
Sugar Mountain Resort
Sugar Mountain Resort: Your North Carolina winter wonderland for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing fun for all ages.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fresh snow, fewer crowds

Sugar Mountain Resort
Best Time
Fresh snow, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sugar Mountain Resort: Your North Carolina winter wonderland for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing fun for all ages.
"A very underrated mountain, definitely recommend for a long vacation! "

Book Lessons in Advance
Lessons fill up fast! Book online early, or be there at 8 AM to snag a spot. :ticket:
Check Tubing Safety
Be aware of tubing safety guidelines and potential weight limits. :warning:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Skiing & Snowboarding
Main slopes
Experience 125 skiable acres with trails for all skill levels, from beginner bunny slopes to challenging terrain.

Snow Tubing Fun
Snow Tubing Park
Enjoy exhilarating rides down the snow tubing park, a hit for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Scenic Chairlift Rides
Summit Express Chairlift
Take in breathtaking mountain views with a scenic chairlift ride, especially stunning during fall foliage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Lessons & Tickets Early
Tubing Safety & Weight Limits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Lessons in Advance
Lessons fill up fast! Book online early, or be there at 8 AM to snag a spot. :ticket:
Check Tubing Safety
Be aware of tubing safety guidelines and potential weight limits. :warning:
Dress in Layers
Mountain weather changes quickly. Layers are key for comfort on the slopes. :shirt:
Dog-Friendly Events
The resort often hosts dog-friendly events like Oktoberfest. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Lessons in Advance
Lessons fill up fast! Book online early, or be there at 8 AM to snag a spot. :ticket:
Check Tubing Safety
Be aware of tubing safety guidelines and potential weight limits. :warning:
Dress in Layers
Mountain weather changes quickly. Layers are key for comfort on the slopes. :shirt:
Dog-Friendly Events
The resort often hosts dog-friendly events like Oktoberfest. :dog:
Consider Off-Peak Times
Weekdays offer a more relaxed experience with fewer people on the mountain. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sugar Mountain Resort offers a classic winter sports experience with skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Visitors often praise the friendly staff and the resort's suitability for beginners and families. However, some reviews mention concerns about overcrowding during peak times and the pricing for activities like tubing and ice skating, with specific safety feedback on the tubing run.
"Was here for the October Fest, October 2025. Chairlift rides $22pp, hayride $7pp, bounce houses, crafts vendor's and outside live German music. Good German food (Brat, cold German potato salad, saurkrut a bread) platter $17 & beer $8.50 and up. Dog friendly. Free parking with shuttle rides if needed."
Tami Stewart
"Awesome. Ride to 5000 ft above sea level. This day Oktoberfest. Music food arts crafts. Cost $22 to get chair lift. Besure to wear a light jacket in fall
#snow #fun # goodtime"
Guy Ruff
"Love love love this place we had the best time tubing and not enough time to enjoy the other adventures this beautiful place had to offer. Every one was so nice and polite we arrived at 7 for our reservation and everything was explained by the employees and were very helpful. My 4 year old and I were tubing non stop together along with my 11 year old she was just having the time of her life tubing. This place was close to many other beautiful attractions near by there just wasn’t enough time we will definitely be taking a long vacation there again and my daughter will be 5 old enough to ski with the rest of us next time. Very underrated mountain I definitely recommend."
Sia Farah
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sugar Mountain Resort is located in Banner Elk, North Carolina. It's accessible by car, with GPS navigation recommended. Parking is often free, with shuttle rides available if needed during busy events.
Yes, Sugar Mountain Resort is dog-friendly, especially during events like Oktoberfest. Always check specific event rules for pets. :dog:
Driving is the most common way to reach Sugar Mountain Resort. The nearest major airports are in Asheville (AVL) and Charlotte (CLT), which are a few hours away. Consider renting a car for flexibility. :car:
Yes, shuttle services are often provided, particularly during special events like Oktoberfest, to help manage parking and access. :bus:
Winter driving can be challenging due to snow and ice. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with snow tires or chains if necessary, and check road conditions before you travel. :snowflake:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lift ticket prices vary by season and day. It's best to check the official Sugar Mountain Resort website for current pricing. Booking online in advance is often recommended.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets at the resort, but it's highly advisable to buy them online in advance, especially for peak times, to guarantee availability and potentially save money.
A lift ticket generally grants you access to the ski lifts and slopes for skiing and snowboarding. It does not typically include rentals or lessons.
Check the resort's website for any available group rates or family packages. These are often offered during specific periods or for larger groups. :moneybag:
Refund policies can vary. Generally, tickets are non-refundable unless there's a significant resort closure. It's crucial to review the terms and conditions at the time of purchase.
🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience
Sugar Mountain Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating, and scenic chairlift rides. They also have rentals and lessons available.
Yes, Sugar Mountain has a dedicated beginner area with a magic carpet and gentle slopes, making it suitable for those new to skiing or snowboarding.
Snow conditions vary throughout the winter season. The resort makes snow and grooms its slopes regularly. Check their website or snow report for the latest updates.
Sugar Mountain can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours can provide a less crowded experience.
Yes, the resort offers ski and snowboard rentals on-site. It's recommended to book these in advance, especially during busy periods. :gear:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The resort typically has on-site dining facilities, including cafes and restaurants, offering various food options. Nearby Banner Elk also has several dining choices.
While some areas might allow personal snacks, it's best to check the resort's policy on outside food and beverages. On-site dining is encouraged. :apple:
Dining options can vary. It's advisable to check menus in advance or inquire with the restaurant staff about vegetarian or vegan choices. :leaf:
During Oktoberfest, you can expect traditional German food like bratwurst, potato salad, and sauerkraut, along with beer.
The resort may have a bar or lounge area where guests can relax and enjoy drinks. Check their amenities list for specifics. :beer:
📸 📸 Photography
The summit during a scenic chairlift ride offers stunning panoramic views. The snowy slopes and tubing park also provide great photo opportunities.
Taking photos while skiing can be challenging. Consider using a chest mount or helmet camera for hands-free capture, or take breaks at designated spots. :camerawithflash:
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can be magical. :sunrise:
Drone usage is typically restricted at ski resorts for safety reasons. Always check the resort's specific drone policy before flying. :drone:
Yes, events like Oktoberfest are great for capturing candid moments, festive decorations, and people enjoying themselves.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏂 Enthusiast Skiers & Snowboarders
🍂 Fall Foliage Viewers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Sugar Mountain's Slopes
When planning your day on the slopes, consider purchasing your lift tickets and rentals online in advance. This not only secures your spot but can also save you money. Lessons are also highly recommended for beginners, but be aware that they can fill up very quickly, sometimes as early as 8 AM. The resort's layout is generally intuitive, but familiarizing yourself with the trail map before you head out can enhance your experience.
The Thrills of Snow Tubing
However, it's important to be aware of some user feedback regarding the tubing experience. Some reviews have pointed out potential safety concerns, particularly with the stopping area at the bottom of the slope, noting that it might be inadequate for the speeds achieved. Visitors are advised to pay close attention to all safety instructions provided by the resort staff and to be mindful of weight restrictions and the overall design of the tubing run to ensure a safe and enjoyable time.
Beyond the Winter Season
These off-season attractions make Sugar Mountain a year-round destination. The scenic chairlift rides are particularly popular in the fall, offering spectacular views of the changing autumn foliage. Whether you're visiting for the snow or the summer sunshine, Sugar Mountain provides a beautiful mountain setting for a variety of recreational pursuits.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit