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  We get a lot of requests about snowmobiling and cross country skiing. We
can't help you with the snowmobiling (there isn't any in North Carolina unless you own
your own!) however, there ARE some great Cross Country Skiing possibilities.One quick note though...for novices: Cross country skiing is enjoyed off of the ski resorts. It's free...but there are some limitations that we've tried to detail below. While the High Country Area DOES get quite a lot of snow each winter (from 50 to 100 inches, depending on elevation)...unlike areas out west and in the extreme northeast, each winter usually only presents about six to ten snowfalls significant enough to do some serious cross country skiing. Obviously, there are exceptions as there have been many times when we've had snow on the ground for as many as 30 days consecutively. During the 2003-2004season we documented the fact that there was some measurable snow on the ground (other than on the slopes) for 109 days straight! When we have that kind of snowfall consistency...there will be some great opportunities for Cross Country Skiing and Snowboarding. Where to ski???  Moses
Cone Memorial Park - This multi-thousand acre area in the Blue Ridge
Parkway at Blowing Rock is a picture perfect cross country ski site that
will offer numerous "Kodak moments". Twenty-five miles of road-width paths wander through towering pine forests between Bass Lake and the beautiful manor house of industrialist Moses Cone. Beech Mountain - While you CAN ski most anywhere that isn't private property...there is one cross-country ski trail on Beech Mountain. It consists of isolated, unpaved roads that are never plowed during snowfalls. Roan Mountain - Perhaps one of the best known places to Cross Country ski is at Roan Mountain State Park in nearby Tennessee, at an elevation of 6,300' offers well marked trails to ski on as well. It's 45 minutes from Boone, but Roan Mountain is the place for serious skiers. Roan's evergreen covered summits are a scene straight out of the far north. There are beginner options and gradual terrain that invites skiers up to distant views of Mount Mitchell and surrounding peaks. Blowing Rock - Moses Cone Park, just outside of Blowing Rock, has 35 miles of carriage trails which are excellent for developing cross country fundamentals. Cross Country Skiing is also allowed on the Blue Ridge Parkway road-bed, in gated areas...during times of good snowfall. |
  Be
adventurous!
- We are often asked "when is a good time to go cross country
skiing?" Unlike the snow on the resort slopes...natural snow
cannot be planned for weeks ahead. You have to be willing to
react on the spur of the moment. Some of the best skiing is when you don't plan for it. The best way to watch for the natural snow conditions to warrant a cross country outing is to monitor our weather reports, road conditions and natural snow reports. The live cams can also help provide some insight as to conditions in the area. One easy way to do that is to visit our Snow Totals page daily. You can also visit the webcameras to see the snow for yourself! Have a great time and ski safely! We are proud to recommend the following business as a great resource for scheduling guided cross country skiing and snowshoe tours in the area.
There
are a couple shops in the High Country that will satisfy your cross
country skiing needs. The High Country Ski Shop in Pineola carries
skis, poles, boots and bindings, as well as an assortment of other
related hard and soft goods. There is also a rental shop if you
don't have your own equipment or aren't interested in purchasing.
The High Country Ski Shop also offers lessons so your first cross
country experience is a safe and happy one. |
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