Winter in Asheville looks a lot like a fantasy land. It may only snow once or twice each season, but when it does the city is transformed. Snow-covered hills limit traffic and give adults and kids alike a well-deserved snow day. We recognize that not everyone loves the snow, so we have gathered some ideas for you to enjoy the winter here in Western North Carolina with or without the snow. Celebrate all that winter has to offer by checking out outdoor and indoor activities throughout the region all season long. Here are some of our favorite winter events in WNC.
Go Skiing
While most people associate skiing with the Rocky Mountains from Canada to Colorado, the southern Appalachians have plenty of skiing opportunities as well. Whether you’re seasoned on the slopes or you want to try it out to see for yourself, check out Banner Elk, fondly known as “North Carolina’s Ski Town.”
There are several venues in this area just an hour and a half North East of Asheville. Both Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain resorts offer skiing for all levels. If skiing isn’t your thing but you still want to have some snowy fun, check out Hawksnest for snow tubing.
Take a Hike
While there might not always be snow on the ground, taking a winter hike will still get you out in nature and you’ll see things that aren’t possible at other times of the year. One of the best parts about winter in Asheville is that the weather is chilly and crisp, but it’s not always chill-you-to-the-bone cold. You can still enjoy outdoor activities when there are no leaves on the trees.
Transylvania County has the most waterfalls in the area. That’s right, you can see 250 waterfalls throughout the region just an hour south of Asheville. Check out the safety conditions before hiking in the winter, but if the parks are open, you’re welcome to explore the winter wonderland by foot.
Stay Warm Indoors
We know not everyone loves to be outside in the winter. Luckily, there are plenty of indoor activities for those averse to colder temperatures. Perhaps you could go on a brewery tour or visit local favorites such as the Pinball Museum, Well Played Board Game Café downtown, or Asheville Retrocade in West Asheville. There is also the Asheville Museum of Science in the heart of downtown, as well as the newly renovated Asheville Art Museum.
There are plenty of shops and restaurants throughout Asheville that would welcome weary travelers in from the cold – and don’t forget the surrounding cities like Saluda, Hendersonville, Flat Rock, and more.
How to Prepare for Snowy Weather
Like many southern towns, when the snow falls in Asheville, most people take it as an opportunity to stay home. For the most part, that’s a fine idea – you don’t need to go anywhere and the snow will melt shortly. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare the best you can before the snow falls.
If you haven’t already, follow this winter checklist:
- Inspect/tune up your furnace
- Keep flashlights and headlamps on hand for if the power goes out
- Don’t panic-shop as soon as snow is forecasted, make a plan before the “snow hits the fan”
- Stock up on things pantry staples like pet food, dried pastas, and canned vegetables
I want to become the go-to destination for people who have questions about real estate financing and the mortgage application process here in Western Asheville. Applying for a mortgage can be a frightening process at a bank, GoPrime Mortgage, Inc. aims to keep the process simple. Give me a call at 828-242-4780.
