Discover everything you need to plan the perfect Sugar Mountain winter getaway for the 2025–2026 ski season. This curated collection brings together:
Road conditions - Avery and Watauga Counties
Lift Tickets, Tubing and Ice Skating Information
Tubing Ticket Info - Sessions are 1 hr & 45 mins @ 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm
Keep Your Equipment Safe From Theft
Stay informed before hitting the slopes
Check our FAQ for area information and more
______________________________________________________________________________________
Explore lift ticket prices, RFID reload info, Snow Tubing ski and snowboard lesson details, holiday hours, and trail openings at Sugar Mountain Resort.
Whether you're visiting for skiing, snowboarding, tubing, or family winter fun, our guides also highlight the best local restaurants, lodging near Sugar Mountain, walk-to-lifts rentals, and insider tips for navigating winter travel in the North Carolina High Country.
Bookmark this collection for everything related to Sugar Mountain winter travel, ski season planning, and Blue Ridge Mountains snow adventures—your essential resource for Winter 2025–2026.
WALK TO LIFTS | TUBING | ICE SKATING - AND NO BOOKING FEES!
Looking for the Perfect Choose and Cut Christmas Tree
___________________________________________________________
How to Prepare before heading to the Mountains
Winter Travel Essentials for Sugar Mountain - Safety First
🏔️ Winter Driving Alert
4WD or AWD strongly recommended (and often required).
Roads can be icy, steep, and snow-covered, especially during storms.
Tire chains may be necessary for certain vehicles on steep or unpaved areas.
Drive slowly and with caution.
🚗 Before You Head Up the Mountain
• Fill your gas tank
• Check tire pressure & traction
• Engage snow mode (if available)
• Bring tire chains if your vehicle is not AWD
🧣 In-Car Winter Essentials
• Warm blankets
• Extra water for all travelers
• Snacks: nuts, bars, crackers, fruit pouches
• Baby formula, bottles, diapers
• Winter boots & gloves
📱 Stay Prepared
• Fully charged phone
• Portable charger / power bank
• Flashlight
• Screenshot directions (cell service varies)
❄️ Helpful Emergency Items
• Small snow shovel
• Ice scraper
• Kitty litter or traction sand (for icy driveways)
• Tow strap (optional but helpful)
• Reflective triangle or hazard lights
🕒 Expect Delays
• Snowstorms and accidents can cause slow traffic
• Travel may take longer than GPS estimates
• Pack plenty of snacks and patience
It's important to be prepared, especially for those arriving from areas not accustomed to snow and ice.
______________________________________________________________________________________
2025–26 Lift & Slope Ticket Pricing at Sugar Mountain Resort
Get your snowboard or ski day planned with the official lift and slope ticket pricing for the 2025–2026 season at Sugar Mountain Resort. All prices and details below are based on the resort’s published rates.
Holiday rates in effect from December 17, 2025 through January 2, 2026
***Holiday pricing matches Friday/Saturday weekend rates
SESSION TIMES
Full Day: 9:00am – 4:30pm
Half Day: 12:30 – 4:30pm
Twilight: 12:30 – 4:30pm & 6:00 – 10:00pm
***Closed 4:30 – 6:00pm - No Ticket Sales Available
Night: 6:00 – 10:00pm (Tix & RFID Passes can be purchased for next day)
_____________________________________________________________
2025–26 Lift/Slope Ticket Pricing
- First trip? Plan to arrive early. Go to the main ticket window or rental/ticket counter to get the RFID card and purchase lift tickets in person.
- ***Insider tip - Purchase the night before during night skiing hours 6pm - 10pm to save wait times the next day...especially during the busy holidays and school vacation weekends/vacations.
- Returning again? Use the online “reload” option up to 2 days before your trip — get your tickets loaded and show up with your card.
- Need gear or lessons? Get tickets and rentals together at the Rental Department to save time.
- For kids under 5: Bring the child and adult ticket holder — purchase the $3 ticket for the child onsite (no rentals or lessons included).
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Sugar Mountain — How the Reloadable RFID Card Works
What is the RFID Card
- Sugar Mountain uses a personalized, reloadable RFID lift/slope card for skiing, snowboarding, tubing and ice-skating. Sugar Mountain Resort
- Upon your first in-person purchase, you will receive the RFID card with your name and a unique customer code. That card is reusable. Sugar Mountain Resort
When & Where You Can Get the Card (First Time)
- The first RFID card must be purchased on-site at the Sugar Mountain Resort — at the main ticket windows or at the equipment rental / ticket department depending on what you need (lift tickets, rentals, lessons).
- Ticket-window hours for sessions are as follows:
- Full-Day tickets go on sale at 8:00 AM
- Half-Day & Twilight at 12:00 PM
- Night tickets at 5:00 PM.
***Lift/slope-ticket sales are on a “session-by-session” basis and are first-come, first-served.
How to Reload — for Return Visits or Already-Cardholders
- Once you have the RFID card, you can reload your lift/slope tickets online for future visits.
- Specifically: you can reload your card up to two days prior to your visit.
- This means you don’t have to wait in line again — just arrive with your card, and you’re ready to hit the slopes.
- Keep your card for use in future visits/ next year etc.
Important Policies to Know
- Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and an RFID card can’t be reused by multiple people.
- If you need ski/snowboard rentals — you should go directly to the Rental Department, where you can purchase your slope ticket and gear together. Recommend to purcahse the night before during night skiing hours 6pm - 10pm. Inside tip, get there before 9pm as "mountain time" sometimes kicks in.
- For children age 4 and under: there is a special “$3” lift/slope ticket option (on-site only) — but this does not include rental equipment or lessons. Parent must be present.
Equipment Rentals
Several options are available including renting clothing and equipment from Sugar Mountain Resort.
Other options to consider just a few minutes from the resort on the main drag, Tynecastle Highway may provide more updated equipment / wider range of options. Great to pick up the night before you hit the slopes and avoid the same-day rental rush.
Ski Shack - One of my personal favorites
