Hit the Slopes: 8 Amazing Places to Ski with Kids

by Angelica KajiwaraDecember 15, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

These New Snarky Conversation Hearts are Wisecrackin’ Us Up

by Karly WoodFebruary 4, 2021

By now, most everyone is familiar with conversation hearts. After all, they’re the go-to treat for Valentine’s Day.

This year, Brach’s is changing up the game with its new Wisecracks “End The Conversation” Hearts. Instead of loving sentiments like “BE MINE” and “XOXO,” this little bag of goodies is packed with snide comments like “DREAM ON,” “YEAH RIGHT” and “FRND ZONE.”

photo: Courtesy of Brach’s

The new treats may be salty, but their flavors aren’t. You can snack on flavors that include Wintergreen, Lemon-lime, Orange, Banana, Cherry and Grape.

Find your own bag on Instacart or at Amazon, Walmart and CVS.

––Karly Wood

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Head for the Hills! The Best Ski-In Ski-Out Vacation Rentals near the DMV

by Meghan Yudes MeyersDecember 24, 2020

Keep cabin fever at bay by renting a… wait for it… cabin. If you’ve been considering skiing as a family sport, this is the perfect year to opt in. This outdoor activity has built in social distancing and—bonus—masks! To reduce exposure to high-touch points and public spaces, we did the legwork and sussed out the best ski-in ski-out rentals near Washington, DC. Bypass the lodges and restaurants and enjoy a cozy holiday at these chalets and slope-side townhouses for the ultimate kid-friendly ski vacation.

WEST VIRGINIA
Snowshoe Mountain

Townhouse—Snowshoe, WV

This townhouse is just steps away from Upper Flume, a kid-friendly, beginner ski trail at Snowshoe Mountain. Stop in for lunch or take a safe bathroom break at this ski-in, ski-out location. The 5-bedroom townhouse is also conveniently located to Snowshoe's Main and South Villages. With three sets of bunk beds, this rental is the perfect place for large families or vacation plans with your favorite pod fam. Warm up in the hot tub after a day of hitting the slopes and enjoy the scenic views of West Virginia's wildlife and mountains.

Sleeps: 14
Cost: $381/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/20890148

Winterplace Ski Resort

Snowed Inn Cabin—Ghent, West Virginia

You can by-pass the busy lodge and lines when you stay at this property. Strap on your skis and head out the door; this first-floor condo is located just yards away from Winterplace Ski Resort. Zip in for a hot meal and zip back out to hit the slopes. This 1000-square-foot residence boasts floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room so you can enjoy the mountain views while you relax after a full, active day. In addition to skiing, little ones will enjoy the area's snow tubing. In fact, you'll find a steep slope (with convenient steps) perfect for sledding right out the front door!

Sleeps: 9
Cost: $189/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/22942728

MARYLAND
Wisp Resort

Let the Good Times Roll Townhouse—McHenry, MD

This property is perfect for a family of mixed skill levels; with easy access from Chairlift 4 & 5, you can hit the beginner and intermediate slopes of Wisp Resort. An expert trail is also near-by. The best part? The chair lift floats skiers right out your front door! It's the perfect people watching for kids (and adults!). This 4-bedroom townhouse comes equipped with a ping pong table and an air hockey machine for aprés ski fun. Don't forget to warm up cold toes and fingers in the hot tub.

Sleeps: 10
Cost: $428/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/29385322

Whitetail Resort

Four-Season Townhome—Mercersburg, PA

When you want a family escape, but you can't leave work behind, head here for superfast and reliable internet service. You can juggle telecommuting with distance learning all while squeezing in some runs on the slopes. When you're off the slopes you can still enjoy the skiing action; cuddle up on the couch and get ready to watch skiers get whisked up the mountain from the comfort of the living room.

Sleeps: 10
Cost: $214/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/30879240

VIRGINIA

Wintergreen Resort

Wintergreen Highlands Condo—Wintergreen Resort, VA

This condo is just steps away from Highlands Express Ski Lift and Upper Cliffhanger, Upper Wild Turkey and Outer Limits ski runs at Wintergreen Resort. After an all-day ski adventure, take a short 3 minute walk to unwind at Wintergreen Spa, grab a bottle of wine at Devines Cafe and Wine Shop (located directly across the street from Wintergreen Highlands Condo) and return back to your rental to enjoy one of the best sunsets in VA. There is a small, outdoor area for kids to play and dogs to stretch their legs (bonus: this rental is pet-friendly!). Before turning in, be sure to cozy up to one of the two wood-burning fireplaces with your glass of vino from Devines.

