Where to Find Snow in the South from North Carolina to Texas

You don’t need to fly to Colorado to catch winter magic. You’ll find everything from machine-made snow slopes in Alabama to ice flumes in Florida and peak trails in North Carolina. All you need to do is pack your warmest layers and head south.

What You’ll Learn:

• Where to find snow in unexpected states: Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and even Florida offer winter wonders.
• North Carolina’s top winter destinations: Explore the Tarheel State’s major ski resorts, tubing parks and 2026 mountain upgrades.
• Family-friendly winter activities beyond skiing: Learn where to go for ice skating, indoor ice slides, high-speed snow tubing and holiday winter festivals.

Does it Snow in North Carolina?

North Carolina just might be the South’s snow HQ. The Tarheel State has six full-service ski resorts plus one of the largest snow tubing parks on the East Coast.

Asheville is an excellent home base for exploring North Carolina ski country, with snow less than two hours’ drive away. Want to be closer? Check out Boone, one of our best places to visit in North Carolina.

North Carolina ski resort opening dates vary based on temperatures and resort snowmaking capabilities with the earliest openings occurring in mid-November.

Appalachian Ski Mountain

Appalachian Ski Mountain | 940 Ski Mountain Rd | Blowing Rock | (828) 295-7828

• Highlight: Home to the French Swiss Ski College and an official Burton Learn to Ride Center.
• Après-ski: Illuminated rink for day-to-night ice skating.

Beech Mountain Resort

Beech Mountain Resort | 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy | Beech Mountain | (828) 387-2011

• Highlight: The highest ski area in Eastern America offering 95 skiable acres, 17 trails and 9 lifts
• Après-ski: a tubing park and 5506’, a full-service restaurant and bar at the summit
• What’s New & Notable for 2026-2027: Beech Mountain Resort adds powder power with 14 new SMI snowguns plus a 2026 Piston Bully 400W winch snowcat. Off the snow, the Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Brewhouse will serve guests in a newly renovated space.

Cataloochee Ski Area

Cataloochee Ski Area | 1080 Ski Lodge Rd | Maggie Valley | (828) 926-0285

• Highlight: North Carolina’s first ski center opened in 1961 and all 18 slopes have lights for night skiing.
• Après-ski: Nearby Tube World has a dedicated tubing area for littles who do not meet the 42″ height requirement for the main hills

SheBuysTravel Tip: Read our tips for taking the kids snow tubing before you go!

Hatley Pointe

Hatley Pointe | 578 Valley View Cir | Mars Hill | (828) 689-4111

• Highlight: A renovated boutique mountain resort experience with three lifts and 22 trails
• Après-ski: Lodge-inspired dining experience at Smoke & Timber
• What’s New & Notable for 2026-2027: Hatley Pointe in Mars Hill continues its transformation with the installation of Cloudbelt, a 400-foot covered and lighted magic carpet surface lift. On the slopes, 24 new snow guns significantly increase the snow-making capacity.

Ski Sapphire Valley

Ski Sapphire Valley | 127 Cherokee Trl | Sapphire | (828) 743-7663

• Highlight: An affordable family-focused resort with Frozen Falls Snow Tubing Park and annual Great Outhouse Races
• Après-ski: Vacation rental homes are widely available for ski and stay trips

Sugar Mountain Resort

Sugar Mountain Resort | 1009 Sugar Mountain Dr | Sugar Mountain | (828) 898-4521

• Highlight: The largest ski area in North Carolina; 20 slopes, 14 equipped with lights for night skiing and a renowned double black diamond trail
• Après-ski: Ice skating, tubing and snowshoeing
• What’s New & Notable for 2026-2027: Two new murals will also be unveiled on the Summit Express parking garage: a map of Sugar Mountain’s 125-acre ski area and another showing legendary ski racer Spider Sabich rushing down the expert-level Tom Terrific trail during a 1970s race. A new Summit House is planned for 2027-28.

Hawksnest Snow Tubing

Hawksnest Snow Tubing | 2058 Skyland Dr | Seven Devils | (828) 963-6561

• Highlight: One of the largest snow tubing parks on the East Coast, featuring 30 lighted tubing lanes ranging from 400 to 1,000 feet
• Best for: Pure snow tubing fans, large family groups and non-skiers looking for high-speed winter fun

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 are common — and dangerous — in higher elevations near the Great Smoky Mountains.

Ober Gatlinburg

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.

Skiing, snowboarding and tubing require their own tickets. However, for other year-round activities, you can purchase a Fun Pass. The Fun Pass provides access to things like:

• The Gatlinburg Tram
• Ice Bumper Cars
• Ice Skating
• Sky Village Lift
• Wildlife Habitat
• Carousel

Ober Gatlinburg sits in the far eastern portion of the state close to the North Carolina state line. It’s between Nashville and Charlotte, NC. Both cities are just under 4 hours away.

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

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.

License to Chill Snow Island 

Lake Lanier 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 winter-themed carnival rides. Other winter fun includes snow tubing lanes, Frosty’s ice skating rink, Snowball Alley, snow play areas 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

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 two 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 the 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.

You Can Find Snow in Florida?

When people think of Florida, they almost never think of snow but Florida has gotten trace frozen precipitation over the years. To guarantee you’ll see snow in Florida you’ve got to plan for it.

ice! at Gaylord Palms Resort

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?

Gaylord Palms Resort offers the chance to experience the freezing cold at the family-friendly ice! experience featuring The Polar Express. Add in snow tubing, ice slides, a snowball throwing area and 2 million twinkling lights to make it all extra magical.

Event tickets are available; overnight guests at the Gaylord Palms Resort have access to special packages, rooms with views of the lights and extra ticket times.

It’s all kept at a chilly 9F (-12.7C) degrees. The resort provides calf-length, hooded winter coats to keep visitors 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.

Snowcat Ridge

If you are close to Tampa, there is another option to see snow in Florida. Snowcat Ridge operates an alpine snow park 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 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 (Zephyrhills) of Snowcat Alpine Ridge.

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. 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

Santa’s Wonderland Texas | 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.

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

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 in Canyon, Texas, 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 Hilton guarantee on your side.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

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.

• 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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Read More:

• Taking the Kids Snow Tubing? The Wins, the Fails and the Fun
• Where Kids Ski Free this Season
• 7 Tips for Choosing a Family-Friendly Ski Resort
• 3 US National Parks Where You Can Ski, Snowboard and Tube!