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Celebrate the New Year with the Local Ski Slopes

By Madison Fisler Lewis

Fireworks-05Dec. 29, 2014. As the end of the year draws closer, it’s time to start thinking about your New Year’s plans. They say that whatever you do on New Year’s will continue through the whole year, so why not make your New Year’s Eve and New Years Day celebrations festive and fun by spending the holiday out on the High Country’s ski slopes? Fun in the snow is arguably one of the best ways to end – and begin – the year.

The High Country’s ski slopes – Appalachian Ski Mtn, Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort – are ready and waiting with exciting activities to celebrate the New Year. Check out what is happening, take your pick and ring in the new year with some slope style.

Appalachian Ski Mtn

Appalachian Ski Mtn will ring in 2015 with a New Year’s Eve Extravaganza! The event will be held on Dec. 31 and will last all night with skiing open until 11:30 p.m. that evening.

The event will feature a torchlight parade, evening ice skating from 9:45-11:45 p.m. Dinner specials will be offered on the mountain from 5 p.m. until midnight. Finally, top off the evening with the annual midnight fireworks display to usher in the new year with style.

Beech Mountain Resort

For the adults, Beech Mountain Resort will welcome the beginning of 2015 with a 21+ party held in the Beech Tree Bar and Grille. The party will feature live music from Greensboro band, Walrus, as well as a free photo booth, festive drink specials, party favors and lots of dancing. The doors will open at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31, with a $15 cover charge per person.

For the whole family, Beech Mountain Resort will offer a family-friendly celebration in the newly renovated View Haus. Included will be games like Bingo (with prizes!), music courtesy of a live DJ and fun indoor activities starting at 7 p.m. Ice skating will take place from 10 p.m. until midnight for the whole family.

To celebrate, Pinnacle Inn Resort will offer packages especially for the occasion. Package options are as follows:

Party of Six: $120 per person

  • Two nights of lodging
  • One day/twilight lift ticket
  • One entrance ticket to NYE party or ice skating
  • Free shuttle service

Party of Four: $168 per person

  • Two nights of lodging
  • One day/twilight lift ticket
  • One entrance ticket to NYE party or ice skating
  • Free shuttle service

“Beech Mountain has a courtesy shuttle that will be running late that night,” said Talia Freeman of Beech Mountain Resort. “The shuttle will be running until 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day when the event is all over.”

For more information about Beech Mountain’s New Year’s Eve festivities, click here or call 800-438-2093.

Sugar Mountain Resort

Sugar Mountain Resort will host the annual New Year’s Eve party including torch light parade, fireworks display and live music. The musical entertainment will be provided courtesy of The Johnson Brothers from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. The fireworks will start at midnight, immediately preceded by the parade at 11:45 p.m.

Dining baskets are available for all ages at the Third Floor Cafeteria. The packages are $80 per couple and $45 per single person, and includes one basket of hors d’oeuvres upon arrival, as well as party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. The Last Run Lounge will be open for those age 21 and over including a midnight champagne toast at a cost of $45 per couple and $25 per person.

“If you want to participate in the indoor events and enjoy the live band, reservations are required,” said Kim Jochl of Sugar Mountain Resort.

The Village of Sugar Mountain Courtesy Shuttle will be running until 1:30 a.m. for the occasion. To make reservations for this event, call 828-898-5737.