Governor Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein are visiting several ski resorts in North Carolina this weekend as the Winter Olympics take place in Italy. Their visits include Appalachian Ski Mountain’s French-Swiss Ski College, Beech Mountain Ski Resort, and Sugar Mountain Ski Resort. The North Carolina ski industry generates over $244 million annually and draws more than 780,000 visitors to its six ski resorts each year.
“Western North Carolina is open for business, and thousands of people are choosing our state as their vacation destination,” said Governor Josh Stein. “The ski industry is a key part of western North Carolina’s economy, supporting jobs and small businesses alike. I encourage everyone to rediscover the unforgettable mountains of North Carolina for your next vacation destination, no matter the season.”
Kimberley Jochl from the North Carolina Ski Area Association stated, “North Carolina’s ski industry has never been so vibrant, and the time has never been better to head over to the mountains for a winter escape. North Carolina’s leadership as the Winter Sports Capital of the South attracts hundreds of thousands each year, one-third being first-time skiers. With new perks and enhancements to the state’s resorts, we’re confident this winter season will be enjoyable for winter enthusiasts old and new.”
Wit Tuttell, Executive Director of Visit NC, added: “With the highest mountains, the biggest variety of activities and the best instruction for beginners, our ski areas have helped make North Carolina the winter sports capital of the South. Each year, it’s exciting to see the mountain landscapes extend their appeal with new developments on and off the slopes.”
Brad Moretz, President of Appalachian Ski Mountain said: “We are pleased that Governor Stein is getting the word out that North Carolina Ski Resorts and our local supporting lodging and restaurant businesses are fully back on track following the 2024 Hurricane Helene event, and are currently enjoying a strong winter.”
Governor Stein also recognized athletes with ties to North Carolina competing in Italy: Eunice Lee (speedskating), Mystique Ro (skeleton), Kayden Beasley (sled hockey), along with five Olympians from NHL team Carolina Hurricanes—Sebastian Aho (Finland), Frederik Anderson (Denmark), Nikolaj Ehlers (Denmark), Seth Jarvis (Canada), and Jaccob Slavin (United States).
For more than 60 years, North Carolina has been known as a center for winter sports in the South. Its six ski resorts—Sugar Mountain Resort; Beech Mountain Resort; Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock; Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley; Hatley Pointe in Mars Hill; Sapphire Valley Ski Area—are located near Asheville and Boone. Since 1962, Appalachian Ski Mountain’s French-Swiss Ski College has taught over one million people.
The snow sports sector supports nearly 2,000 full-time or seasonal jobs statewide. Almost half of annual visitors come from outside North Carolina. Visitor activity contributes more than $96 million indirectly to state economic value each year. The region offers some of eastern United States’ highest-elevation skiing at peaks above 5,000 feet.
Josh Stein serves as governor—the chief executive who enforces laws across all regions within North Carolina. The Office of Governor leads policy by directing budgets and appointing officials while serving residents statewide since its founding in 1776.
