Snowboarding in the NC Mountains
The High Country remains a premier skiing destination, but for all the snowboarders out there, don’t worry – there are plenty of facilities and programs between the area’s three resorts to satisfy snowboarders of all experience levels. Whether you’re looking to take professional beginner lessons, shred it on an advanced terrain park, or simply cruise down beautiful Alpine slopes, the High Country mountains have it all.
Burton Learn to Ride Centers
The largest snowboard brand in the world, Burton Snowboard, has a first-class Learn to Ride program that partners with all three High Country resorts: starting with Appalachian Ski Mountain, the program has since expanded to both Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain, as well. The program provides high quality rental gear, top trained instructors, and a low-pressure learning environment to ensure the best possible experience for beginner snowboarders of all ages.
Picking up snowboarding may seem difficult, but Burton’s innovative Learn to Ride program makes it easy to cut straight to the fun and excitement of the sport. Don’t be afraid of a few faceplants and wipeouts throughout your journey – you’ll be riding the slopes in no time!
Terrain Parks
In addition to the Learn to Ride centers for beginners, each High Country resort has terrain parks ranging in level from novice to expert. All resorts also offer snowboard rentals, so you don’t have to worry about bringing or buying your own equipment.
Appalachian Ski Mountain
One of the most elite terrain parks in North Carolina, App Terrain Park, can be found within the Appalachian Ski Mountain resort. ATP is unparalleled in its innovation, with three different terrain parks and around 60 features – ranging from rails, boxes, jibs, jumps, and more. The park landscapes are constantly changing, with workers working around-the-clock to groom, shape, and change the park’s setup. “Founded by riders, built by riders,” ATP is a snowboarding experience unlike anything else in the Southeast.
Beech Mountain
Beech Mountain boasts two full-feature terrain parks: the Meadows and the Powder Bowl. Both parks are filled with features and perfectly packed powder – The Meadows terrain park for beginners and the Powder Bowl for more advanced boarders. If you’re looking for an extra thrill and challenge, check out the halfpipes, grind rails, and jumps at the Powder Bowl; it’s the perfect place to practice your aerials, ollies, and other freestyle moves.
Sugar Mountain
Last but not least, Sugar Mountain’s terrain park is another great option to get your freestyle snowboarding fix. Whether you’re switching it up after a long day of skiing the resort’s black diamond slopes or simply looking to perfect your half-cab, you’ll have plenty of both constructed and natural terrain features to work with. The resort recently added a new service lift to the terrain park, making boarding easier than ever, and the area is designated with a bright orange oval so you can’t miss it!
In addition to the Learn to Ride centers and terrain parks, don’t forget that all slopes at each of the resorts are open to skiers and snowboarders alike. From the more challenging slopes, the bunny run, to custom ski lessons, you’ll never run out of things to do when boarding in the High Country.