Where is the closest place to visit to play in snow? (Raleigh: ski resort, to rent) - The Triangle Area - City-Data Forum

annesg · 12-13-2008, 06:04 PM

I realize we may or may not get snow here during the winter (I'm from VA originally so I'm semi-familiar with the climate). But since we moved here from FL in July and neither of our kids have ever played in snow, I wanted to find a place we can go and be sure there is some snow to play in. We're not skiiers (I am SUCH a klutz

) so that's not a priority. I just want some place where it's okay to take sleds and build snowmen maybe, that sort of thing. We'd like to go overnight. Where's the closest place?

Thanks

anne

jfre81 · 12-13-2008, 06:55 PM

Just stick around. It'll happen eventually.

SunnyKayak · 12-13-2008, 07:00 PM

From my 30 + years Mid to Late Janurary seems to be most likely time that snow falls in this area.
Go to Wintergreen and snowtube it a lot of fun.

JDJeep98 · 12-13-2008, 07:27 PM

SunnyKayak - Where's Wintergreen? Snow Tubing sounds like lots of fun to me, too.

annesg · 12-13-2008, 07:36 PM

That's where we used to go when I was growing up in VA! Maybe I'll try there! Now, to find a place to rent....

SunnyKayak · 12-13-2008, 07:47 PM

It about 4 hours from Raleigh it above Lynchburg.
According to News 14 snow reports it snow tubing only there now .
IMO that has got my interest because maybe they are using the ski slopes for tubing so there would be more runs and variety.

Ok you guys got my interest up now if I cant beat the cold might as well join in on the good thing it brings.
I wonder what it would be like to take my inflatable kayak tubing lol.
Location and Directions - Wintergreen Resort (http://www.wintergreenresort.com/Location_and_Directions/ - broken link)

nepatsfan01 · 12-13-2008, 10:56 PM

I would recommend the Western Mountains - around Cherokee. On the way there is a town... shoot, I can't think of the name, but it is literally the city right before Cherokee that has small ski hills which also have tubing and an all around snow play area. Starts with an M... wait, it's coming to me... shoot, no, all I can think of is Margaritaville, lol. It's something like that and like I said, it's about 4 hours away, about 30 or so minutes past Ashville. They get a considerable amount of snow during the winter and my son loves going there. We usually stay at Harrah's Cherokee and then during the day we go into town to see the snow that they have. Two winters ago I think they had like 12 inches so it was a nice change of pace being up in the mountains.

Dusty Rhodes · 12-13-2008, 11:27 PM

Are you talking about Maggie Vally? Depending on route, Waynesboro, Va is fairly close as well.

castufari · 12-14-2008, 05:51 AM

Maggie Valley would be it. Some snow now but it's way up at elevation, meaning you'll be hauling kids up through the woods.

If I was in Raleigh I'd head up to Wintergreen, it's easier to get to.

mdp_az · 12-14-2008, 06:46 AM

Your best bet for finding snow where you can build snowmen, sled, etc... is not at a ski resort. They will not let you on their slopes but for specific activities, and for those you will pay for a lift ticket. I'd recommend either the town of Beech Mountain, NC (3.5 hrs) or Snowshoe, WV (6 hrs). Snowshoe will have more dependable snow, but its certainly a longer drive to get there.

Another option would be to stay up in Boone or Banner Elk and then drive up to Roan Mountain to see if there is some natural snow up there. You'd just need to hike a very short distance up the Appalachian Trail at most.