Growing up in the northeastern part of the country, my family didn’t consider it officially winter until the ski slopes were open. I can still remember my first ski lesson and the rush I felt going out on my first hill alone. I still get butterflies in my stomach when I think about it!
I wish I could have brought those snow covered slopes with me when I moved to Nashville. If you or your family are like mine and love outdoor winter activities and live here in Middle Tennessee, you’re probably asking the same question I asked after moving to Nashville: “How can I enjoy skiing near me without mountains or snow?”
Well, we have your answer! We have rounded up a list of great ski resorts, and other winter outdoor activities, within driving distance of Nashville!
Ski Resorts Within a Day’s Drive from Nashville
Tennessee
Ober Mountain- Gatlinburg
Distance from Nashville: 4 hours
You will find Ober Gatlinburg, nestled in the Smoky Mountains. This area is a popular tourist destination for Tennesseans given the location. Ski slopes are open mid-December to mid-March. You can board the aerial-tram in downtown Gatlinburg to ride up, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy once you arrive. There are 10 ski trails to choose from, but if skiing is not your thing, there are plenty other things to enjoy. They offer a ski mountain coaster, snow tubing, ice skating, ice bumper cars, a scenic chairlift, a wildlife encounter, and a carousel. What a fun adventure for a family and for all ages!
North Carolina
Sugar Mountain Resort- Sugar Mountain, NC
Distance from Nashville: 5 hours
Located just over the Tennessee/North Carolina border in Banner Elk, you will find Sugar Mountain. This ski resort has been running for over 50 years! They have some accommodations onsite, and have over 21 trails, including some for night skiing. They are mostly for beginners and intermediate skiers, but have some black diamond trails available. They also have snowshoeing, tubing and ice skating available. Check out their 2025-26 season brochure here for up-to-date info!
Beech Mountain Ski Resort- Beech Mountain, NC
Distance from Nashville: 5.5 hours
North Carolina is scattered with ski resorts, if you are noticing a trend. This resort is best for intermediate and advanced skiers, as well as snowboarders. But if you are not an advanced skier, you can enjoy ice skating and tubing instead. The resort also has it’s very own brewing company, so you can enjoy a nice, fresh brew after hitting the slopes. There are multiple lodging choices close to the slopes.
Sapphire Valley- Cashiers, NC
Distance from Nashville: 5 hours
This resort is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and perfect for beginners. They also have a zip-line and tubing available. Frozen Falls Tube Park has a 500 run with a 60-foot vertical drop- talk about an adventure! New this year is their Friday Night Lights when the slopes turn into a themed winter party complete with music, costumes and a ton of energy! There are plenty of lodging choices from cabins to hotels nearby.
Appalachian Ski Mountain- Blowing Rock, NC
Distance from Nashville: 6 hours
As the first ski area in Northwestern North Carolina, Appalachian Ski Mountain has a long history of family-friendly terrain, as well as an excellent ski school, the French Swiss Ski College. Test your new skills on the 12 slopes that are a mix of greens, blues, and black diamonds, and ski under the stars with 100% night skiing coverage. Lodging is available onsite.
Hatley Pointe Mountain Resort – Mars Hill, NC
Distance from Nashville: 5 hours
Located a few miles off Interstate 26, this boutique mountain resort boast peaks at 4,700 feet and offers 54 acres of skiable terrain. With a 700-foot vertical drop, 21 trails—many of them lit for night skiing—Hatley Pointe provides some of the most coveted & challenging terrain in the Southeast. Expert riders and thrill-seekers will find plenty to test their skills. Flexible passes are available for every type of skier and lessons are available by reservation. On-site accommodations are available by reservation only.
Side note- It is also only a 30 minute drive from Asheville, so a nice place to visit on your drive home.
Cataloochee Ski Area- Maggie Valley, NC
Distance from Nashville: 5 hours
With 740 feet of vertical, it is a great place to go snowboarding or skiing, featuring 18 trails that are pretty evenly split across all levels. There is also a terrain park, tubing, and equipment rentals. The season runs from late November to late March. There are a number of options for lodging in nearby Maggie Valley.
