After the devastating impacts of a hurricane like Helene, it’s essential to focus on recovery efforts and bring back tourism in a way that highlights the resilience and charm of the North Carolina High Country. Just a short drive from the Lake Norman area, a trip to the High Country will help build back revenue lost during peak leaf season. January offers many opportunities to help rejuvenate the local economy and attract visitors to the region through a variety of winter activities and events. Here’s a brief list of activities and events for January across the High Country towns, including ways to support tourism recovery after the storm. There are too many to cover in this brief article, so please research the High Country towns of Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Blowing Rock, Boone, Lansing, Sparta, Sugar Mountain, West Jefferson and Wilkesboro to find all the opportunities available to support these hard hit towns and enjoy yourself while doing so.

1. Skiing and Snowboarding at Beech Mountain Resort

• Location: Beech Mountain, NC
• Activity: Beech Mountain, the highest ski resort in the eastern United States, is a prime destination for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and snow tubing in January. The resort typically has a full schedule of events and is well equipped to entertain visitors.
• Why It Helps: Skiing and winter sports draw winter tourists to the area, helping to support local accommodations, dining and retail businesses as they recover from the storm’s impacts.

2. Sugar Mountain Resort’s Winter Events

• Location: Sugar Mountain, NC
• Activity: With an average of 78 inches of natural snow each winter, find fantastic skiing and snowboarding, plus ice skating, tubing and more. Relax after a day of play in a comfortable vacation home and condo rental on the mountain – all sizes and styles ranging from mountaintop condos to secluded log cabins.
• Why It Helps: We encourage visitors to explore Sugar Mountain while supporting local businesses like restaurants, ski shops and inns that rely on tourism for recovery.

3. Blowing Rock WinterFest

• Location: Blowing Rock, NC
• Activity: Blowing Rock WinterFest will be held January 23rd through January 26th, 2025. It is a popular annual event with ice sculpting, a chili cook-off, festival of lights and much more. The event also includes outdoor winter activities, warm indoor settings with local food and drink, and plenty of shopping opportunities in Blowing Rock’s downtown.
• Why It Helps: WinterFest brings visitors to the area, helping businesses in Blowing Rock recover while also fostering community spirit through fun, family friendly events.

4. Grandfather Mountain Winter Hikes and Nature Programs

• Location: Linville, NC (Grandfather Mountain)
• Activity: Grandfather Mountain offers winter hiking, nature programs and Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. While some trails are more challenging in winter, there are also more accessible hikes. The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation offers educational programs focusing on wildlife and the environment, ideal for families and nature lovers.
• Why It Helps: Indoor and outdoor activities at Grandfather Mountain attract tourists to the region and promote eco-tourism which is essential for areas recovering from natural disasters.

5. Local Craft Breweries and Wineries

• Location: Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, West Jefferson, Sparta and surrounding areas
• Activity: The High Country is known for its craft breweries and wineries. Popular stops include Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Blowing Rock Brewing Company and Grandfather Vineyard and Winery. January can feature special tastings, tours and winter-themed beverages like spiced wines or seasonal beers.
• Why It Helps: Craft beverage tourism helps draw people to local businesses while giving them a warm, indoor retreat after outdoor winter activities.

6. Cozy Cabin Getaways

• Location: Across the High Country, including Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, West Jefferson, Lansing and Beech Mountain
• Activity: Many cabins, inns and resorts in the region offer cozy winter retreats, often with winter deals and special packages. These getaways are perfect for tourists who want to relax by the fire, enjoy scenic views and explore the High Country at their own pace.
• Why It Helps: Promoting these winter retreats can help fill accommodations during the winter months, benefiting lodging and hospitality businesses in the area.

7. Winter Farmers Markets

• Location: Boone, NC
• Activity: Boone’s indoor winter farmers market offers fresh, local produce, meats and crafts, even in January. Visitors can find winter-specific foods like hearty root vegetables, jams and baked goods.
• Why It Helps: These markets provide tourists with an authentic taste of the region while supporting local farmers, artisans and small businesses recovering from the effects of the hurricane.

8. Ice Skating at Appalachian Ski Mountain

• Location: Appalachian Ski Mountain
• Activity: Ice Skate Under the Stars at Appalachian Ski Mountain. In between spins, sit by the rink-side bonfire and enjoy the night sky with a cup of hot chocolate! Ice skating sessions are two hours. Skates and training walkers are available for rent. Reserve your time and rentals online.
• Why It Helps: Ice skating and other family friendly activities help draw families to the area in the winter, supporting tourism while offering an alternative to the larger ski resorts.

By promoting these January activities and events, the North Carolina High Country can not only bring back tourism post-Hurricane Helene, but can also ensure that the recovery is vibrant, diverse and community focused. Whether through outdoor adventure, cultural experiences or cozy getaways, the region offers something for every type of traveler.