Sleeps: 7
Cost: $157/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/40505851

PENNSYLVANIA
Liberty Mountain

The Chateau Below—Chalet Fairfield, PA

Located in Carroll Valley, this chalet is just steps away from Liberty Mountain Ski Resort. While technically not a ski-in property (it sits on flat land), it is within walking distance of the Resort. Conveniently warm up mid-day at your rental next to one of the two electric fireplaces or strike up some flames in the fire pit. This cozy home boasts Lodge-like decor and sits on an ample 2-acres, so little ones can build snowmen, hike in snow shoes and get their wiggles out away from the crowds.

Sleeps: 8
Cost: $299/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/3798292

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

featured photo: Visit Almaty via Pexels

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Necco Wafers Return to Store Shelves

by Jennifer SwartvagherMay 29, 2020

Necco Wafers fans rejoice! America’s original candy treat is coming back. Spangler Candy Company has announced the return of Necco Wafers to store shelves.

Created in 1847, Necco Wafers are one of the oldest candy brands in existence. The iconic, wax paper rolls filled with assorted flavored discs have quite literally been enjoyed the world over, carried in pockets stateside, shipped to armed forces overseas and even transported by intrepid explorers on Arctic journeys. Due to its enduring popularity, the original recipe for the Necco Wafer has remained essentially unchanged over the years, and now is no exception. Spangler purchased the brand out of bankruptcy two years ago and has been working on its return ever since.

“Just when comfort food is experiencing a resurgence, Necco Wafers is back with that very kind of familiar, comfortable feeling we all seem to be craving,” said Kirk Vashaw, CEO of Spangler Candy Company. “We are delighted to bring Necco Wafers back into production and to share in their sweet return with fans old and new.”

There are eight all-time favorite flavors and colors in the Necco Wafers’ comeback collection: lemon (yellow), lime (green), orange (orange), clove (light purple), cinnamon (white), wintergreen (pink), licorice (dark grey) and chocolate (brown). Seven of the eight flavors were designed to identically match the originals. True Necco Wafers connoisseurs may detect a richer cocoa flavor in the chocolate wafers due to a minor improvement made in the cooking process.

“We know fans have been waiting anxiously for the return of Necco Wafers and anticipate high demand. Our production lines will continue to run as fast as possible to keep stores in-stock,” said Vashaw.

Necco Wafers are rolling out across the nation throughout the summer, beginning with major drugstores, followed by a larger segment of retailers. A complete list of retailers is available on the Spangler Candy Necco Wafers web page: https://www.spanglercandy.com/our-brands/necco-wafers.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Spangler Candy Company

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Detox Your Home with These Easy Solutions

by Kaitlyn KirbyMarch 19, 2020

Editor’s note: This story is aimed to lower the chemicals you use in everyday life, such but please follow the CDC guidelines for keeping your home and surfaces disinfected and clean to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

If you’re on a mission to detoxify your home during this spring cleaning season, remember, there are some common household toxins that tend to go overlooked (did you know tea tree oils are a hidden toxin?). In order to make your home as safe as possible, cross-check our list of hidden toxins and chemicals in your home, and what you can use in their place.

Hidden Toxin: Bug Spray

What to do about it: It's a fact that bugs can be creepy, especially when they invade your home. But, according to the CDC, pesticides you can find at the store are one of the leading causes of poisoning. Instead, opt for natural solutions like cinnamon, essential oils or diatomaceous earth, which is basically tiny fossils that'll smother any bug problems.

Hidden Toxin: Fluoride

What to do about it: According to naturopathic doctor John Dempster, research shows that the synthetic fluoride in our drinking water and toothpaste has been linked to cancer, thyroid and neurology problems. Install a water filtration system to rid your water of fluoride and other toxins and consider switching to a fluoride-free toothpaste.

Hidden Toxin: Bisphenol A (BPA)

What to do about it: You can find BPA hiding in plastic wrap, food packaging and reusable containers, baby bottles and water bottles. It’s best to switch to glass whenever possible as Time Magazine reported a growing concern from the National Toxicology Program regarding BPA exposure levels in babies and young children that could cause harmful brain and behavioral effects.

Hidden Toxin: Poisonous Houseplants

What to do about it: Who knew that decorative ivy growing just outside your home or philodendron displayed in an indoor pot can be poisonous to both your children and pets? There are dozens of houseplants to avoid for human and animal safety, including Ivy, Philodendron, Pothos, Arrowhead, Peace Lily, Dieffenbachia, Caladium, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue and Oleander.

Hidden Toxin: Tea Tree Oils

What to do about it: While you may have an arsenal of essential oils for personal use, remember that your dogs and cats do not share the same oil love. Vets are seeing more and more animals brought in for issues related to essential oil use in the home, most popularly, from diffusing oils around them. The ASPCA even has a warning listed in their animal poison control info center: “We would not recommend using essential oils in areas where your pets have access unless pets are supervised or the use of the oil is approved by your veterinarian.” Be sure to stay away from tea tree, wintergreen, cinnamon, pine, eucalyptus, pennyroyal and citrus oils around pets, which are extremely toxic to your furry friends.