West Virginia
Snowshoe Mountain Resort- Snowshoe, WV
Distance from Nashville: 9 hours
This one is a bit of a drive, but worth it! Snowshoe has over 60 ski trails, 40 bike trails, snowmobiling, and tubing. The winter season runs from tentatively from December 5 to March 22. There are beautiful onsite accommodations that include dining, shopping and a spa (for those members of your party who may enjoy the snow fun). The resort truly is breathtaking and worth the trip!
Winterplace Ski Resort- Flat Top, WV
Distance from Nashville: 6 hours
Winterplace Ski Resort is a ski resort located in Flat Top, West Virginia on Raleigh County’s Flat Top Mountain. The southernmost ski resort in West Virginia, Winterplace is a popular attraction due to its proximity to Interstate 77. Winterplace Ski Resort is the perfect place for beginners to learn to ski and more advanced skiers and riders to improve their technique or just spend some time having fun with family and friends. There are 27 slopes one a terrain tark. For the non-skiers in the group, they have a snow tubing park – no special equipment needed. The largest snow tubing Park in West Virginia with 2 Super tubing carpet lifts and up to 14 Lanes of cool fun. Hotels and lodging available.
Canaan Valley Resort- Davis, WV
Distance from Nashville: 9 hours
Canaan Valley Resort in Tucker County may be best known for their incredible sled run, but don’t pass up a chance to check out the slopes. With 47 trails, there’s enough room to explore for days. Luckily, you can stay right at the resort to do so. No need to worry about equipment either – Canaan Valley’s got you covered with rentals. The resort’s activities also include snow tubing, ice skating, XC skiing and snowshoeing.
Oglebay Resort- Wheeling, WV
Distance from Nashville: 8 hours
Oglebay Resort and Conference Center, while a beautiful park in the spring and summer months, transforms into a winter wonderland under a blanket of snow. Enjoy West Virginia’s most northern slopes at the Nutting Winter Sports Complex at Oglebay. A modest ski lift makes way for unspoiled family fun. Warm up at the lodge with a hot chocolate after hitting the slopes.
Timberline Mountain- Davis, WV
Distance from Nashville: 9 hours
Re-opened in the 2020/21 season, Timberline Mountain, is a snow-filled paradise in the Canaan Valley region of the state. Over $10 million of capital improvements have been made to ensure an exciting winter season. A new high-speed chair lift has been installed so that guests can spend as little time on the lifts and as much time enjoying the slopes as possible. The ski area provides skiers and snowboarders a peak elevation of 4,268 feet, 200 inches of average annual snowfall and a vertical drop of 100 feet. Three lifts service 37 runs spread out over 100 acres of skiable terrain.
Set in Monongahela National Forest and the Allegheny Mountains, this casual seasonal ski resort is 3 miles from West Virginia Route 32 and 9 miles from Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Lodging is available on-site, and the resort offers guests the option of staying in their slopeside hotel. Great dining is available in the Timberhaus Cafeteria and Timbers Pub & Fireside Grill. There’s a cafe, a gym and ski-in/ski-out access, as well as biking and walking trails. Massage services, bike rentals and horseback riding are available.
White Grass Ski Touring Center- Davis, WV
Distance from Nashville: 9 hours
No reservations needed, walk right into White Grass for your cross country adventure. Located in a snowy corner of the Cabin Mountain range of West Virginia’s High Alleghenies. Open December through March. Explore 30 miles of maintained trails, and traveling through rolling hills with over 1,200 vertical feet available. Fuel up and recharge at the White Grass Café.
The Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge provides many learning opportunities as well, including guided natural history snowshoe trips and hikes. All together, the Canaan Valley region offers one of the finest Nordic networks in the eastern U.S. with well over 100 km of trails. Check out the amazing topography on our maps, also available for free in the lodge.
Virginia
Massanutten- Massanutten, VA
Distance from Nashville: 8 hours
If you’re visiting Massanutten in the wintertime, don’t miss the chance to hit some of the best slopes in the state of Virginia! Located in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley at 2,922 ft. of elevation, Massanutten is home to a large variety of trails, a dedicated learner’s area, terrain parks, and night skiing. Skiers and riders who visit Massanutten will have access to 80 skiable acres, including 23 runs serviced by 7 lifts.
