Hawksnest Ski Resort - Banner Elk, North Carolina

Address:Banner Elk, North Carolina
Tel: (828) 963-6561

At the end of a long, winding mountain road lays a secret treasure in Boone, North Carolina called Hawksnest. Like the bird it's named for, this place likes its solitude and protects its home fiercely from becoming too crowded with people who don't appreciate the effort expended on it.

Known to be the most supportive area of snowboarding in North Carolina, Hawksnest is so proud of its terrain park that its has its own dedicated maintenance crew that meticulously grooms and reshapes the park every night. They even post the new layouts in the lodge daily so riders can see the crew's newest innovations. Hawksnest holds various contests throughout the season, and the instructors and crew have won quite a few titles themselves, so snowboarders will have the time of their life here.

Skiiers can ascend to the 4,619 foot summit, which is the starting point of the twelve available trails. The trails vary in difficulty from the three beginner trails to the six intermediate slopes and, finally, to the three advanced level runs. Keeping with the area's theme, riders can warm up on the "Kiddy Hawk" then move over to the "Chicken Hawk" before finally taking flight on "Top Gun."

With Hawksnest's season running from December to Mid-March, and all of their trails lit for night skiing, riders can enjoy the mountain all day and night. Those not on skis or a snowboard can experience the largest snowtubing park in North Carolina with 8 lanes stretching for 1,000 feet each!

Rentals of name brand equipment such as Burton, Sims, K2, Atomic, and Salomon are available onsite. A deposit of around $400 is required to rent any snowboard, and skis require photo identification. Rates are determined by category which include adult, junior, students, 12 and under, and military personnel, for 6 different time frames. The nighthawk time, from 6pm to midnight, is known for its party atmosphere, so plan according to your tastes.

Lessons are offered for first timers and those seeking to improve their skills. Childrens programming is also available either in a great "Play to Learn" environment or in private or group lesson format.

Lodging and nightlife can be found in the three surrounding towns of Seven Devils, Boone, and Banner Elk. Seven Devils offers up log cabins, condos, vacation homes, and motels with smaller bars and restaurants for a laid back atmosphere. Banner Elk has campsites and RV hookups. Finally, Boone is the main nightlife area, and has a variety of lodging available as well. Boone is the home of Appalachian State University so a thriving young crowd is always on hand to pass the night away. It also has many more choices of pubs, bars, and restaurants from four stars dining to the quick burger and pizza joints found in any college town.

No matter what way you look at it, Hawksnest takes care of its own. Strap on your board and play in one of the finest snowboarding areas in North Carolina, or ski the day away on natural terrain just made for your skis to slice through.

For the exhilarating sensation of cruising groomed runs with spectacular terrain try Sock-Em-Dog, Right Stuff, Chicken Hawk, Merlin, Narrow Gauge and Raven's Run. These slopes offer skiers and snowboarders diverse trails for top-to-bottom fun and excitement.