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We actually went to Hawksnest today to go tubing - my kids are young! It as awesome - Sugar has the most slopes open - Appalachian has the best snaow boarding - Beech is the worst - All in Banner Elk (except App )
I am an avid skier and I prefer Beech over Sugar any day! More lift capacity and a high speed lift to get folks up the mountain and better runs. . Nicer village by far. Only problem its the furthest of any slopes in that area.
Another option is Winterplace, straight up I-77, a little further but an easy drive.
Always go to the slopes with the Highest Elevations. Beech Mountain #1 and Sugar Mountain #2. They will have the best ski conditions. Sometimes it will be a cold rain in Boone and snowing at Beech & Sugar Mountains due to the elevation. Plan on 1hr 45min to Sugar Mountain and 2hrs to Beech Mountain (approximate).
I am an avid skier and I prefer Beech over Sugar any day! More lift capacity and a high speed lift to get folks up the mountain and better runs. . Nicer village by far. Only problem its the furthest of any slopes in that area.
Another option is Winterplace, straight up I-77, a little further but an easy drive.
Mee too! (an Avid skier) I also like Beech - I was just talking about the current conditions (# of slopes currently open)
On paper, Sugar looks better.... longer runs, higher peak. Is this not really true? I am heading up next week and trying to decide between the two for skiing/snowboarding. How about weekend crowds? Any one better than the other for getting the most time on the slopes as possible?
I've never been to either so looking for the opinions of those with first hand experience. Distance is not an issue as I will be staying 3 nights in the area.
If you are in the area for 3 nights try Beech, & Sugar, that way you can sample both and see for yourself. The weekend will be crowded, try to be there when the lifts open so you can get lots of runs in b4 the crowds get on the slopes. I would choose Beech over Sugar because they have a high speed quad lift to the top. Sugar serves the top of the mountain with a really slow double lift.
Let us know your impressions when you get back. Be safe!
On paper, Sugar looks better.... longer runs, higher peak. Is this not really true?
While Sugar's numbers usually look great on the web or on paper, I've found them to be exaggerated on several occasions. Very thin base or even mud present on the runs when the snow report says 60"+ base. Sugar does have the longer run of the local areas, but there is/was that annoygin flat spot at the 1/2 unload station that could have you walking if you're on a board or have no poles to push yourself forward. This would mainly be the case if someone ran out in front of you causing you to slow down too much. Those are the main reasons I don't go to Sugar anymore.
As far as the crowds, they're going to be thick on the weekends and holidays. Weekdays aren't too bad at all.
One gripe I have about Beech is that the top is mostly unprotected and is subject to some nasty winds. It can easily feel 30 degrees colder at the top than even half way up...or colder.
If you feel like the extra drive time, Snowshoe is definately worth the ride in my opinion. More runs, better variety or terrain, and a neat little village at the top.
Locally, I'd rank Beech at the top, then Sugar, then Hawksnest and Appalachain would be close.
There is also Cataloochee and a few other areas that aren't too far away.
If you go to Beech, be sure to go down Oz Run at least once. It;s a pretty nice little ride that doesn't get hit too often compared to the others. The only bad thing is that the lift is slooooooow.
Have fun and stay warm.
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