Few things are more exhilarating than winter vacations in Asheville. The icy air brushing against your face as you ski down a steep slope or the crunch of twigs under your feet and the magical art of patterns on frozen waterfalls.
High Point at DuPont State Forest. Source: Flickr
Cue, perfection: After an adventure-filled day, you sit by the fireplace at 1900 Inn on Montford, sipping on a cappuccino or a glass of wine to wind down. That’s what you can look forward to from a day experiencing Asheville winter adventures.
Our Asheville bed and breakfast, with luxurious bedrooms and delicious homemade breakfasts, is a winter destination unto itself. And if you’re the outdoorsy type, it’s your gateway to winter adventure and relaxation, a haven for tired feet and happy, post-fun faces. Our prime location offers you easy access to a variety of outdoor activities, and our hosts and long-time Ashevillians, Willie and Shawnie, will be home to welcome you every evening and hear your tales.
Winter Things to Do in Asheville While You’re Staying at Our Asheville BnB
Scenic Winter Hikes in Asheville
Asheville, nestled in the heart of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, offers some of the most invigorating hiking experiences. The chilly season unveils the landscape, providing clear, expansive views different from any other time of the year. Here’s a short guide to the best location to get your nature fix.
1. Bearwallow Mountain Trail
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Bearwallow Mountain Trail is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its easy accessibility and rewarding views. In the winter, the leafless trees open up panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The summit offers a nearly 360-degree view, allowing you to soak in the vastness of the winter landscape. The hike is relatively short and manageable, making it perfect for a quick morning outing or a leisurely afternoon walk.
2. John Rock Trail
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
For those looking for a bit more challenge, the John Rock Trail offers a slightly challenging hike with a spectacular payoff. It winds through a beautiful forest, leading to a large, flat rock face that gives the trail its name. From this vantage point, you’ll have a stunning view of the Pisgah National Forest, with the iconic Looking Glass Rock in the foreground. The winter months clear the view, and the cooler temperatures make the hike more comfortable, especially as you work up a sweat on the ascent.
3. Trails On Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a famed hiking destination, renowned for its scenic beauty. With several trails ranging from easy strolls to strenuous hikes, there’s something for everyone. Before heading out on any of these winter hikes, it’s important to check the official Blue Ridge Parkway website for road closures.
- Richland Balsam Trail: A 1.3-mile hike through a high-elevation spruce-fir forest to several overlook views. At 6,410 feet, Richland Balsam Mountain is the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Skinny Dip Falls Trail: A 0.9-mile hike to a popular summertime swimming hole with a multi-tiered waterfall and deep, crystal-clear pools.
- Graveyard Ridge and Graveyard Fields Loop: A 6.15-mile hike that offers a loop at one of the Parkway’s most popular destinations, leading to ridgeline views.
Spend a Day with the Elk at Cataloochee Valley
Seeing the elk in Cataloochee Valley is a must-do winter activity.
This picturesque valley, home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has many historic buildings and its own wild elk herd. This is a special winter activity, because it’s a bit off the beaten path and not well-known to most Asheville tourists. You’ll have privacy, no crowds, and above all, you’ll enjoy a beautiful setting to sit out and enjoy nature. For a full-day adventure, bundle up in warm layers, pack a picnic and explore the valley before heading back to 1900 Inn on Montford.
Adventures in the Smoky Mountains in Winter
The best part of visiting the beautiful Smoky Mountains in winter is the lack of crowds and the quiet calm of nature.
Take a scenic drive through Cades Cove to soak in the Smokies’ winter magic and maybe catch a glimpse of wildlife in their natural habitat. Hit the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, or check out Pigeon Forge Snow for indoor tubing on real, man-made snow along with plenty of other fun activities. Rowdy Bear also offers an exciting tubing hill that’s open year-round. After your adventures, warm up with a stop at Ole Smoky Moonshine for a distillery tour and tasting.
Hit The Slopes: Skiing, Snowboarding and Snow Tubing Near Asheville NC
Asheville really has it all: nature, culture, and, best of all, snow sports! Here’s what you need to know about hitting the slopes and tubes near Asheville.
Spend a Day at Hatley Point
Location: ~32 miles north of Asheville
Features: 21 slopes
A fun, winter escape to add to your itinerary! With 21 slopes and a resort-like feel, you’re in for a real treat. There are daily capacity limits so you don’t have to worry about an overcrowded mountain at Hatley Point. Pack your ski gear and snag a pass for an unforgettable day.
Cataloochee Ski Area
Location: 35 miles west of Asheville in Maggie Valley
Features: 740 feet vertical drop, 18 trails and 5 lifts
Cataloochee Ski Area caters to all skill levels, and is one of the larger, more popular skiing destinations in the city. The diverse terrain allows for a full day of fun, whether you’re gently carving down beginner slopes or challenging yourself on more advanced runs. The ski area is equipped with modern lifts to ensure you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the snow.
Source: Cataloochee Ski Area
Snow Tubing at Tube World
Location: Just 4 miles down the hill from Cataloochee Ski Area
Features: Operates between mid-December the first weekend of March
Tube World features a well-maintained and groomed slope specifically designed to safely accommodate commercial inner tubes. The facility includes a conveyor lift, also known as a “magic carpet,” which transports riders and their tubes back to the top of the hill. There are several lanes and a limited number of tickets are sold for each session to maintain rider safety. Tube World operates in sessions that are 1 hour and 45 minutes long, providing ample time for multiple runs down the hill.
Spend Your Winter Days At Our Asheville B&B
As the day’s adventures draw to a close, 1900 Inn on Montford awaits to envelope you in its warmth. Here, the spirit of winter wonder is kept alive by the crackling fires at our Asheville bed and breakfast, the shared stories of the day’s exploits, and the anticipation of tomorrow’s discoveries. Let our Asheville inn be your winter sanctuary, a place where each day ends in comfort and camaraderie. So, as you plan your winter getaway, consider beginning and ending your days at our Inn—and let us help you create memories that will warm you for many winters to come.