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Experience the High Country from 5506’ at Beech Mountain This Summer

5506′ Skybar is where visitors can enjoy a drink, a view, yoga, and a concert.

By Hailey Blevins

The Taproom and Grill was the first part of the resort to open for the summer. The rest is set to open soon.

Beech Mountain has a busy year planned for its summer season with new and exciting changes coming to its resort to enhance their visitors’ experience.

Beech Mountain’s chairlifts will be undergoing replacements over the summer. Visitors may see construction going on while riding the shuttle or riding the biking trails.

The first part of the resort to open was Beech Mountain Brewing Co., now known as Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Taproom and Grill due to a few changes. Will Young, known for his prior ownership of Blind Squirrel Brewery, is the new Director of Food and Beverage for the resort. This will serve as the main taproom and restaurant and can be found next door to the Brewhouse, which will be open on Saturdays and Sundays. With a reconfigured Taproom and Grill, more seating and green space between the two facilities, and a new menu, returning patrons can experience a new environment at Beech Mountain’s Taproom and Grill. Along with all these new changes, Talia says, “we’re going to try to keep the Brewery open through the end of October.”

Over the course of the summer, the resort will be replacing its current chairlifts with two new chairlifts. Because of this, the chairlifts will not be operable for the 2018 summer season. Starting in early June, visitors can enjoy the resort from a higher elevation by catching one of the three shuttles with huckwagons attached for bikes. After reaching the summit, visitors can stay a while and enjoy a drink and the view at 5506’ Skybar. Or visitors can cruise down the mountain on one of Beech Mountain’s new Rossignol mountain bikes. Trail difficulties range for bikers of all skill levels and lessons are available. New this year, rental gear and basic repair is available for bikers at Beech Mountain Resort.

Huckwagons similar to this will be available with shuttles to transport bikers and their bikes to the summit, making a stop midway for access to the lower trails.

Along with their biking trails, Beech Mountain offers two biking camps for children. The first is at the end of June, and the second is at the end of July. A Junior Development Team will be starting up soon as well. More information on this and registration information can be found on the website or interested parents can email bike@skibeech.com. This team will be “a relaxed environment for kids to get together each week,” says Talia.

Each Saturday in June, participants looking to enjoy a beautiful view while relaxing with yoga can join in on a Mile High Yoga class. Classes begin at 10:30 a.m., so participants should be sure to catch the shuttle between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. For $12, participants can enjoy approximately an hour of yoga and the view from 5506 feet with instructions from a handpicked yoga instructor. Classes are open to all ages and ability levels. Talia says, “They do a great job of keeping it engaging for all different skill levels.” Yoga classes will be available from June 2nd to September 1st, with classes on both Saturdays and Sundays in July and August.

Join in on a class with an instructor handpicked by Beech Mountain Resort and enjoy a beautiful view while you relax.

For another chance to enjoy the breathtaking views, Beech Mountain Resort invites everyone to their Summer Music Series at 5506’. Every Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., there will be live music from local artists. Concerts are free, but access to 5506’ is by shuttle only, and shuttle rides are $1 per person. Visit here for the schedule of dates and artists.

Throughout the summer, there will be three separate concerts at the base of Beech Mountain Resort featuring the Wood Brothers on June 16, Trampled by Turtles on July 14, and Yonder Mountain on August 11. The concerts will have staging at the bottom of the ski slopes, which Talia thinks “is a fun area for a concert.” Several food trucks, such as Betty’s Biscuits and The Cardinal, and beer venders will be in attendance during these family friendly concerts. With a blues folk trio, a bluegrass folk rock band, and a string band with a touch of elemental rock, “They target a very family friendly demographic, and that’s what we’re trying to achieve here is something that can cater to all ages. We’re really excited about it.”

With such an array of activities and events this year, everyone is sure to find something that they enjoy, even if it is only taking the shuttle up to the summit to see the beautiful view that Beech Mountain Resort boasts.

Whether its taking a mountain biking lesson, attending a concert, or relaxing with yoga, there is something for all ages.

Opening Dates:

Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Taproom and Grill opened May 26th

Bike Park and 5506’ open June 2nd

Summer Concert Series at 5506’ starts June 16th

Mile High Yoga starts June 2nd and runs through September 1st