Sapphire Valley Ski Resort - Henddersonville, North Carolina

Address:Henddersonville, North Carolina
Tel: (828) 743-7663

4,300 feet up in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains lies the Sapphire Valley ski resort. Located in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, Sapphire Valley is comprised of just two slopes; one for beginner levels and one for intermediate. Each trail is 1600 feet in length, but if riders take the time to soak in the scenery around them, and meander down slowly, visitors won't be disappointed by the lack of trails.

Open from late-December to March, Sapphire Valley is a modest seven acres of terrain serviced by one meandering chairlift to the summit. Wednesday through Friday you can ski from 5pm to 10pm and watch the sun set as you glide down the slopes. On Saturday, wake up early and ski all day from 9am till 10pm. Sunday is a slower paced day, with the slopes only opening up at noon, though you can stay out late till the skiing stops at 10pm.

Be sure to try out the "Frozen Falls" snowtubing park with its two 600 foot lanes, and a 60 foot vertical drop, for an afternoon or night of fun. Lessons are available with advance reservation only, and can be given in a group or a private setting. There is a modest repair and waxing shop, but patrons must bring their own equipment to Sapphire Valley as there are no rentals onsite.

Ski and stay packages are available, and include full access to the Recreation Center onsite, which includes an indoor heated pool, hot tub, sauna, fitness center, mini-golf course, movie rentals, and arcade, to keep everyone busy after the sun sets. There are two restaurants and lounges on Sapphire's premises. O'Connel's and The Library both offer weekend music entertainment, with the former offering live music and karaoke, while the latter is transformed into a live piano bar. Sapphire Valley offers either cabins or their lodge as lodging options by the night or week. There is a small grocery store 2 miles away in the town of Sapphire itself. While there, you may also choose to check out the local watering holes and small restaurants.

Visitors looking for a more bustling nightlife may decide to make the 2 ½ hour drive over to Atlanta, Georgia, or the 3 hour drive to Knoxville, Tennessee. However, if it's a winter getaway you're looking for, stay and see what Sapphire has to offer the recreational skier or snowboarder.

The Sapphire Valley Ski slopes are an integral part of a 5,700 acre four-season resort nestled in a pristine mountain valley high in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains, with an average elevation of 4,300 feet. Our ski hill consists of two runs, one each for intermediate and beginner skiers, featuring runs up to 1100 feet in length and a vertical drop of 200 feet. Beginners receive the personal attention necessary to master the basics of downhill skiing or snowboarding, and seasoned veterans can hone their skills.