The Mountain Times Autumn Guide
2011
Sugar
PAGE 51
Mountain
A Year-Round Playground By Jamie Shell
I
f you’re the type of person who can’t get enough of the great outdoors, Sugar Mountain is perfect for you. With trails for biking and hiking, pristine recreational facilities for golf and tennis, a ski lift to get the optimum view of the fall foliage and more, Sugar Mountain Resort promises to leave you breathless from excitement Ski lifts aren’t just for and activities. skiing. Even in the auMany people think of ski tumn, Sugar Mountain lifts as functional only durResort offers lift rides for visitors to take in the ing the winter months, but at Sugar Mountain, visitors area’s scenic vistas. File photo are invited to take a ride on a lift for a unique scenic experience of the mountain and much of the High Country. If heights aren’t at the top of your preference list, there are plenty of walking trails across Sugar. Numerous trails wind throughout the village for path walkers of all skills and sizes, offering prime locations where hikers can see the changing of the seasons from a oneof-a-kind perspective. Cyclists are also welcome, with bike trails and terrain ranging from easy to moderately difficult, providing enjoyment for various levels of ability.
A view from the top, Sugar Mountain offers breathtaking views of the High Country. photo by rob moore
The village of Sugar Mountain is also home to the annual tradition of Oktoberfest, held Oct. 8 and 9, with free parking and admission. More than 40 artisans and craftspeople open their stands with vendor items ranging from chair canning, wooden toys, oil paintings, stained glass, handmade furniture and dolls to copper art, ceramics, honey, beeswax candles, birdhouses and much more. The festival provides attendees with a view of the beautiful fall foliage near its peak season, with the mountain making available ski lift rides during the days of the event. Sugar Mountain becomes a winter wonderland from late November through the end of March. Sugar is home to Sugar Mountain Resort and offers great ski and snowboarding terrain and many amenities to make your ski vacation a great one. Sugar is traditionally the first mountain to open its slopes for the winter season and has been a trailblazer in skiing and winter entertainment since 1976. In addition to the exceptional skiing, snowboarding and other experiences, Sugar Mountain offers a full schedule of extra events throughout the season. Check
out the calendar of events on the Sugar Mountain Resort website by clicking to www.skisugar.com, or visit the Village of Sugar Mountain online by clicking to www.seesugar.com. For more information, call the Avery County Chamber of Commerce at (828) 898-5605.