Outdoor Activities For Every Season: Discover The Magic Of Winter In Western North Carolina

Mountain living involves a laundry list of diverse activities including winter sports and outdoor adventures. In the Blue Ridge Mountains of WNC residents and visitors alike enjoy the convenience and beauty of having four distinct seasons each year. Spring, summer, fall and winter are each celebrated in their own way. In the mountains, December, January and February herald cold nights where fireplaces and staying home are typical, but during the day it isn’t uncommon to experience sunny days, with great visibility and temperatures of 40 or 50 degrees in lower elevations. Although snow can be found throughout the mountains ice and snow generally don’t stick to the ground too long and bare trees make way for mountain views hidden during the warmer months. Whether you explore the color of the fall, the cool breeze of the summer, the lush plant life of the spring or the simplicity of the winter Western North Carolina offers an outdoor experience you won’t soon forget.

Celebrate the History of Asheville, NC at the Biltmore Estate

Are you looking for a taste of Asheville history? Then consider a visit to the Biltmore Estate. An exquisite example of Vanderbilt decadence, the Biltmore Estate shows what kind of inspiration can occur in a setting like the Blue Ridge Mountains. The estate home, winery, restaurant and hotel are all unforgettable, but for those who enjoy the outdoors hiking, biking, Segway tours and horseback riding on the property can make the perfect day trip. The Biltmore Estate offers numerous hiking trails to help visitors to explore the grounds. If you prefer a faster mode of transportation bike rentals and Segway tours can be fun for the whole family. Horseback tours can be booked for one or three hours and one of Biltmore Estate’s professional guides will accompany you. First timers and experienced riders alike can enjoy the Western style horseback adventure and to make the day extra special a picnic lunch can be provided.

Enjoy the Snow at Cataloochee Ski Area and Tube World in Maggie Valley, NC

Maggie Valley, North Carolina is a beautiful, 30-mile drive to Asheville and it boasts some of the areas most popular winter sports and activities. Cataloochee Ski Area is located in the heart of Maggie Valley, NC and is open to everyone including families, first time skiers, snowboarders and seasoned athletes. Cataloochee’s 14 slopes and trails are nestled on 115 acres and home to the nation’s largest per acre snowmaking system. Visitors can enjoy professional ski instructors, quality equipment and clothing rentals and the lodge bar and cafeteria. Cataloochee is dedicated to encouraging beginning and intermediate skiers to regularly enjoy the sport and protecting the natural environment and the area’s natural resources. Cataloochee Ski Area also provides snow tubing at Tube World on Highway 19. Tube World, http://www.tubemaggievalley.com/, is the perfect family outing. Complete with a lift and Cataloochee’s snowmaking expertise Tube World is unlike any other day trip you can find.

Explore Nature at the North Carolina Arboretum

Even in the winter the mountains offer incredible natural beauty to explore. The North Carolina Arboretum focuses on the education, economic development, research and conservation. The 434 acres of Arboretum property include 1.8 miles of the Bent Creek stream and mountain peaks provide stunning views from various on site locations. Horticulture, conservation and wildlife experts teach classes and workshops; programs are tailored for all age groups. Hiking and biking trails of all kinds pepper the Arboretum property. Many are even dog friendly! Nature walks can be taken on your own or with a guide and for a faster exploration of the property the Arboretum offers 2-2.5 hour Segway tours. Go North of Asheville for Great Hiking, Skiing and Horseback Riding at Wolf Laurel Resort.

Wolf Laurel Resort has something for everyone, whether you are an experienced outdoors person or a novice. Avid skiers can enjoy 54 acres of runs, some with top elevations of close to 5,000 feet. The longest of the runs offers lighting for perfect skiing at night. Hikers can spend the day walking the famous Appalachian Trail starting at Big Bald Mountain or enter at several other easy access points. Mount Laurel Stable offers over 20 miles of the most scenic horseback trails in the region. Ride to the top of Big Bald Mountain and enjoy 360-degree views of the Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests or ride through the forests along Bald Mountain Creek.

The Western North Carolina Mountains are a beautiful place to visit regardless of the season. North, East, West and South of Asheville offer memorable adventures that can be fun for the whole family. Relocating? Want to plan a mountain getaway? Consider visiting WNC during the holidays and experience the winter beauty of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains first hand.