WINTER VISIT TIPS
Planning a winter visit to Beech Mountain? Whether it’s a long road trip or a quick drive from your mountain cabin to the slopes, don’t head out until you’ve checked out these tips that will help you have a wonderful trip with your friends and family!
Winter Preparedness Essentials
During winter it’s a good idea to always keep a bundle of cold-weather gear in your car. Pack snacks, water, a blanket, warm clothing, a flashlight, medications, a glass scraper, shovel, and other tools. Before hitting the road, remember to make sure your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread so that you can navigate potential ice or snow with ease. We want to ensure you have smooth travels, so we advise that you keep at least half of your car’s tank filled, don’t use cruise control when driving on a slippery surface, and avoid warming up your vehicle in enclosed areas, such as a garage.
Whether to Weather the Storm
During active snowfall, we advise you to have a cozy day indoors and stay home. If you do choose to drive in the snow, be cautious on both main and secondary roads. Following snowfall, main roads are promptly cleared, with secondary roads plowed as early as possible. Tune in to local information sources such as 1620 AM Radio for the latest information and any road closures.
Driving in the Snow with Confidence
Having the appropriate equipment is crucial. Be on the lookout for signs at the bottom of the mountain informing you if 4WD and/or chains are required to drive up Beech Mountain. If these signals are flashing, do not attempt to continue if your vehicle is not properly outfitted. Make sure you drive slowly and use gradual acceleration and deceleration. It’s always a great idea to increase your following distance to 6 to 8 seconds, allowing plenty of time for you to have a safe reaction in slippery conditions. To be safe on the slippery roads, it’s important that you get well acquainted with your brakes and try to avoid coming to a complete stop. When tackling hills, resist the urge to power up, as accidents can happen when your vehicle loses traction. We recommend that you do not stop while going up big hills unless traffic is at a standstill. Following these driving tips can provide a smoother journey in snowy driving conditions.
Navigating Parking with Ease
Resort parking can be limited during peak times, arrive early, consider walking-distance vacation rentals, and be aware of overflow parking options. Once the resort lots are full, visitors are directed to overflow parking 1.5 miles away. If the overflow parking signs are at the entrance of town, head directly to the overflow lot, and don’t head to the resort as you will encounter traffic delays. The overflow lot is a gravel lot and depending on weather conditions can be difficult to navigate. You may want to consider the paved public pay-to-park lot a block away. Keep in mind that the entrance of the resort is located 1.5 miles from the overflow lot, and there isn’t a designated walking path. While the Beech Mountain Resort provides a free shuttle service from overflow parking to the entrance during the busiest weekends. Please note that there are no taxis, Uber, or Lyft on the mountain. Premier Mountain Guides offers black car service to the resort for a fee (book in advance).
We Hope You Enjoy Your Trip
Winter in Beech Mountain offers its set of charms and its challenges. Remember by following these tailored winter weather tips, you’ll be ready to navigate the cold and enjoy the exhilarating world of winter sports with confidence. We want you to make the most of your visit during this wonderful season but more importantly, we want you to stay warm and stay safe!