Massanutten Resort boasts the most vertical drop in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania with 1,110 feet of thrilling terrain. All 14 trails are open to skiers, snowboarders, and skiboarders, and all 14 trails are lighted for night skiing! There are numerous ski chalets located on and around the resort and there are several stay and ski packages.
The truth is winter is not the only time to enjoy Massanutten! They feature zip lining, a Spa, and one of the coolest indoor/outdoor water parks in the region.
Bryce Resort- Baste, VA
Distance from Nashville: 8.5 hours
Located in the Allegheny Mountains two hours west of Washington, D.C., Bryce Resort is great for both skiers and snowboarders. For first-time skiers ages 4.5-7 and snowboarders ages 6-7, they have a Kinder School, a package which includes rental equipment, a lift ticket, helmet, additional indoor activities, hot chocolate, and snack breaks. Older riders can book lessons at the Snowsports School, ideal for beginners ages 8 and up. These classes include equipment rental, lift pass, and a 75-minute group lesson. Skiers and snowboards of every level ages 3 and up also have the option of private lessons, which are tailored to meet the needs of the individual. Dining & Lodging: Two on-site restaurants are open for guests and visitors of the resort, and while Bryce does not have their own hotel, there are several local lodging options available.
Wintergreen Resort- Wintergreen, VA
Distance from Nashville: 8 hours
About an hour and a half west of Richmond in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Wintergreen Resort offers ski and snowboard lessons for every skill level. For first-time skiers or snowboards ages 8 and up, the Discover Skiing and Riding class includes a lift ticket, equipment rentals for up to eight hours, and a 75-minute lesson. Kids can try the Kids Ski Programs. These classes group children according to age and skill, and includes breaks for lunch, snacks, and hot chocolate. In addition to these beginner classes, Wintergreen offers group lessons, women’s skiing clinics, private lessons, and family lessons that allow you and your kids to stick together on the slopes. For family members not interested in winter sports, the resort has a full spa and salon, indoor tennis courts, and hiking trails around the mountain. Dining & Lodging: There are four on-site restaurants at Wintergreen. Guest rooms, condos, homes, and exclusive properties are available on the resort property to rent.
Missouri
Hidden Valley Ski Resort- Wildwood, MO
Distance from Nashville: 5.5 hours
Wildwood, Missouri is located near St Louis, so not a bad drive at all. The resort has been in operation since 1982. They have over 16 trails and 2 peaks. This resort is great for beginners and intermediate skiers of all ages. Snow tubing is also available, and a lodge with a fireplace to warm up after the slopes.
Side note, I highly suggest visiting St. Louis and the new activities in Union Station before heading back to Nashville!
Indiana
Paoli Peaks Mountain Resort- Paoli, IN
Distance from Nashville: 3.5 hours
One of the closest options for Nashvillians, is to drive up north to Paoli, Indiana. Paoli Peaks is great for all ski levels, but mostly intermediate. They have an arctic blast tubing park available, as well as many dining options. There is no lodging at the resort itself, but there are several lodging options within minutes. Check them out here. Paoli Peaks offers night skiing & snowboarding, so stick around and ski under the lights.
Perfect North Slopes- Lawrenceburg, IN
Distance from Nashville: 4.5 hours
Located up I-65, near Cincinnati, you will find Perfect North Slopes. The area has 23 trails, 1 of which is expert, 3 of which are most difficult, 2 of which are advanced intermediate, 12 of which are intermediate, and 5 of which are beginner. They also have snow tubing, dining and lodging available. While lodging is not available on site there are plenty of options close by including etended stay hotels and bed and breakfasts.
Illinois
Snowstar-Andalusia, IL
Distance from Nashville: 8 hours
With 15 skiing and snowboarding lanes, a 28-acre terrain park with 40+ features, 11 snow tubing lanes, a state-of-the-art tune shop, gear rental and more, Snowstar continues to be the region’s best winter sports park for those with experience — and without. But the fun doesn’t stop once the powder melts! We’re open year-round for event rentals, four unique food and beverage options and more.
