ML Interest Tag: sugar-mountain

Hit the Slopes: 8 Amazing Places to Ski with Kids

by Angelica Kajiwara

Your kids will totally master the pizza wedge after a lesson or two at the best ski resorts near Atlanta

Life in Atlanta doesn’t come with a lot of snow or snow days. But we can go snow tubing or even skiing within a day’s drive of the city limits (hint: if you need a winter activity that doesn’t require a drive, why not hit a local ice skating rink) when snow is what your kids crave. No need to hop on a plane for your next ski adventure because we rounded up eight ski resorts near Atlanta for the perfect winter road trip. Get ready to pack up all your winter gear—it’s time to check out the best places to go skiing near Atlanta.   

1. Wolf Ridge Ski Resort

Just 20 miles north of Asheville, this North Carolina ski area includes 15 trails, a terrain park, four ski lifts, and the Wolf Ridge Tube Run. It's one of the best ski resorts near Atlanta. Half-day and full-day passes range from $25 and up for adults and students, and equipment, ski bib, helmet, and locker rentals are available.

Lessons: This ski resort near Atlanta provides a top-rated Snow Sports School that offers lessons for beginners to intermediates in skiing and snowboarding. The instructors are trained to give you the highest quality instruction with your safety as a priority.

Drive time: 4 hours from Atlanta

578 Valley View Cir.
Mars Hill, NC
Online: skiwolfridgenc.com

Related: 10 Skiing Tricks to Memorize Before Hitting the Slopes

2. Appalachian Ski Mountain

Be one of the first skiers to experience North Carolina's first RFID ticketing system. As a result, you'll get a more streamlined and convenient skiing and riding experience. And take advantage of Snow Day rates for students, teachers, and staff of all local schools when schools are canceled or released early due to snow. In addition, just one cold night allows the snowmakers to create fresh powdery snow. Tickets start at $25 for students. 

Lessons: Join one of the small classes grouped by similar ability in a fun, supportive, social atmosphere. Group lessons are for beginner or first-time skiers and snowboarders only. Stronger skiers will learn a ton in one of the more advanced training sessions. 

Drive time: 5 hours from Atlanta 

940 Ski Mountain Rd.
Blowing Rock, NC
Online: appskimtn.com

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3. Sapphire Valley Ski Resort

Sapphire Valley Ski Resort is one of the best ski resorts near Atlanta. It offers affordable snow sports opportunities as part of a 5700-acre, four-season resort. With a moderate slope fit for intermediate skiers and ideal for youth and beginners—along with the Frozen Falls Tube Park—Ski Sapphire Valley is a convenient place to go skiing near Atlanta. Opened in 1964, a renovated Base Lodge Park, Fire Pit, and the new Slopeside Tavern are excellent options for family skiing near Atlanta. Day lifts start at $45 for children and adults. Clothing (ski bibs and coats) and equipment rental are available.

Lessons: This resort has a great learning slope with plenty of room, a gentle slope and easy to use moving carpet lift. Sign up for group training or splurge for a one-on-one lesson. 

Drive time: 2 hours, 45 minutes from Atlanta

127 Sapphire Valley Rd.
Sapphire, NC
Online: skisapphirevalley.com

4. Sugar Mountain & Beech Mountain

The sisters of North Carolina Skiing, Sugar Mountain is the largest ski area in North Carolina, with 115 acres of skiable terrain. At the same time, Beech Mountain's claim to fame is its personality (think quaint and Southern). Although both are excellent ski resorts near Atlanta with options for beginner to intermediate skiers, Sugar has the steepest vertical drop, but Beech boasts a higher elevation. The good news? Both locations offer alternatives to the slopes when the kiddos cash out (tubing, ice skating, snowball fighting). Half-day lift tickets start at $39 for adults, $27 for kids, and kids 4 and under get free lift tickets. Rental equipment is available, as is ski and snowboard school.

