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5506′ Skybar at Beech Mountain Makes Wine Enthusiast’s Top Eight ‘Sizzling’ Ski Bars

By Jessica Isaacs | jessica@highcountrypress.com

5506' Skybar. Photo by Sam Dean Photography.
5506′ Skybar. Photo by Sam Dean Photography.

What better way to kick back after an adventurous day on the slopes than with great food, top-shelf drinks and an incredible panoramic view at Beech Mountain’s 5506’ Skybar?

Wine Enthusiast magazine recently named it one of eight standout “sizzling ski resort bars” in the U.S. and Canada. Make a trip and see for yourself why this one-of-a-kind Après-ski spot is worthy of the praise.

Part of the highest ski area in eastern America, the bar’s awe-inspiring elevation lends to a breathtaking view of the Blue Ridge Mountains that stretches across North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

“Skybar sits at 5,506 feet, which makes it the highest bar in North Carolina. The unique layout of the bar is interesting,” said Talia Freeman, director of marketing at the resort. “The bar itself is a round glasshouse with a retractable roof. It sits on a 2,800 square foot-deck with a nice landscaped area in the back and an incredible overlook. The Adirondack chairs make for comfortable seating.”

5506′ Skybar

During peak ski season in the winter months, only skiers and snowboarders with valid lift tickets have access to the Skybar.

“The snowy landscape makes a great setting for a drink,” Freeman said.

Ride the chairlift up to the top, grab a bite, have a drink and then hit the slopes to get back down the mountain.

5506' Skybar. Photo by Ken Ketchie.
5506′ Skybar. Photo by Ken Ketchie.

Beech Mountain Brewing Company specials are always on tap, and the bar also offers an array of wines, well and mixed drinks, non-alcoholic beverages and great food.

In the summer months, anyone can ride the lift up and down the mountain to have a good time.

“The location is very unique and the views are like no other,” said Freeman. “We have great food and a very serene setting.”

Freeman gave credit to General Manager Ryan Costin for his vision for the bar and the work he put in to develop it.

“It is certainly great recognition. He is continually thinking of new ideas for the resort and I am really proud of him for making this investment,” she said. “It is one of his best accomplishments.”

5506’ shares Wine Enthusiast’s top eight with ski bars in Lake Tahoe, California; Whistler, British Columbia, Canada; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Crested Butte, Colorado; Aspen, Colorado; Deer Valley, Utah; and Park City, Utah.

Whether you’ve been there before or not, there’s no time like the present to try it out. Plan your trip today and soak up the glory of the High Country.

While you’re at Beech, grab a Big Country Breakfast or a cinnamon roll from Fred’s General Mercantile, which recently made Liftopia’s list of the top 12 stops for an Avant-ski meal.

5506' Skybar. Photo by Sam Dean Photography.
5506′ Skybar. Photo by Sam Dean Photography.
5506' Skybar. Photo by Sam Dean Photography.
5506′ Skybar. Photo by Sam Dean Photography.
5506' Skybar. Photo by Ken Ketchie.
5506′ Skybar. Photo by Ken Ketchie.
5506' Skybar. Photo by Sam Dean Photography.
5506′ Skybar. Photo by Sam Dean Photography.
5506' Skybar. Photo by Ken Ketchie.
5506′ Skybar. Photo by Ken Ketchie.
5506' Skybar. Photo by Ken Ketchie.
5506′ Skybar. Photo by Ken Ketchie.
5506' Skybar. Photo by Ken Ketchie.
5506′ Skybar. Photo by Ken Ketchie.
5506' Skybar. Photo by Ken Ketchie.
5506′ Skybar. Photo by Ken Ketchie.
5506' Skybar. Photo by Ken Ketchie.
5506′ Skybar. Photo by Ken Ketchie.
5506' Skybar. Photo by Ken Ketchie.
Photo by Ken Ketchie.
5506' Skybar. Photo by Ken Ketchie.
Photo by Ken Ketchie.