High Country Life

Not everyone who visits the High Country comes for relaxation purposes alone – some come here looking for adventure. From thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies to those looking for new experiences during winter excursions.

The High Country comes alive during winter with thrilling winter sports and activities. From Beech Mountain ski slopes to Hawksnest Snow Tubing, there is something exciting for all members of the family to do in these majestic mountains.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding have long been part of High Country culture. Boone and Blowing Rock mountains come alive with activity during ski season as all ages enjoy the challenge presented by varied slopes for skiing or snowboarding alike.

Snowboarding, a recreational activity derived from both skiing and skateboarding, is a thrilling recreational pursuit that consists of riding down any snow-covered surface while standing on a board with feet positioned roughly perpendicular to its direction and bindings for additional stability. As opposed to alpine skiing where participants face forward when engaging the activity, snowboarding features riders facing back towards the mountain for added dynamic element in this popular recreational pursuit.

No matter your level, North Carolina’s High Country provides some of the finest slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels to explore. There are three ski resorts in the area – Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain – each providing different terrain to challenge your skills.

Slopes are graded according to difficulty, with black runs representing expert terrain. Some slopes may be groomed while others remain natural; skiing was originally practiced outdoors on snow-based slopes but nowadays is increasingly practiced on artificial “dry” slopes or indoors with snow simulators as a part of training and physical conditioning for other sports such as surfing.

There are various techniques for skiing, from the traditional telemark turn to freestyle turns often done on hills and moguls, and big mountain skiing to bowl and cirque skiing styles.

Skiing and the apres-ski experience go hand in hand, and many mountain towns provide many dining and nightlife options, as well as attractive outdoor ice rinks.

The High Country’s slopes host many winter competitions and events each winter season, such as the US Ski and Snowboard Championships and Air & Style events such as Burton Global Open Series and Shakedown. Due to its popularity, other sporting events like X Games and Ticket to Ride have also taken place there.

Snow Tubing

Snow tubing is a thrilling winter activity that offers fun and thrills without the need for skis or snowboards. To experience it for themselves, snow tubers must slide along an artificial track designed specifically for snow tubing – which might feature wave tracks or curves, an air bag cushioning fall. What truly makes snow tubing unforgettable and suitable for all ages is its speed at which tubes travel.

Skiing and snowboarding may be at the forefront of most people’s minds when they think of winter sports in the High Country, but there is much more than meets the eye when it comes to winter activities in this area. Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and Beech Mountain provide many snow related activities which are sure to delight visitors who wish to make the most out of winter.

Hawksnest Snow Tubing Park provides snow tubing sessions to both adults and children of all ages. Offering 30 tubing lanes with snow tubes available to those without their own, as well as snow-tubing lessons to hone skills before taking on bigger slopes, it offers snow-tubing sessions.

The High Country offers many stunning winter hiking trails. To ensure an enjoyable hike, it is always a good idea to check with individual trails prior to embarking on any excursion, particularly after significant snowfall; some trails may have closed or have hazardous icy conditions that must be considered before setting out on your journey.

Winter in the High Country offers many wonderful festivals and events to make for an enjoyable wintertime visit, including live music performances, holiday markets and festive activities such as Winterfest in Blowing Rock. Such festivities provide a wonderful way to enjoy winter in this picturesque region of North Carolina.

Hiking

Hiking trips provide an excellent opportunity to experience outdoor landscapes while reaping the many physical health benefits associated with exercise, such as reduced risk for heart disease and stroke. Walking on natural trails also boosts energy, strengthens leg, hip, and back muscles, increases stamina and enhances sleep patterns – making hiking a highly-preferred outdoor activity among sedentary workers and lifestyles alike.

The High Country offers numerous hiking trails that provide a unique perspective of winter scenery with leafless trees and less-than-crowded paths. If properly attired and prepared, hiking during this season won’t mean missing out on its incredible views!

Hiking is a popular form of fitness training among military personnel and police forces. Additionally, hiking provides outdoor recreational activity to families of all ages and fitness levels alike – helping reduce stress levels, spark creativity and build social bonds.

Some hikers set themselves ambitious goals when setting out, such as conquering a mountain trail or finishing an extended trek. Such ambitious objectives make hiking more difficult than simply walking, yet well worth their efforts.

Befor you embark on your hiking adventure, be sure to assess both your fitness level and that of any companions you plan on taking along with you. Make use of detailed maps in order to plan a route that avoids potential dangers like wildlife or difficult terrain.

As you complete your hiking journey, don’t forget to replenish your water reserves. Aim to consume between one and two ounces per hour while hiking; for longer treks it is wise to carry adequate supplies of both.

On your hiking adventure, ensure you wear comfortable and sturdy shoes appropriate to the terrain you will traverse. Don’t forget all necessary equipment such as your backpack containing Ten Essentials and hiking gear as well as rainwear (depending on forecast conditions), sun hat and sunglasses as well as sunscreen!

Ice Skating

Ice skating involves propelling oneself along an icy surface on bladed shoes attached to their soles (skates), using self-propulsion and glide movements. It may be performed in natural bodies of water such as lakes, canals or rivers or indoors and outdoors on manmade ice surfaces both indoors and outdoors; and can serve as recreation, exercise or competitive sport – the basis for figure skating, ice hockey or short track speed skating among many others.

Ice skating is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds as both a recreational activity and competitive sport, leading to two distinctive forms of competition: figure skating and ice hockey – the latter is an exciting team game in which players skate around an indoor rink to score goals against opposing teams.

The High Country offers many ice-worthy spots where you can slip on those skates and feel an exhilarating rush as you glide along a frozen surface. Parks, shopping centers, and sports complexes all host ice rinks during winter months; in addition, hiking trails transform into incredible works of icy art during this season!

Dependent upon ice quality and snow cover, many popular hiking trails in the region make for excellent winter hikes. Winter hiking provides the same exhilarating experience as its summer counterpart, yet often with greater solitude and panoramic mountain scenery views.

Are you in search of a truly unforgettable experience? Lakeside Village in Blowing Rock features five acres of lake that provide a Zamboni-maintained outdoor ice rink during winter. Open through mid-March, it provides an entertaining way to spend a day with family, friends or a date. Ice skating lessons and rentals are offered here along with lockers. In addition, its lake ice is used during annual Blowing Rock Winterfest events like Polar Plunge where costumed participants plunge headfirst into its cold waters!