Hidden Toxin: Phthalates

What to do about it: This household toxin can be found in scented products like laundry detergent, dish soap and air freshener. Companies do not need to disclose what is in their fragrances by law, so unless you see scent ingredients listed on a label, it’s best to opt for fragrance-free whenever possible to eliminate the risk of phthalate exposure. You will also want to avoid plug-in air fresheners and aerosol sprays. The EWG warns of using these products as they can trigger allergies and often contain suspected endocrine disruptors.

Hidden Toxin: Scented Candles

What to do about it: Studies have found that as many as 30% of candles contain heavy metals (including lead!) in their wicks to make the wicks firmer, according to Thank Your Body. When burned, these lead-laden candle wicks release five times the amount of lead considered hazardous to kids! As an alternative, you can make your own simmering potpourri by boiling lemon, rosemary or other herbs, and cinnamon on the stove, or diffuse safe essential oils (see above!). But if candles are still your thing, that’s OK too! Just be sure to look for 100% beeswax candles with cotton wicks.

Hidden Toxin: Sodium Hydroxide

What to do about it: Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye, and it can be found in oven cleaning solutions and drain opening liquids. It is extremely harsh and corrosive and can cause burns to skin and eyes. Best way to avoid this harmful toxin? Don't use it. Baking soda solutions work on grimy ovens just as well—they just require a little more elbow grease.

— Kaitlyn Kirby

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Sweethearts Are Back for Valentine’s Day but There Are Some Changes

by Shahrzad WarkentinJanuary 23, 2020

Did you miss Sweethearts last year? The popular Valentine’s Day treat is officially making a comeback for 2020!

The New England Confectionery Company went out of business in 2018, ending production on NECCO Wafers and the original candy conversation hearts, Sweethearts. Luckily for fans, the recipe for the iconic Valentine’s Day treats was purchased by Spangler, the company behind Dum Dums. Unfortunately the company wasn’t able to get production of the candy started in time for Valentine’s Day in 2019, but this year fans are in luck.

While Sweethearts are back in stores for the holiday this year, there are a few strings attached. As CNBC reports, Spangler ran into a few speed bumps on the road to production again. Unfortunately, this means there will not be enough Sweethearts on the market to meet the demand of consumers. Representatives for Spangler say that the best place to find Sweethearts will be nationwide drugstores like CVS and Walgreens.

Another challenge the company faced was getting the printing machines to work properly in order to give the conversation hearts their famous messages. The issues the company faced means there will be more blank hearts than usual this year.

On the upside, however, Spangler did locate and bring back the original recipe for the 118-year-old candy, which means the return of flavors like wintergreen and banana.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Spangler

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We Tried Starbucks’ New Juniper Latte—Here’s What It Tastes Like

by Shahrzad WarkentinNovember 30, 2018

Starbucks just unveiled its newest holiday drink and judging by the name alone, it’s a little bit of a mystery how it actually tastes. So we decided to take the plunge and find out for ourselves what the Starbucks Juniper Latte is really like!

The newest addition to Starbucks’ stellar line-up of holiday beverages is unlike anything you’ve had before. Starbucks describes the drink as having “notes of juniper and sage with pine-citrus sugar.” Juniper, for those not in the know, is an evergreen tree that grows small berries that have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. It also happens to be one of the tree species typically grown for Christmas trees. In other words, Starbucks Juniper Latte is practically a Christmas tree in a cup.

Photo: Courtesy of Starbucks

So how does the Juniper Latte actually taste? “A light, pine-like flavor with delightful citrus undertones,” the menu description reads. And as weird as it sounds, when we gave it a taste, that’s exactly what it’s like…and it’s kind of awesome!

It’s almost difficult to pinpoint what the flavor really is, but it’s at once tangy and sweet with a hint of mint and spice. Taking a sip is a little like taking a deep breath on a fresh winter day or starring in a commercial for wintergreen gum in the best way possible.

https://twitter.com/Kittyapolis/status/1067552619483340805

Reactions to the new drink on social media were mixed, with many comparing the drink to a cup of Pine-Sol. Haters gonna hate—and we give it two pine-scented thumbs up. For Starbucks fans that find some of the other holiday offerings a little overwhelming, this subtle and strangely refreshing concoction is destined to be your new favorite. Then again, if you love your drinks on the sweeter side, this might not be the one for you.

The new Starbucks Juniper Latte comes in both hot and iced versions, but get them while you can because, like so many holiday offerings, this one is around for a limited-time only.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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Hit the Slopes: 8 Amazing Places to Ski with Kids