Skiing News and Reporting Coverage | WRAL

DRAUGHON DRAWS: President Trump on the downhill slope

Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026-- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist

2025-26 NC ski season: Here's your guide to NC ski resorts

The Beech Mountain Ski Resort is set to open Dec. 5 for the 2025-26 ski season. Sugar Mountain opened Tuesday, Nov. 11.

NC ski resorts: Here's when Beech Mountain, Appalachian Ski Mountain will open for 2025-26 season

The Beech Mountain Ski Resort moved back its projected opening date to Nov. 29, weather permitting. Appalachian Ski Mountain opened Nov. 21.

NC ski season winding down: Beech Mountain Resort announces closing day

Beech Mountain Resort will close its ski season on March 22, while Appalachian Ski Mountain prepares for its final weekend with the Meltdown Games. Other resorts in western North Carolina have either closed or have yet to announce their closing dates.

Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Skiing tourism keeps western NC economy afloat after Helene

UNC Media Hub reporter Sophie Watson speaks with Appalachian Ski Mountain co-owner Brenda Speckmann and Boone business owner Mindy Coatney about how skiing tourism is keeping western North Carolina's economy afloat in the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastation

Sugar Mountain Resort opens for 2024-25 ski season

Sugar Mountain Resort has officially opened for the 2024-25 ski and snowboard season, with 7 inches of natural snow accumulated since Thursday.

Warming winters create challenges for NC farms, ski resorts and more

Raleigh's winters have been warming for decades, and it's impacting everything from agriculture to tourism.

From crops to ski slopes: The rising cost of warmer winters in North Carolina

North Carolina is experiencing warmer winters that disrupt agriculture, tourism and daily life, with temperatures rising faster than the national average.

NC ski resorts: Here's when Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain open for 2024-25 season

Beech Mountain Ski Resort is set to open Friday for the 2024-25 ski season. Sugar Mountain opened on Nov. 22.

Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

How ski resorts are adapting to climate change

As winter temperatures warm, ski resorts are investing in high-efficiency snowmaking technology that can create higher volumes of snow in warmer weather. Business models are also changing, as resorts promote year-round mountain activities.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL Climate Change Reporter

NC ski resorts adapt to changing climate

Ski resorts in North Carolina are seeing less snow as the climate changes, but technology and year-round options keep the visitors coming.

Skiers see snow at Sugar Mountain Resort

The snow is coming down Monday at the Sugar Mountain Resort. Video courtesy of Resort Cams. This video does not have sound.

Beech Mountain vs. Sugar Mountain: Comparing NC's ski resorts

Thinking about taking a ski trip this winter in North Carolina? Here's how Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain compare.

Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

What to do at a ski resort if you don't ski

Here are alternative ways to enjoy a ski resort without actually skiing.

Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Skiing down Beech Mountain's Upper Shawneehaw trail

WRAL senior multiplatform producer Mark Bergin skied down Beech Mountain's Upper Shawneehaw trail. It is a blue slope, meaning it is considered medium difficulty.

Here's when every North Carolina ski resort plans to open for the 2023-24 season

Wondering when you can go skiing in North Carolina? Look no further.

Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Brr! With 13 degrees and snow, Grandfather Mountain closes to visitors

Grandfather Mountain is closed due to snow and very cold, blustery conditions.

Skiers, snowboarders test the slopes at the Beech Mountain Ski Resort

In December 2022, skiers and snowboarders test the slopes at the Beech Mountain Ski Resort.

Beech Mountain Resort to close slopes Friday and on Christmas Eve

The Beech Mountain Ski Resort is closing its slopes Friday and Saturday due to forecasted cold temperatures and high winds.

High winds, bitter cold cancel WRAL Nights of Lights, other outdoor activities

WRAL Nights of Lights, the drive-through holiday lights experience at Raleigh's Dorothea Dix Park, will be canceled on Friday night, Dec. 23, due to wind damage along the route and the forecast for high winds and bitter cold.

Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Sugar Mountain ski patrol gives glimpse into lifesaving efforts on the mountain

From the vast improvements in snowmaking technology to managing the health concerns of the pandemic, to ensuring skiers and riders know how to safely get up and down the mountain, there is a lot to do for the crews charged with keeping resorts running.

Tradition of Southern skiing began in NC's mountains

Skiing and snowboarding are among the signature sports in the Winter Olympics, and you don't have to travel far to enjoy similar thrills.

Bryan Mims, WRAL reporter

Climate change impacting ski resorts across the country

It's no secret that artificial snow machines and ski slopes go hand-in-hand. But rising global temperatures are making it harder for natural snowfall to thrive and pushing artificial snow to its limits.

People injured when pipe bursts at NC ski resort

Two people were hospitalized after multiple skiers on Beech Mountain were sprayed with freezing cold water on Friday.

WCNC Charlotte

Hit the slopes with our NC Ski resort guide

Are you looking for the best places to ski in North Carolina? We have a list of resorts and skiing options in the state.

Kathy Hanrahan, WRAL lifestyle editor