Appalachian Ski Mountain - Blowing Rock, North Carolina - Ski Resort & Year Round Holiday Destination

The Appalachian Ski Mountain is a holiday destination in Blowing Rock, North Carolina and is open all year round. Its main attraction as the name would suggest is the public ski slopes, but holidaymakers can enjoy the mountain views during the summer months too. The skiing season at Appalachian generally runs between November and March, with the resort having 10 slopes to suit varying levels of skiing ability.

Two of the slopes at the mountain ski resort are relatively easy to negotiate, with five of medium difficulty and three more difficult runs. The longest slope is the Orchard Run, which is approximately half a mile long. All slopes have lighting to enable night time skiing with the three chairlifts, conveyor lift and handle pull tow all open from 9am-4pm and 6pm-10pm.

During the skiing season natural snowfall is topped up with real machine made snow to ensure as much as possible, that the slopes can be kept open throughout the season. The snow is then groomed to give it a corduroy effect making the skiing much easier. Overlooking the ski slopes is an outdoor ice rink for visitors to skate on, and enjoy the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Holiday makers can find accommodation in the form of slope-side lodgings on the mountain, which are vacation homes owned by Appalachian Ski Mountain. There are four chalets, which can be rented at any time of the year, not just the ski season. The homes cannot be used for house parties, and there is a not pets and no smoking policy.

The Ski Escape has spectacular 180 degree views of the mountains. It has three floors containing three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen and a laundry facility. As with all the chalets it has TV, VCR, phone, fully equipped kitchen, a washer and dryer.

The Slopeside Retreat stands adjacent to the ski mountain and can also accommodate up to 14 people, even though it is only set on one floor. There are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, living room, dining room and laundry room. The kitchen has the added luxuries of a dishwasher, microwave and coffee maker.

The other two homes, the Snowbird Chalet and the Alpen Haus can house up to eight people each. They have three and four bedrooms respectively plus two baths and one kitchen. All four chalets are within a mile of the mountain lodge.

For any visitors not already equipped with the necessary skiing gear, men's, ladies' and children's skis, poles, boots, ski boards and clothing can be hired at the resort. Ski and ski board lessons are offered for either groups or private instruction, with classes available to age ranges from four years old through to adult. A nursery is on hand at the ski mountain for children aged one to four and is open seven days a week.

Reviews from previous visitors to the mountain feel it is an excellent ski resort for beginners and anyone interested in trying ski boarding. More proficient skiers may not finds the slopes enough of a challenge.