Ski N.C.

Have these cold winter days held you captive in your house, bored and depressed? Maybe you should consider taking a little trip to one of North Carolinas exciting ski and snowboard destinations. When many people think about winter sports they think that they will have to travel across the country to get decent skiing, but in reality there are some great destinations located right in our own backyard.

All of the locations mentioned can be visited in a long day trip, though it may be better to take a couple of days to make sure you enjoy everything without feeling rushed and too tired to drive home.

If you have a day or two, take a scenic drive up to Wolf Laurel Ski Mountain, located right outside of Asheville in Mars Hill, North Carolina. Wolf Laurel boasts a variety of runs open to both skiers and snow boarders as well as runs specifically for snow tubing.

Another great North Carolina ski destination is Appalachian Mountain, which is conveniently located in Blowing Rock. Appalachian Mountain is ideal for a day or weekend trip because its small size makes it is entirely possible to experience all that it has to offer in the span of a day. Appalachian Mountain has an ice skating rink available for figure skating if you aren't really a skier and are going with a group of friends, or if you just want to take a break from skiing midday.

Slightly off the beaten path, you can also find Snowshoe Mountain, a charming West Virginia resort and haven for snowbirds. Snowshoe proves to be the perfect spot for an east coast ski vacation. Snowshoe Mountain is ski and snowboard friendly and offers different activities for everyone involved. Because of the longer distance, you may want to consider staying a while longer. The mountain is larger and will keep you entertained for many runs.

When planning your ski getaway, whether it is for a day or a week-long trip, make sure to get tickets in advance to ensure you are getting the best deal possible. Many companies offer discounted lift tickets through their websites, and an Internet search will yield other sources of discount passes. Also make sure to ask for student pricing and group deals and discounts which your wallet will thank you for.

Don't forget your friends, either. If you plan on making it more than just a day trip, renting a cottage or chateau and splitting the cost multiple ways will probably come out to being less than a couple of nights in a hotel room, especially at a ski resort. To save money try going on a weekday as opposed to a busy weekend. Know that if you plan your trip during a holiday, you will most likely be waiting in lines and fighting the crowds.

The most important factor to consider is the weather. Check the snow report online to see conditions prior to leaving for your trip. Most, if not all, east coast resorts make their own snow, so there will always be something on the ground, but that doesn't mean it will be easy or fun to ski on.

If the weather is nice enough, also consider hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and even rafting while you are in the mountains. North Carolina's wildlife is not only beautiful, but a great source of exercise and fun. Start reaping the benefits of residing in this great state and get outside this season.