There are Southern states that consistently get snow, like Virginia. But even in warmer climates in the South you can find frozen fun. White fluffy snow exists in Texas, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and even Florida! You don’t even have to wait for a winter storm. Some of these spots make their own snow. You’re guaranteed to have the full snow in the South experiences at our favorite attractions where you can play, tube and even ski! Time to take inventory of your winter wardrobe to make sure you’ve got some stylish and warm options.
Does it Snow in North Carolina?
With mountains and areas of rugged landscape, it definitely snows in North Carolina. In North Carolina, January is the coldest month with snowfall usually happening between December and March. Ski resorts in North Carolina are the perfect place to experience the fun of snow skiing or snowboarding close to home. So pack up all your ski gear and explore the ski resorts of the Carolinas. Resorts like Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain and Sapphire Valley use snow-making machines to supplement snowfall so skiing is available annually.
Here are our favorite places to find snow in North Carolina.
Beech Mountain Ski Resort
1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy
Beech Mountain, NC 28604
My favorite place to ski in North Carolina is Beech Mountain Ski Resort. Late spring skiing (which in the South is February and March) offers some awesome discounted rates compared to day rates for skiing in December and January.
Beech Mountain has the highest elevation of any North Carolina ski resort, with 17 trails, 8 lifts and 95 skiable acres. It also boasts the only high-speed quad lift to get skiers up the mountain fast. When Mother Nature doesn’t provide the snow, Beech Mountain Resort will make it.
Before you go, check local weather channel snow reports, though there’s a good chance you will see snow fall from the sky throughout the winter season.
SheBuysTravel Tip: You can find several vacation rental options near the slopes, some within walking distance!
Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline Park
2058 Skyland Dr.
Seven Devils, NC 28604
Did you know that North Carolina has a plethora of snow tubing? It’s true! Hawksnest actually has 20+ lanes of snow tubing. Tube runs are 400-1000 feet long. It is the largest snow tubing park in the entire state of North Carolina AND the whole East Coast!
One thing to note: There is no skiing or snowboarding here. It’s all tubing, all day. There also are two ziplines. For the 2024 season, advance reservations are highly recommended. Limited capacity means that walk-up tickets may not always be available. Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time so that you have time to park and check-in.
Sugar Mountain Resort
1009 Sugar Mountain Dr.
Sugar Mountain, NC 28604
Sugar Mountain has more than 115 skiable acres and 21 trails. It also offers the only double black diamond trail in the state of North Carolina.
But don’t think this resort is only for experts. There are trails for every level and several green runs for novice skiers. The bunny slope has a magic carpet to take beginners to the top easily.
Sugar also offers tons of other options for wintertime fun. With a 10,000-square-foot ice rink, a tubing park and snowshoe tours, there’s something for everyone. Tubing is available at night as well for fully-lit nighttime fun. Guided snowshoe tours offer options for both younger kids and those 12 and over.
Read More: 12 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Western North Carolina
Appalachian Ski Mountain
940 Ski Mountain Road
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
For beginners and families with small kiddos, the Appalachian Ski Resort is a great option for a snowy family vacation. As one of the most inexpensive options for skiing in the South, it still features 12 slopes and 2 terrain parks. You can fill the whole day with family fun here.
Another bonus for beginners: the Appalachian Ski School is North Carolina’s only official Burton Learn To Ride Center. There is absolute certainty that you will see snow at Appalachian. Not only does the mid-winter base depth average around 100 inches (!) but the resort also has the largest snowmaking capacity per acre of any slope in the Southeast. Because of this, you can book here with confidence.
The ski season here runs from right before Thanksgiving through March/April. In 17 of the last 18 years, Appalachian has had skiing right up until the scheduled closing date without any interruptions. It’s an impressive record.
Ski Sapphire Valley
127 Cherokee Trail
Sapphire, NC 28774
For anyone who lives in the Metro Atlanta area, like I do, this is the closest skiing. The drive to Sapphire, North Carolina takes about 2.5 hours. It can run a little longer if you encounter snow.
