Skiing

Beech Mountain Resort. At about 5,500 feet above sea level, Beech Mountain Resort is the highest ski area in the eastern United States. Beech also offers snowboarding, tubing, and ice-skating. There are a total of 15 ski trails and eight lifts. In warm weather (Memorial Day to Labor Day), the resort switches to mountain biking, hiking, and yoga. Beech Mountain Resort even has a craft brewery. Chalet and condo rentals are available year-round. 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy., Beech Mountain, North Carolina, 28604. 828/387–2011; 800/438–2093; www.beechmountainresort.com. Full-day lift/slopes tickets $43 weekdays, $72 weekends.

Sugar Mountain Resort. One of the larger ski resorts in the High Country, with 21 ski slopes and nine lifts, Sugar Mountain has an equipment shop and lessons, along with snowboarding, tubing, and ice-skating. In warm weather, Sugar also offers rides on the ski lifts, tennis on six clay courts, and an 18-hole, par-64 golf course designed by Frank Duane, open April through October. Vacation rentals are offered year-round. 1009 Sugar Mountain Dr., Banner Elk, North Carolina, 28604. 828/898–4521; 800/784–2768; www.skisugar.com. Full-day lift/slopes tickets $46 weekdays, $77 weekends; lower rates in Mar.. Snow sports usually late Nov.-Mar. golf and tennis Mar.-Oct..