodge has ticket windows, ski school desks, a full-service ski shop and ski rentals. Appalachian was one of the first resorts to rent ski clothing and coin-operated driers are available.

Non-skiers can hit the gift shop or the Appalachian Ice Arena for day and night skating with awesome slopeside views. Appalachian's ice skating experience has just been named one of the best in the nation for families.