Winter is upon us, and that brings with it winter activities. But how can you enjoy skiing without mountains or snow near Middle Tennessee? Well, 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 2023-24 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. View the current travel brochure here for easy access details.
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! 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.
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort- Mars Hill, NC
Distance from Nashville: 5 hours
Located a few miles off Interstate 26, this is one the most accessible resorts. Opening season is December 16th. With 700 feet of vertical and 14 runs, the hill has lots of room to play, especially for beginner and intermediate riders. Warm up by one of 3 stone fireplaces in the rustic lodge, and stay in nearby Mars Hill. Wolf Ridge is a family oriented resort offering everything from beginner to expert slopes. Lighted slopes offer nighttime skiing and snowboarding. Adventure abounds in the area from skiing, snowboarding and tubing to mountain biking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, caving, hiking. Find your winter adventure at The Wolf!
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 1 to March 26. 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 available on-site, and thehe resort offers guest the option of staying in their slopeside hotel and great dining 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
Located in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley- Opening Day December 15 and closing March 4. 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! 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. This package also gives a discount for second and third visits to the resort. Kids younger than 8 can try the Kids Ski Programs, available to children 3 and older. These classes groups children according to age and skill, and includes breaks for lunch, snacks, and hot chocolate. In addition to these beginner’s classes, Wintergreen offer 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.
The Omni Homestead Resort- Hot Springs, VA
Distance from Nashville: 8 hours
The Omni Homestead Resort is a winter sports wonderland, complete with tubing, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and even mini snowmobiles for kids ages 6-12 to ride around the property. On the slopes, kids ages 5-11 can sign up for the Little Penguins Program, and at the Sepp Kober Ski School, skiers and snowboards ages 4 and up can find specialty clinics suited to their needs. Private and group lessons are available, and advanced reservations are required for both Sepp Kober Ski School and the Little Penguins Program. During the evenings, the family fun continues inside the resort, which features a full spa, on-site movie theater, and a game room with mini bowling, pool tables, shuffleboard, air hockey, and arcade games. Dining & Lodging: The Omni Homestead’s luxury hotel rooms and suites feature premium king or double feather beds, and there are seven on-site dining options from casual and takeout to formal.
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. They are great for all levels, but mostly intermediate. They have an arctic blast tubing park available, as well as many dining options. There is not lodging at the resort itself, but within minutes. 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.
Illinois
Snowstar-Andalusia, IL
Distance from Nashville: 8 hours
With 15 trails covering more than 28 acres, Snowstar offers a variety of downhill excitement for all abilities and skill levels. From boxes, flat bars and round bars to corrugated tubes, wall rides and jumps, explore an exhilarating selection of 40+ features throughout the terrain park. Averaging around 40 inches of snowfall each year, Snowstar is the place to go for family fun all winter long.
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 is 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 23. 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. The resort opened in 1962 and will begin the 51st season of operations this season. 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 16-March 9.
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.
No matter where you choose to take your family for your next ski adventure, make sure to plan ahead of time, so you have adequate lodging, tickets in advance, and the equipment you will need. You can rent equipment if you do not have your own, but as a planner myself, I highly suggest having all of that done before hitting the road. Also, you can make dining reservations in advance as well. If you or someone in your party needs lesson, you can look for those as well on any of the websites above. Some of the resorts also offer childcare if you have smaller children in your party that cannot participate.
Let us know your family’s favorite ski spot!
