For Tennesseans, the snow just can’t fall fast enough when skiing is at stake. The state is close to some of the best family-friendly ski destinations in the country, helping skiers young and old discover their passion for this favorite winter pastime. When the weather turns cold, you’ll want to find yourself at one of these five best family ski destinations in and around Tennessee.
The most iconic ski destination for families in Tennessee, Ober Gatlinburg is brimming with snow day activities. The snow fall in this area is hit or miss during the winter, so they make plenty of their snow to keep the slopes snowy white all winter long. They offer first-timer lessons from qualified instructors. When you’re ready to put away the skis, you can enjoy snow tubing and a number of other kid-friendly activities in the park.
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Every day is a great skiing day at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort. Just a stone’s throw from the Tennessee/North Carolina border, you could easily make this a day trip, or take advantage of their stay and ski packages to get more from your trip. They have over 10 amazing runs that start at the tip top of the mountain. Along with some epic skiing, you’ll also enjoy the amazing views.
It’s not the biggest ski destination near Tennessee, but it is one of the best. They’ve got several runs to suit all skill levels, as well as a practice slope for young skiers and small group instruction guaranteed to help your children have a blast while they learn.
Just a short drive from the Tennessee border lies Sugar Mountain, the family favorite skiing destination in the southeast. Tickets are extremely reasonable compared to other resorts in the area, especially if you go on a weekday. This place caters to families, giving children four and under a free lift ticket with a ticketed adult, and discounted rates for kids age five through 11.
This epic destination offers so much more than skiing—it’s snow day fun for the whole family. In addition to incredible slopes and mountain views, you can also enjoy snow tubing, snowboarding, and ice skating. For the kids, the instructors offer different classes depending on your child’s age to ensure they get the best instruction for their abilities. When you’re ready to warm up, grab a frosty brew at the on-site brewery.
Alli Hill is a freelance content writer and mom of two. She spends most of her free time exploring the great outdoors by trail or by kayak. She is also the founder and director of FreelanceSpeak, a blog to support other freelance creatives.
