Ski Beech: Skiing on Top of the World

Beech Mountain's appeal begins with elevation. The 5,506-foot summit of Ski Beech rises higher than any ski resort east of the Rockies. And the town of Beech Mountain is the East’s highest municipality.  The mountain gets 80 to 100 inches of snow annually and clear-day views stretch across Tennessee and north to Virginia.

Beginner learning areas include wide open Freestyle, served by two double chairs.

The Boone NC area’s only high-speed detachable quad chairlift soars to the summit and serves the mountain's entire 830 feet of vertical feet drop. Popular intermediate slopes Upper and Lower Shawneehaw dip from the peak, the lower part served by its own chairlift. Upper and Lower Robbins’ Run (intermediate) and expert Southern Star plummet down across the steeper face of Beech. Another double chair to the top flanks those slopes.

White Lightning is the really steep run at Beech. The slope starts at the top and drops gently at first, then gets steep enough to produce those butterflies in the stomach.  The almost endless view adds to the effect. A double chairlift serves this expert slope. The Oz Run is something completely different. From the summit, a new quad chairlift dips off the back of the mountain serving this favorite intermediate slope. Vistas reach to distant Mount Mitchell and the nearby summits of the Appalachian Trail (Click here for a Beech Mtn Ski Trail Map).

Two separate terrain parks entice snowboarders and freestyle skiers. Ski Beech maintains a large, Professional Ski Instructors of America ski school with an adaptive ski program.

Beech is all about atmosphere. A picturesque alpine village, ice skating rink, and shops surround the base of the slopes. The Beech Tree is a favorite for food and drinks, and the slope-side Viewhaus Cafeteria offers a fine view and a huge, sunny porch.

Special events add to the fun. Early January brings Winterfest, featuring bathing suit contests on skis, ski races, and the Cardboard Box Derby.