Lessons: The Sugar Bear Ski School is designed to teach skiing to children ages 5-10. All programs include slope tickets, rental equipment, helmet, lessons, lunch (full-day only), and supervision. In addition to lessons, Beech Mountain offers childcare so the adults can enjoy skiing, too. 

Drive time: 4.5 hours from Atlanta

Sugar Mountain
1009 Sugar Mountain Dr.
Sugar Mountain, NC
Online: skisugar.com

Beech Mountain
1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy.
Beech Mountain, NC
Online: beechmountainresort.com

Related: Cozy Up! 13 Winter Cabins for When You Need to Get Away

5. Wintergreen Ski Resort

Head East, and pick one of the 26 runs at Wintergreen that provide a bit of fun for everyone, along with Virginia's largest tubing park. No wonder it's one of our favorite places to go skiing near Atlanta with kids. A 100-foot-high massive hill lets riders hit speeds of 30 miles per hour on their way down. A separate ticket is required to ride here. Lift tickets start at $66, with rentals and equipment available. View the snowmaking progress by checking out its webcams.

Lessons: The Wintergreen instructors are waiting to help you learn how to ski or snowboard near Atlanta or to build on your existing skills. Choose from one and two-hour private lessons or our half and full-day kids' camps.

Drive time: 7.5 hours from Atlanta

Route 664
Wintergreen, VA
Online: wintergreenresort.com

6. Cataloochee Ski Resort

Cataloochee, the oldest ski resort in North Carolina, boasts fourteen different trails and runs on twenty-five acres about a half-hour west of Asheville. Three-quarters of the runs are either beginner or intermediate, and when the Littles get tired of the slopes, you can head into Maggie Valley for more classic family fun. Half-day lift tickets start at $47 for adults and $37 for youth, and full-day, half-day and night passes are available. 

Lessons: This resort's training is so popular that they only offer first-come-first-served group lesson slots. You can reserve a private lesson with a well-trained instructor if you'd prefer to book ahead.  

Drive time: 3 hours, 15 minutes from Atlanta

1080 Ski Lodge Rd.
Maggie Valley, NC
Online: cataloochee.com

7. Ober Gatlinburg

One of the closest options to Atlanta, Ober Gatlinburg's offerings include skiing, wildlife encounters (black bears, river otters, birds of prey, and other regional wildlife), tubing, ice skating, and plenty more in the town of Gatlinburg, just down the mountain tram. Those in the know suggest staying in downtown Gatlinburg or renting a chalet nearby and plan to save a little time to check out the Wilderness at the Smokies indoor water amusement park or even Dollywood, weather permitting. Keep in mind, due to the high demand for ski and snowboard rental equipment, Ober will suspend rental sales when they reach capacity (before regular closing times).

Lessons: Get the most out of your Ober Mountain winter experience by learning from the best. Learn the skills of gliding, slowing down, turning, and stopping, so you can safely capture the thrill and excitement of the sport.

Drive time: 4 hours from Atlanta

1339 Ski Mountain Rd.
Gatlinburg, TN
Online: obergatlinburg.com

Related: Snow Much Fun! 7 Snow Tubing Spots That Aren't Too Far

8. Snowshoe Mountain

The most similar to Rocky Mountain skiing of the resorts mentioned above, Snowshoe Mountain hits the top ten spots to ski in the East. Still, it is also the farthest from Atlanta (nearly nine hours). However, those brave enough to make the pilgrimage with little ones in tow will undoubtedly be rewarded. Ski lift tickets vary in price by the date and age of the skier. So book your tickets in advance, as they've limited the number of tickets available, and many dates sell out.

Lessons: Personalized instruction is given to skiers of all ages and abilities in group and private lessons. Skis, boots, poles, and snowboards are available for rent in the Ski Lodge.

Drive time: 9 hours from Atlanta

10 Snowshoe Dr.
Snowshoe, WV
Online: snowshoemtn.com

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12 Easy Dinners You Can Make for Less Than $15

by Anna Doogan

When you’re looking for easy dinner recipes, you want them to be tasty, budget-friendly and a hit with the kids. Luckily, we’ve rounded up some meals that check all three boxes. Keep reading to see 12 amazing cheap dinner recipes that are big on flavor, but easy on your wallet.

