Active Pursuits in Blowing Rock, NC

Skiing -- The Appalachian Ski Mountain, PO Box 106, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 (tel. 800/322-2373 or 828/295-7828; www.appskimtn.com), lies 2 miles off U.S. 221/321 between Boone and Blowing Rock near the Blue Ridge Parkway intersection. It offers nine slopes: two beginner, four intermediate, and three advanced. It stands at an elevation of 4,000 feet, with a 365-foot vertical drop. The season runs from the weekend before Thanksgiving to the third weekend in March, when it's open daily from 9am to 4pm and 6 to 10pm. Lift tickets cost $31 to $40 for adults Monday to Friday and $48 on weekends and holidays. Tickets for children 12 and under cost $23 and $40, respectively. Ski lessons are available for $38 per hour for private instruction, but cost only $16 per person in a group. Skis can be rented for $14 to $23.