This 5700-acre four-season resort turns into a winter sports haven during cooler months. You can ski, snowboard, take a winter zipline and go tubing at the Frozen Falls Tube Park. You’ll find a 500-foot run with a 60-foot drop there! If you’re planning to tube, make advance reservations. You book time slots of one hour and 45 minutes. Sell-outs occur regularly. Currently, the ski season is slated to start on December 16, 2023.
Looking for some quirkier fun? Visit during their annual Great Outhouse Race which is pretty much what it sounds like.
Read More: Where Kids Ski Free This Season
Is There Snow in Tennessee?
Yes! Looking to see snow near Mississippi and Alabama? Head to Tennessee. If you’ll be traveling to or through Tennessee to see snow, be sure to follow the reports from the National Weather Service closely. Sleet and slick roads aren’t uncommon in higher elevations near the Great Smoky Mountains.
Ober Gatlinburg
1339 Ski Mountain Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Ober Gatlinburg is Tennessee’s best-known ski resort. While it counts on Mother Nature’s natural weather patterns to help get its slopes ready, it also uses warm-weather snowmaking technology. The ski slopes are open mid-December through mid-March, weather permitting. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, tubing is also offered. In the 2023-2024 season, tubing will run from November 18, 2023 – March 2024.
Skiing, snowboarding and tubing are all activities that require their own tickets. However, for other winter activities you can purchase an unlimited activity wristband. These wristbands give you access to things like the aerial tramway, ice bumper cars, the Snow Zone, ice skating, scenic chairlift, Tennessee Flyer, Wildlife Habitat and the carousel. Some of the areas like the Snow Zone may be available to ski ticket holders at no extra charge so be sure to double check.
If you’re not familiar with Tennessee geography, Ober Gatlinburg sits in the far eastern portion of the state close to the North Carolina state line. It’s in between Nashville and Charlotte, NC. Both cities are just under 4 hours away.
Read More: Visiting Dollywood: A Complete Guide
Does It Ever Snow in Louisiana?
We hate to disappoint but Louisiana and the Gulf Coast receive less than two-tenths of an inch of snow annually. This doesn’t mean that they don’t get snow but it is rare and when it happens, it’s a bona fide emergency. Northern parts of the state that border Arkansas do get a little bit of snow annually. However, you can spot snow in New Orleans this winter if you know where to look!
NOLA ChristmasFest
900 Convention Center Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70130
NOLA ChristmasFest happens each year in late December. This limited-time opportunity to see snow features holiday favorites like the Gingerbread Village, ice-skating rink, carnival rides and holiday entertainment. The highlight? The Big Freezy in the Big Easy offers the chance to ice skate, slide down an ice flume (aka snow tubing), play ice bocce or grab a holiday cocktail at the Polar Pub.
Best Places to See Snow in Georgia
While snow may not be common in Georgia, it does exist. If you’re wondering where to find snow near you in Georgia we’ve got you covered. Here’s where machine-made snow pops up every year in Georgia.
Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd.
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
It’s always a snow day when Snow Mountain is in session!
Located just outside of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is one of the most interesting southeast destinations in the US. This winter wonderland lets you enjoy manufactured snow without dealing with cold weather or pesky annoyances like school closings.
Every year Stone Mountain Park opens up Snow Mountain from November through February. Snow Mountain features a 400-foot snow-covered tubing hill for individuals, as well as a family run. You can build snowmen, throw snowballs and roast s’mores in the popular Snow Zone area. If you’re visiting with little ones check out the Little Angels section for kiddos less than 46″ tall.
Looking to make a trip out of it? Explore the attractions at Stone Mountain Park, including the 4D theater, Summit Skyride to the top of Stone Mountain, live action shows and more. Look into one of the many hotels near Stone Mountain Park or camp nearby.
Read More: Top Tips for Learning to Ski and Snowboard with Kids
License to Chill Snow Island
7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy.
Buford, GA 30518
Lake Lanier Island is commonly known as a summertime fun spot, but it’s also a fantastic place to find snow in the South! From November through March, it is transformed into a winter wonderland. License to Chill Snow Island at Margaritaville boasts the fastest snow tubing hill in North America, at 575 feet long and eight stories tall.
