For the last three years my daughter and I embarked on a spring break getaway to the Sugar Mountain Ski resort in Banner Elk, NC.

We love the Sugar Bear Ski School. The prices are reasonable (especially during “march madness” when everything is ~20% off), the staff is super friendly and knowledgeable, and the trails are well suited for beginner and average skiers like ourselves.

Things to know before you go
• The full day rate includes equipment, lift ticket and lunch. You pay about the same as doing it a la carte.
• The child is in school from 9:30AM to 3PM. You can ski together afterwards until 4:30PM, just return the equipment by 5PM.
• Send snacks with the child. Although the lunch is included, the food choices for the last 3 years were the same: PB&J sandwich or hot dog. It gets old quickly.
• If possible do the registration the night before to avoid the morning rush and long check-in line. However beware of weather, once registered there is no refund.

Kids ski highlights
Here’s my daughter 2 years ago, on her very first day of ski school.

The ski lift for beginners

Two years later, on our last day of skiing. She’s been upgraded to a Grizzly Bear…

At the top of Sugar Mountain resort, ready to go down Northbridge trail

Now I can ski on all the trails!…except the black diamond ones, of course

If only the weather will have been more cooperative…this year there was very little snowfall and warmer than usual temperature. The trails got slushy real fast. Not a big deal for my daughter as she was just getting comfortable in her boots…I wish there was better powder. Better luck next year!

Have fun, be cool in the Carolinas!

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