Appalachian Ski Mountain

It's small, but it's the closest ski area to Charlotte. Appalachian Ski Mountain has twelve slopes, the longest being the intermediate half mile Orchard Run. (Bonus: there are now three terrain parks for snowboarders, and the whole place is open for night skiing.) And when you're sick of the slopes, there's an ice arena on site and the shops of Blowing Rock are just ten minutes away.