The holidays have come and gone, so now is the chance for a change of pace to enjoy all the winter activities on the Plateau. Bundle up and enjoy the great outdoors — it’s a wonderful way to leave your cares behind and focus on fun. Our fresh mountain air is sure to help you start your new year on a positive note.
Highlands Outpost at 7420 Dillard Road in Scaly Mountain offers snow tubing daily, weather permitting, from 10:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M., with extended hours on Saturdays from 9:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. Those extended hours also apply New Year’s weekend, January 1-3, Martin Luther King weekend, January 18-19, and Presidents Day weekend, February 13-16. While you’re there, don’t miss a ride on North Carolina’s longest gravity-powered mountain coaster, the Scaly Mountain Screamer. There’s even an on-site restaurant, El Guacamole Loco, where you can refuel after all that activity. For group sales or to confirm hours, call (828) 526-3737 or visit highlandsoutpost.com.
Downtown Highlands offers ice skating in picturesque Kelsey-Hutchinson Park. Open Thursday–Sunday, hours are Thursdays from 3:30 to 8:00 P.M., Fridays 3:30 to 10:00 P.M., Saturdays 1:00 to 10:00 P.M., and Sundays 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. They’ll also be open New Year’s Day from 1:00 to 8:00 P.M. Learn more at highlandsnc.org/recreation-ice-rink.
Ski Sapphire Valley offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing Fridays through Sundays from Noon until 6:00 P.M. They’ll also be open Monday, January 20, and Monday, February 16. Beginning skiers will enjoy the learning slope with lessons from top-notch instructors, while more experienced skiers and boarders can take advantage of the main slope’s state-of-the-art quad lift. For more information, to confirm hours, or to check the snow report, call (828) 743-7663 or visit skisapphirevalley.com.
Hikers shouldn’t hesitate to hit their favorite trails for the softer, quieter experience of winter. Casual walkers might enjoy the Highlands Greenway Trail, a loop around the lake at Highlands Biological Station, or a stroll through the Village Green in Cashiers.
For a change of pace, the Highlands Historical Society’s tour of preserved buildings is a great way to spend an afternoon. Maps are available at the Highlands Chamber of Commerce or the kiosk at Highlands Historical Village.
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