Cacio e Pepe Pasta

View from Great Island

This super simple but classic pasta recipe requires about three ingredients and comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Get the recipe from The View from Great Island. 

Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

GI 365

If you've already got soy sauce, honey and rice in your pantry, the only supplies you'll need to buy are the chicken thighs and the broccoli. This is an editor favorite, and it comes together in 30 minutes or less. Get the recipe here. 

Spinach & Bacon Stuffed Shells

On Sugar Mountain

Stuffed shells are always a simple and versatile kid-pleaser. Now try upping the wow factor with the addition of spinach and crumbled bacon. On Sugar Mountain created this recipe that will definitely take your shells up a notch.

Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy

The Magical Slow Cooker: Recipes for Busy Moms

Gravy. Need we say more? Let your slow cooker do the work for you on this weeknight (or any night!) chicken and gravy recipe courtesy of Sarah Olson’s cookbook, The Magical Slow Cooker: Recipes for Busy Moms. Serve it over mashed potatoes or as an open-faced sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.

Crock Pot Pizza

Sheri Silver via Unsplash

Kids love pizza. You love your Crock Pot. Mix them together and you’ve got … Crock Pot Pizza. This fun recipe takes the favorite flavors of pizza and puts them over pasta, all with the convenience of tossing everything into a Crock Pot. The next time you want to change up the recipe routine, give this one a try! Click here to get the recipe.

Slow Cooker Lentil Sausage Soup

Homemade Food Junkie

You’ll love all the color in this flavorful lentil and sausage soup, packed with fiber and veggies. Diane and Dave of Homemade Food Junkie created this easy recipe that’s also dairy- and gluten-free. 

Mustard & Maple Syrup Glazed Chicken

Tzejen via Flickr

If you’ve got maple syrup and mustard in your kitchen, you’re already halfway to making this sweet and tangy chicken recipe. Ridiculously quick, inexpensive and a definite crowd-pleaser, this is one dinner recipe that you’ll return to over and over. Grab the recipe right here.

Sweet Pepper Linguine

Pasta is a great low-cost dinner option, and we love this simple version with just five ingredients. Sweet red pepper gives Vitamin C, as well as a nice pop of color on the plate. Click here to get the recipe.

Bacon, Corn & Potato Chowder

Make it a soup night with this creamy, smoky chowder from The Soupmaker’s Kitchen. Add a loaf of warm, crusty bread and a fresh salad, and you’ve got a cheap, easy meal for any night of the week. 

Turkey Bolognese

Sundays with Jennie

Make a big batch of this easy turkey Bolognese, and you’ll have leftovers that you can stretch throughout the week. Courtesy of Sundays with Jennie, this is the perfect winter weather meal to have up your sleeve.

Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken & Beans

A Crock Pot is a must-have item for those chilly winter nights. Use yours to make this delicious and inexpensive five-ingredient recipe that couldn’t be easier. Toss the ingredients in your slow cooker in the morning, and dinner is ready to go. Add some brown rice, and you’ve got a complete meal to keep everyone warm and satisfied. Click here for the recipe.

Tortellini, Spinach & Black Bean Soup

Jen at How To: Simplify

Warm up with this hearty soup chock full of beans, pasta and a good dose of greens. Jen of How To: Simplify has the recipe that whips up in a snap and makes dinner easy. Want to make it vegetarian? Sub in veggie broth and use cheese-stuffed tortellini instead of sausage. 

 

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Yosemite Steam Train Reopens with Social Distancing Precautions in Place

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Let summertime fun begin with the much-anticipated reopening of Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, located only four miles from the south gate of Yosemite National Park. Starting Jun 12, visitors can once again ride the open-air “logger” on a one-hour excursion through the Sierra Nevada. The Thornberry Museum, onsite gold panning, and Kids Depot Toy Store make it the perfect destination for your family.

