Skiing can be an intimidating thought if it has been a while since your last spin down a mountain slope – or if you’ve never skied before but always wanted to. But standing at the base of a snow-covered ski slope and staring up to the top of the run doesn’t have to make your hair stand on end with fright. There’s a ski resort in North Carolina that’s perfect for beginners or those who haven’t skied in a while and feel like getting back up on skis will be like starting all over again.
Ski Sapphire Valley, located in Sapphire, North Carolina, has the smallest and shortest ski slope in the state.
The main trail at Ski Sapphire is 1600 feet long (a little more than five football fields) and only drops 200 vertical feet from the top of the trail to the bottom.
The resort first opened the ski slope in 1967 and scores of North Carolinians found their ski legs here as children. But adults also love it — and it's easy to see why! With a shorter, less steep trails, skiing here is an enjoyable breeze.
Most beginners don't have their own equipment so Sapphire Valley has a lift ticket option that includes equipment rental, including skis, boots, and poles. Have your own equipment? No problem... just purchase the lift-only ticket for the day. (See rates for both at this link.)
Ski Sapphire may also have the shortest and least intimidating bunny slope, too. Ski lessons here are easy, especially for adults (because kids can do anything, right?).
Both daytime and nighttime lift tickets are available. Once you've mastered the slope in the daylight, come back for night skiing and watch the sun set on the horizon as you gracefully zoom down the trail.
For even more family fun, the Frozen Falls Tube Park is located at Ski Sapphire Valley and is just steps from the main ski trail. Frozen Falls requires a separate ticket. The park sells 1.75-hour tubing passes and they sell out like hotcakes so be sure to plan ahead and get this ticket as soon as you arrive.
Ready to plan a weekend getaway? You'll find plenty of lodging options in Transylvania County. Don't worry if it's not snowing, Ski Sapphire makes its own snow to fill in the gaps between snow events in western North Carolina.
Ski Sapphire Valley’s ski season is poised to begin any day now. Check the ski report page on their official website for current info. Ski Sapphire Valley is a four-season resort so check it out for year-round family fun. Find all the info you’ll need at the snow sports link on their website.
