“Baby it’s cold outside,” is lingering in our ears, but we may not see snow settle in for weeks. Beat the season and head to nearby and regional ski resorts for some downhill excitement. Though not all routes and lifts are open at each location, most resorts have at least half their trails open, which will increase as colder weather sets in. Visit the resorts’ websites or call for more information regarding prices, slope conditions and other amenities.

Beech Mountain
Distance from Elizabethton: 35 miles, 50 minutes
Area: 95 skiable acres with 16 runs
Peak elevation: 5,506 feet
Vertical Drop: 830 feet
Other: two terrain parks, tubing, ice skating
Contact: (828) 387-2011

Sugar Mountain
Distance from Elizabethton: 35 miles, 50 minutes
Area: 125 skiable acres with 21 runs
Peak Elevation: 5,300 feet
Vertical Drop: 1,200 feet
Other: terrain park, tubing, night ski, ice skating, snowshoeing
Contact: (828) 898-4521

Wolf Ridge
Distance from Elizabethton: 48 miles, 1 hour
Area: 72 skiable acres with 15 runs
Peak Elevation: 4,700 feet
Vertical Drop: 720 feet
Other: terrain park, tubing
Contact: (828) 689-4111

Ober Gatlinburg
Distance from Elizabethton: 118 miles, 2.5 hours
Area: 10 runs
Peak Elevation: 3,300 feet
Vertical Drop: 600 feet
Other: terrain park, tubing, Ski Mountain Coaster, aerial tramway, indoor ice skating
Contact: (865) 436-5423