Wolf Laurel Ski Area - Mars Hill, NC - Skiing, Snowboarding, and More

Wolf Laurel Ski Area is located in Mars Hill, North Carolina. The ski area is directly off of the Appalachian Trail and lies just over the eastern tip of Tennessee. Wolf Laurel Ski Area serves the Knoxville, Tennessee area and nearby Asheville, North Carolina, as well as other surrounding areas. Wolf Laurel Ski Area hosts a mixture of snowboarders, families, and telemark skiers. At slightly under six feet, the seasonal snowfall in the ski area is not considered to be high and is actually lighter than the average snowfall.

The main destination for visitors is Wolf Ridge Ski Resort, as most of the slopes, lifts, and other amenities are considered to be part of the resort. Formerly known as Wolf Laurel Slopes, Wolf Ridge Ski Resort has expanded and now features 15 additional acres of ski slopes, for a total of roughly 82 acres of ski terrain. The Resort also has a new terrain park and a new quad lift. Located just five miles off of Interstate 26 at Exit 3, Wolf Ridge Ski Resort features the biggest height difference in slopes within approximately 46 miles.

The Resort has a vertical drop of 700 feet and a total of 20 runs. The runs are comprised of the following: 9 beginner runs, 8 intermediate runs, and 3 advanced runs. There are 5 lifts available. Two double chairlifts service the beginner slopes. Two quad chairlifts service the intermediate slopes, and one surface lift services the advanced slopes. Additional features include mountain lights and a tube run.

Wolf Ridge features a Snow Sports School, which provides lessons for beginners and intermediates. Lessons are offered in snowboarding, skiing, and telemark skiing. The Snow Sports School offers both private lessons and group lessons. Lessons are offered from 9:00am to 3:00pm and from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. Rates for group lessons are $18 per person for skiing and $21 per person for snowboarding. Private lessons are $45 for a one hour session or $75 for a two hour session. Rates are subject to change at any time.

The Resort also offers ski rentals, ski rental insurance, ski bib rentals, locker rentals, helmet rentals, and snowboard rentals. Rental rates and lift tickets vary in price based on time of day and whether it is a weekday, a weekend, or a holiday. Weekend rates start at 6:00pm on Friday and last until 4:30pm on Sunday. The regular season runs from Thanksgiving to mid-March (weather permitting). Slopes are open seven days a week throughout the season. Regular hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:00am-10:00pm and 9:00am-4:30pm on Sundays. Slopes are closed daily between 4:30pm and 6:00pm. Holiday hours vary, but slopes are closed on Christmas Day. Additional information can be obtained by calling 828-689-4111 or 800-817-4111.

Visitors to the Wolf Laurel Ski Area can also obtain lodging by renting mountain log cabins or townhouses from the Scenic Wolf Resort at Wolf Ridge. Information on vacation rentals can be obtained by calling 877-828-9653. The Scenic Wolf Resort offers the closest accommodations to the slopes.

Another popular destination for lodging is The Bald Mountain House at the Wolf Laurel Resort. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains and only minutes away from the Appalachian Trail, The Bald Mountain House features a 360-degree view of three states. The ski area is located inside the gate and is less than five minutes from The Bald Mountain House. Anyone interested in additional information about The Bald Mountain House can call 866-680-9329.