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

This year significant aspects of the operation have been updated to ensure safety for everyone. The guidelines from the CDC, State of California, and Madera County are followed strictly at this world-class attraction.

“We have reduced the number of touchpoints,” explains Scott McGhee, General Manager of Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. “Whether it’s your first time visiting us, or you make it a regular outing, we have the staff and the safety procedures in place to help people feel confident to venture out. We’re excited to welcome everyone back as Yosemite reopens!” 

The following safety protocols will be in effect at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad:

  • Reservations are now required to limit the number of guests and assure safe social distancing. Trains depart daily at 9:30 A.M. and 11:00 A.M., and you can book online.  
  • There will be health screening questions for all visitors.
  • Capacity is limited to 50%.
  • Recommending all guests wear masks.
  • Inside of buildings, people will be limited for safe social distancing space.
  • Box lunches are available to purchase online in advance.
  • Outdoor picnic tables allow space for social distancing or take your lunch to go.
  • Access to touchless hand sanitizing stations located throughout the property.
  • Boarding groups will receive wristbands, rather than paper tickets.
  • Safety barriers installed at transaction points.
  • Gold panning water will be treated and gold pans sanitized after each use.
  • There are extra cleaning and sanitization crews on-hand to ensure safety for everyone.
  • An air purifier will sanitize the museum displays, nightly.
  • Daily employee health and temperature checks.
  • All employees will wear masks.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Yosemite National Park & Yosemite Sugar Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad 


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Spinach & Bacon Stuffed Shells

by writerredtri

Pasta can be a real crowd-pleaser. It’s a hit with kiddos, a classic comfort food, and like that LBD in your closet, it can be used on many different occasions. This recipe from On Sugar Mountain for spinach and bacon stuffed shells is perfect for a big family gathering or a simple weeknight meal. Throw the leftover bacon grease into the tomato sauce, and you’ll amp up the bacon-y-ness into phenomenal-flavor territory. If things get a bit messy during assembly, never fear–the end result is so worth it.

Serves 4-6

Ingredients for the Filling:

1 (15oz) container ricotta
1 egg, beaten
3/4 tsp sea salt
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup frozen spinach, defrosted and drained completely

Ingredients for the Sauce:

leftover bacon grease (from bacon in filling)
a few tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 tsp crushed red pepper
2 tsp minced garlic
1 (28oz) can plus 1 (14.5oz) can crushed tomatoes

Bonus: panko breadcrumbs, for topping

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray one 13×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and toss with a smidge of olive oil. Let cool until you can easily hold one in your hand.
  2. Meanwhile, make the filling: stir ricotta and egg in a medium bowl until well mixed. Stir in sea salt, cheese, bacon and spinach until evenly distributed. Set aside until ready to use.
  3. For the sauce: Pour leftover bacon grease into a glass measuring cup. Add enough olive oil to hit 1/3 cup of oil. Add this, along with sea salt, red pepper, and garlic to a large saucepan. Heat over medium heat until just fragrant, about 1 1/2 minutes. Add both cans of tomatoes and let cook an additional 2-3 minutes or until sauce comes together. Let cool slightly, then pulse in blender until smooth.
  4. Add 1/2 cup sauce to bottom of prepared pan.
  5. Assemble the shells: Hold shell in palm of your hand. Stuff with filling (approx 1 1/2 tbsp per shell) then place, seam side up, in prepared pan. Continue until you finish all the shells/fill up the casserole dish.
  6. Top shells with rest of tomato sauce. Top with breadcrumbs and cover pan with aluminum foil. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Jess at On Sugar Mountain. A recent college graduate from Rutgers University who majored in English and minored in Entrepreneurship, Jess is all about cooking, baking, and satisfying her serious sweet tooth. Through her blog, On Sugar Mountain, she strives to develop cooking skills that will advance her love for food, share recipes she’s tried, and inspire others to get cooking. 

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