Snow Island Amusement Rides include 13 winter-themed carnival rides. Other winter fun includes snow tubing lanes, Frosty’s ice skating rink, Snowball Alley, snow play areas, sleigh rides and more! Even if there’s not a trace of snow in the long-range forecast and winter weather is staying above freezing, snow can be found here!
Is There Snow in Alabama?
Cloudmont Ski Resort
721 County Road 614
Mentone, AL 35984
Football, sweet tea and skiing? It sounds bizarre but you can head to Alabama to find snow in the south. Located on Lookout Mountain, Cloudmont Ski Resort. is roughly 2 hours from Birmingham in the northeastern corner of Alabama. With an elevation of 1,800 feet, you can feel the cold air here. Night temperatures in the winter can hover around 28 degrees.
Alabama doesn’t receive a lot of snowstorms, so Cloudmont Ski Resort uses advanced snowmaking equipment. This ensures that their base layer of snow doesn’t melt on warmer days. Two slopes of roughly 1,000 feet are geared towards beginners and intermediate skiers.
Although Alabama skiing may not be as challenging as shredding Colorado or Northern California slopes, it’s also a lot less expensive.You don’t want to head all the way to Canada only to discover you hate the cold! Cloudmont is a great option for first-time skiers or just snow-curious Southerners.
Read More: Best Kids Ski Helmets for Comfort & Safety
You Can Find Snow in Florida?
When people think of Florida they almost never think of snow but the reality is that Florida has gotten trace precipitation over the years. However, no city south of Homestead has ever gotten snow. Homestead is just south of Miami though, so that still leaves most of the state open to occasional freak flurries. If you want to guarantee you’ll see snow in Florida you’ve got to plan for it.
Ice! at Gaylord Palms Resort
6000 W Osceola Pkwy.
Kissimmee, FL 34746
Can you believe the best place near Florida to see snow is in … Orlando? People go to Orlando for many things. Snow isn’t usually one of them. However, during winter months you can see Mickey Mouse and snow in the same day!
Gaylord Palms Resort has nearby car rental options or you can hop in an Uber or Lyft. It’s located minutes from Walt Disney World. The Gaylord Palms offers guests the ability to experience the freezing cold at their family-friendly Ice! experience. Ice! features snow tubing, ice slides, a snowball throwing area and 2 million twinkling lights to make it all extra magical.
Before you head to Ice! be sure you know what activities you’d like to do. Some are ticketed and some, like the light show and the Acres of Festive Decorations, are complimentary. Overnight stays offer the best options. Guests at the Gaylord Palms Resort have access to special packages, rooms with views of the lights and extra ticket times.
Be prepared for the cold though! It’s all kept at a chilly 9 degrees. Guests are provided calf-length, hooded winter coats to keep them warm, but long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Hats and gloves are recommended and available for purchase if you didn’t remember to pack them next to your swimsuit.
Read More: Best Christmas Hotels for Families
Snowcat Alpine Ridge
27839 Saint Joe Road
Dade City, FL 33525
If you are close to Tampa, there is another option to see snow in Florida. Snowcat Alpine Ridge operates a winter wonderland complete with a tubing hill, arctic igloo, ice skating on the Crystal Ribbon and an alpine village. There might be a reason to buy gloves this year! Find out more information about tickets and pricing here.
Hotels Near Snowcat Alpine Ridge
Hampton Inn Dade City- Zephyrhills– A family-friendly option that includes free breakfast.
Microtel Inn & Suites Brooksville and Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Zephyrhills– Part of the Wyndham brand, these no-frills options are located north (Brooksville) and south (Zephyr Hills) of Snowcat Alpine Ridge. Just be sure to put all guests in when making the reservation as some of these rooms have limited capacity.
Where Does it Snow in Texas?
In a state as large as Texas you’d better believe that there’s snow. Texas has a mix of man-made snow and cold weather frozen precipitation snow. Even in southern areas of the state that think a cold front consists of 50-degree weather, you can find the white stuff.
