What to do at a ski resort if you don't ski
Imagine a scenario where you’re invited to go skiing at a resort in North Carolina or nearby West Virginia, but the idea of hurtling down a mountain strapped to two planks of wood makes your knees weak.
Fear not, powder-averse comrade.
We’re ditching the downhill drama and embracing the après-ski, minus the ski.
Here’s your unofficial guide to winter wonderland bliss, minus the broken bones, concussions and the humiliation of falling on skis.
Tubing or sledding
If you want the feeling of flying down a steep hill without the risk of falling, consider tubing or sledding.
Both Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain offer tubing at their respective resorts.
Skiing requires balance, controlling your speed and turning. Tubing and sledding are simpler: Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Tubing and sledding are ideal for young children, older adults or anyone who wants a more relaxed activity. They are also typically less expensive than getting a lift pass and ski rentals.
Snowshoe guided tours
The Sugar Mountain Resort offers snowshoe-guided tours from December through March. They’re offered at 3 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
They’re also offered on Saturdays at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The program includes a one-hour tour and snowshoe rental.
Take a ski lesson
If your group insists you join them on the ski lift and up the slopes, take a lesson before going up the lift.
Lessons teach skiers the proper technique, turning them from Bambi to Bode Miller in no time.
In all seriousness, you’ll learn the importance of the pizza technique to slow down and the French fry technique to speed up.
It is normal to fall several times when learning to ski. Embrace your inner child when you’re starting out.
A good instructor will help new skiers understand the importance of putting their shins on the front lip of their ski boots to avoid shin bang.
Shin bang is a sense of discomfort or pain in the lower anterior portion of the tibia that contacts with the tongue of the ski boot. The most common source of shin bang is too much space between the shin and the tongue of the boot.
Improper skiing techniques can make it hard for someone to walk afterward.
Taking a lesson also helps a new skier avoid family feuds. Teaching loved ones to ski can be a recipe for marital discord and sibling rivalry. Spare yourself the drama.
One other thing: Wear a helmet!
Live music and brews
The Beech Mountain Resort has Beech Mountain Brewing Co. at the base of the mountain. People who want to try a draft beer at the brewery do not need a lift ticket. Beech Mountain Brewing Co. also has a food menu.
However, anyone wanting to grab a drink at the 5506’ Skybar will need a lift pass. The name pays tribute to the elevation that gives Beech Mountain the title of the highest ski area in eastern America. Grab a drink, get off your feet and enjoy the incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Also, Beech Mountain Brewing Co. is celebrating 10 years of brewing. The company has a packed 2023-24 schedule of musicians set to perform.
The Sugar Mountain Resort has a 350-seat cafeteria, a 250-seat top-floor cafeteria and the Last Run Lounge Restaurant.
Food
The town of Banner Elk also features several restaurants for people looking to grab a bite. Here’s a look at the restaurants in the town, which is comprised of less than 1,500 residents:
- Artisanal: The fine dining restaurant was twice named among the top 100 restaurants in America by Open Table
- Banner Elk Cafe and Lodge: Banner Elk Cafe is unique because its two kitchens feature a wide selection of lunches and dinners.
- Bayou Smokehouse and Grill: The restaurant has a Texas-Louisiana-inspired menu. Popular items include the spicy Cajun shrimp gumbo, cajun pasta and mountain trout. There are also several craft beers on tap.
- Bella’s: The restaurant serves made-from-scratch breakfasts and New York-style deli sandwiches for lunch.
- Cam Ranh Bay: Authentic Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine.
- Chef’s Table: A farm-to-table eatery with fresh local ingredients
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: Known throughout the country for its bagels.
- Louisiana Purchase (LP) on Main: The menu features both traditional selections and seasonal offerings. Among the favorites are barbecue shrimp, bison meatloaf with smoked cheddar mac and cheese, tartare black angus beef, crab cakes, Scottish salmon and fried oysters.
- Nguyens Asian Grill: An Asian fusion eatery with an extensive menu.
- Puerto Nuevo: The restaurant is known for its Mexican dishes, seafood entrees and vegetarian selections.
- Sorrento’s Bistro: Nestled in the village shops in the heart of town, Sorrento’s is an upscale bistro known for authentic Italian cuisine. The chefs use family recipes dating back to the family’s roots in Sicily.
- Stonewalls Restaurant: Stonewalls has served steaks and seafood since 1985. It recently underwent a major renovation too.
- Williams Deli and Bakery: Williams Deli and Bakery is a great lunchtime find in Banner Elk for sandwiches created with gourmet meats and artisan breads.
Spa or nail bar
For anyone going to Sugar Mountain or Beech Mountain, the town of Banner Elk has several options for people looking to get pampered.
Natural Healing Day Spa, Sky Mountain Nail Bar, Westglow Resort and Spa, the Spa at Crestwood, Spa at Eseeola Lodge and Blossom Nails and Spa are among the options for people looking for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Boone and Asheville are nearby
For people looking to leave the mountains for the day, Boone and Asheville are nearby.
Boone is about a 30-minute drive from Beech Mountain, Banner Elk and Sugar Mountain. Asheville is about a 90-minute drive.
