Sugar Mountain Resort is nestled in North Carolina's western high country, near Banner Elk, and is North Carolina's largest ski area.

Twenty trails spread over 115 skiable acres and a 1,200-foot vertical drop provide all levels of skiing.

Beginners and intermediates will love to cruise down the many wide-open runs.

Experts should check out moguled Tom Terrific and cruise Boulder Dash for a challenge.

Snowboarders are allowed on all trails, and the area is lighted for night skiing.

PSIA-certified instructors offer both group and private lessons daily. Sugar has some of the best teaching terrain to be found in the Southeast.

The Sugar Bear Ski School for 5- to 10-year-olds provides ticket, rental equipment and lessons. There is a nursery for the very young non-skiers.

The massive base lodge has everything under one roof: rental equipment, ski school, ski shop, two cafeterias, lounge, locker rooms and game room.

Sugar's base lodge is located on the same level as the highway. This means no bad hills or sharp curves. Bus groups love this feature.

Non-skiers can explore Boone, N.C. (approximately 14 miles), which offers movies, bowling, roller-skating and shopping.

Sugar Mountain Resort is located on Highway 184, two miles east of Banner Elk, N.C., and one mile off Highway 105.