Santa’s Wonderland
18898 Hwy 6
College Station, TX 77845
Santa’s Wonderland Texas in College Station is a full Texas-sized Christmas Experience. There is a reason people come back year after year with their families. There are some old favorites, such as Texas Santa, Marshall Frostbite (the 7-foot-tall snowman mascot), and the hayride that are always a big hit.
Besides all of that, you can go snow tubing and ice skating. Frostbite’s Mountain at Santa’s Wonderland gives visitors one more reason to get excited about seeing snow. With a multi-lane snow tubing experience and adjacent Snow Playgrounds, Texas kids are afforded the rare chance to play in snow. Both tubing and the playground are included in the price of admission. Ice skating is an add-on.
Read More: Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Visit to Santa’s Wonderland
Hotels Near Santa’s Wonderland in College Station Texas
Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center– Aggies fans will love this hotel located across from Kyle Field. Rooms scream team spirit and there’s a two-story bar on site.
Embassy Suites by Hilton College Station– The location of this hotel is ideal if you want to be near food and shopping. Spread out in a suite so that everyone has their own space.
Best Western Plus College Station Inn & Suites– If you want to be right near Santa’s Wonderland, this hotel will get you the closest plus free breakfast.
Snowy Trails in Palo Duro Canyon
11450 Park Rd 5
Canyon, TX 79015
It’s not uncommon to see snow in West Texas. The Lubbock, Amarillo and Canyon areas get snow annually, usually in January. Be careful if you decide to visit. The snow often comes with freezing rain and ice, so driving can be messy.
Palo Duro Canyon is located in, where else, Canyon, Texas. This canyon is the United States’ 2nd deepest canyon right behind the Grand Canyon. Trails range from kid-friendly to challenging. When the park gets a light flurry, the photo opportunities are stunning. Snow isn’t a regular thing here but January is your best bet if you’re keeping your fingers crossed for flurries.
Hotels near Palo Duro Canyon
There aren’t a lot of hotel choices super close but there are a few solid options. You can also elect to stay in a cabin or camp at the state park. Availability varies.
Best Western Palo Duro Inn & Suites– Former Texas resident and SheBuysTravel contributor Nasreen Stump has stayed here multiple times. She says, “This hotel is a great option. Free breakfast, clean, and there’s a restaurant next door making it super easy for dinnertime with kids. Bonus points because Canyon is no longer a dry town so you can grab a drink!”
Hampton Inn & Suites Amarillo East– While this hotel is 20 miles away, the suites give you the space to spread out and you’ll have the
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
400 Pine Canyon
Salt Flat, TX 79847
Located in West Texas near the New Mexico border, this National Park contains the highest peak in Texas. In winter months there’s a good chance you’re going to see snow, but you’ll need to work for it.
Guadalupe Peak, also called the “Top of Texas,” stands at over 8700 feet. Wear your winter gear. It gets cold and windy in the park in December and January. We recommend this hike for experienced hikers. There is a vertical elevation gain that can stop novices in their tracks.
In addition, you’ll need to carry in your water and watch out for wildlife. Nothing like a face-to-face encounter with a mountain lion to add some cardio to your hike! Be sure to check in with rangers to be aware of any sightings before setting out.
Hotels near Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Many hikers choose to start very early in the day so that they can get those coveted sunrise photos. The only option if you want to stay close is to camp. If you’re willing to miss the sunrise, look for hotels in Carlsbad New Mexico near Carlsbad Caverns.
Plan about 7 hours to climb time up and down, so you won’t want to be too late of a start.
SheBuysTravel Tip: There is a similarly named state park (Guadalupe River State Park) that is not even a little close by. Be sure to triple check if you’re running Google searches for a hotel.
Hyatt House Carlsbad NM– This one is 49 minutes away and conveniently located off of US 62. Hyatt House is a suite-style hotel with a great free breakfast.
La Quinta Inn & Suites Carlsbad NM– You’ll drive for about 50 minutes to reach Guadalupe Mountains National Park from here, but if you’re looking for a pet-friendly hotel that offers free wifi and free breakfast, it’s a great pick.
The bottom line is that you can find snow in the South if you look hard enough. When you need your frozen fix, you now know where to go! Where’s your favorite place to find snow in the South?
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