Colorado, Utah, Montana… these states all come to mind when planning a family ski vacation. But did you know that Atlanta has several options for family ski trips within driving distance? Great for getting your winter ski fix without the expense of flying! Also, perfect locations to test your kids on the slopes before the investment of traveling out west, not knowing if they will love it or hate it. Check out the list below for some great locations and go hit the slopes before the snow melts!
6 Ski Resorts Within Driving Distance of Atlanta
Appalachian Ski Mountain
940 Ski Mountain Rd., Blowing Rock, N.C.; 828-295-7828
- Driving distance from Atlanta ~5 hours
- Lift tickets: $32-$90 (Group rates and season passes are also available)
- Slope Details: 3 beginners, 3 intermediate, 3 advanced, 4 freestyle. 6 lifts
- For the Kids: SKIwee and Cruiser Camp programs are designed to teach beginning skiers and snowboarders. These are instruction programs that are taught on beginner terrain for skiers aged 4-10 and snowboarders aged 7-12. New for 2025-26: Both SKIwee and Cruiser Camp products will be offered as upgrades to a ticket and rental purchase on our online platform. This allows maximum customization to your needs and schedule.
- Other Activities: Ice skating
Beech Mountain Resort
1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy., Beech Mountain N.C.; 800-438-2093
- Driving distance from Atlanta ~5 hours
- Lift tickets: $32-$110; ages 4 and younger free with a ticketed adult
- Slope Details: 3 beginners, 7 intermediate, 4 advanced, 2 freestyle. 8 lifts
- For the Kids: Group and private lessons available for ages 4 and older. The Snow Kamp indoor/outdoor program (ages 2-5) includes childcare and basic ski instruction. Ski & Ride School offers hourly lessons (ages 4 and up). Snowboard Learn to Ride offers hands-on lessons from expert instructors, making snowboarding fun and easy (ages 6 and up). Snowflakes Childcare serves ages 1-5, with snacks and a large playroom. Traxx (ages 6-12) offers instruction for beginner and experienced skiers.
- Other Activities: Tubing, restaurants, two-port shops
Cataloochee Ski Area
1080 Ski Lodge Rd., Maggie Valley, N.C.; 828-926-0285
- Driving distance from Atlanta ~3.5 hours
- Lift tickets: $30-$89; ages 4 and younger free with a ticketed adult
- Slope Details: 8 beginners, 7 intermediate, 2 advanced, 1 freestyle. 5 lifts
- For the Kids: Private lessons for ages 3 and older; group and family lessons for ages 8 and older, Cat Trackers (ages 4-12) includes ski instruction, games, and activities
- Other Activities: Snow tubing, ski shop
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area
1001 Parkway, Gatlinburg, Tenn.; 865-436-5423
- Driving distance from Atlanta ~4 hours
- Lift tickets: $49-$129; ages 5 and younger free with a ticketed adult
- Slope Details: 2 beginners, 6 intermediate, 3 advanced, 3 lifts
- For the Kids: Group and private lessons for ages 5 and older
- Other Activities: Snow tubing, aerial tramway, ice skating, ski mountain coaster, kids’ snow zone, wildlife encounter, mountain bobsled, shops, restaurants
Ski Sapphire Valley
127 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire, N.C.; 828-743-7663
- Driving distance from Atlanta ~3 hours
- Lift tickets: $39-$98
- Slope Details: 1 beginner, 1 main, 2 lifts
- For the Kids: Private lessons for ages 4 and older; group lessons for ages 5 and older
- Off the slopes: Snow tubing
Sugar Mountain Resort
1009 Sugar Mountain Dr., Sugar Mountain, N.C.; 828-898-4521
- Driving distance from Atlanta ~5 hours
- Lift tickets: $37-$99; ages 4 and younger free with a ticketed adult
- Slope Details: 9 beginners, 10 intermediate, 3 advanced, 8 lifts
- For the Kids: Group lessons for ages 8 and older; private lessons for all ages. Sugar Bear Ski School (ages 5-10); Polar Bear Snowboard School (ages 7-14)
- Other Activities: Snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing
What are your favorite skiing spots in the area? Let us know in the comments!
Be sure to check out these tips for preparing for snow in Atlanta and some fun snow activities!
