Overlooking the ski slopes on one side and the Blue Ridge Mountains on the other, this outdoor ice arena is fully lit for skating under the stars seven nights a week. Warm up between skate sessions at a rink-side bonfire.
940 Ski Mountain Road
(828) 295-7828
appskimtn.com/ice-skating
From mid-November through mid-February, the Upper Pond of the Whitewater Center is a grand 17,000-square-foot ice rink that includes an ice trail and a free-skate area. Skaters can stop for a hot or cold beverage from the Airstream in the center of the frozen pond.
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway
(704) 391-3900
whitewater.org/activity/ice-skating
Take an icy spin around the South End area of downtown. Before or after stepping onto the ice, stop for a beer, a meal, and a game or two at nearby Southend Brewing or Boxcar Bar + Arcade.
123 Barnhardt Street
(336) 379-0060
piedmontwinterfest.com
This family-friendly outdoor center, a short drive west of Highlands, offers ice-skating, snow tubing, and rides on a 4,000-foot-tall mountain coaster. After the activities, enjoy a meal at Annie’s Café or a sweet treat — fudge, candy, or ice cream — from the on-site Bartram Market.
7420 Dillard Road
(828) 526-3737
scalymountain.com
If skiing isn’t your style, the 10,000-square-foot ice-skating rink at this resort can give you some fun outdoor entertainment. With the sports shop annex and the resort restaurant located nearby, hot chocolate and a hearty meal are steps away.
1009 Sugar Mountain Drive
(828) 898-4521
skisugar.com/skating
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