If you need a break from the cold, you and your family can warm up and grab a snack in The Lodge. There are other activities including snow boarding, and tubing. There are no onsite accommodations, but plenty of hotels nearby.
Villia Olivia – Bartlett, IL
Distance from Nashville: 8 hours
This is another longer, extended vacation, but sure to bring some family fun, near Chicago. Season anticipated opening date is December 19. Downhill skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing are all a part of Villa Olivia. With 100% snow making, ski and snowboard lessons for all levels, and rental equipment available, we have something for everyone. The hill includes seven runs, a chairlift, six rope tows, and a tubing hill.
Four Lakes Alpine Snow Sports- Lisle, IL
Distance from Nashville: 7.5 hours
Another Chicago area resort, Four Lakes is celebrating their 55th year of service. People of all ages come to Four Lakes to learn, enjoy, and challenge the sport. Whether it is to have an amazing afternoon with your family or to get away with a few friends. Four Lakes has the “Anyone Can Do” attitude and wants to help you learn to ski or snowboard.Their Snowsports School is ready to get you started and to always teach students to ski & snowboard safely, in control, proficient and most importantly, HAVE FUN!
Ohio
Mad River Mountain- Zanesfield, OH
Distance from Nashville: 6 hours
Come visit Ohio’s largest ski and snowboard resort. The elevation of Mad River Mountain is 1,460 feet with a vertical drop of 300 ft, and it has a ski season that runs from approximately mid-December through mid-March. Over the years, the facility has grown from a small commuter resort into the 144-acre winter playground that it is today. For skiing and riding, the resort’s guests will find six chair and six surface lifts accessing 24 slopes and trails, including two progressive terrain parks, Momentum and Capital Park.
Customers can also experience everyone’s favorite new way to enjoy the snow at the Avalanche Tubing Park. Featuring 10 newly extended chutes, each 1000 feet long, and serviced by two conveyor lifts to zip you and your tube to the top, Avalanche Tubing Park equals no-skills-required fun.
Along with the most expansive skiable terrain in Ohio, Mad River Mountain is home to the state’s largest snow making system. With 133 fan guns the Resort has the ability to pump over 7,000 gallons of water per minute to cover 100 percent of their terrain. Wax your skis, grab your family and friends, and head to the highest point in the state for fun all winter long.
Snow Trails- Mansfield, OH
Distance from Nashville: 7 hours
Snow Trails is located between Columbus and Cleveland. Opening in 1961, this family-owned resort features skiing, snowboarding & tubing. At 1,475 feet, it has the highest elevation in the state. Season runs from December – March.
Enjoy beginner to advanced Slopes, Glade Skiing Areas, and Terrain Parks, then relax as you take one of our six Chairlifts back uphill. All 100% lighted for night skiing! Lessons available for all ages and ability levels. Full Service Ski Shop, two Restaurants and Bars in our Ski Lodge slope-side. Plus, the family friendly Snow Tubing Park, complete with Surface Conveyor Lift, Tubing Lodge and Snack Bar, with colorful animated LED lighting for Glow Tubing, is the best kind of outdoor Winter family fun for all ages with no experience necessary.
Boston Mills/Brandywine- Peninsula, OH
Distance from Nashville: 7.5 hours
A bit of a further drive than the other Ohio resorts, located near Cleveland, you will find Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resort. Boston Mills/Brandywine offers 2 resorts in one within spectacular Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Polar Blast Snow Tubing– The Polar Blast Snow Tubing Park is THE place for family fun! Offering an adrenaline-pumping experience for all ages with a variety of snow tubing lanes and a massive two-lane conveyor belt that takes you back to the top for another ride.
Night Skiing– When the sun goes down, the stars come out for night skiing at Boston Mills Brandywine. If you haven’t skied under the lights before, it’s definitely a whole different vibe as night skiing feels just a bit more festive and carefree.
Cuyahoga Valley Cross Country Skiing– Cuyahoga Valley is home to miles of some of Ohio’s best cross-country skiing. With trails ranging from long and flat to steep and hilly, there’s a cross-country skiing adventure perfect for all skill levels.
