The sweet town of Sapphire is the perfect winter-weather destination in North Carolina. For one, the communities generously decorate for the holidays, but more importantly, the outdoor activities offered here are beyond delightful. From skiing to hot-tubbing, find your winter mountain escape here.

Ski Sapphire Valley

Ski Sapphire Valley, 127 Sapphire Valley Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774, USA
Randy C/Tripadvisor
Put in a full day at this entertaining place by skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing. And don't miss the annual Great Outhouse Races coming on Feb. 17, 2024! Find out more about the fun on the Ski Sapphire Valley website.

Whitewater Equestrian Center

Whitewater Equestrian Center, 6420 Whitewater Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774, USA
Nikki2U1980/Tripadvisor
We love this family-owned 375 acres of wilderness mountain land, offering several trails for riding, such as the historic Cherokee Footpath on which Daniel Boone once walked. ​Read about this adventure on the Whitewater Equestrian Center website.

Hidden Valley Tavern

The Hidden Valley Tavern, 3638 US-64, Sapphire, NC 28774, USA
Hidden Valley Tavern/Tripadvisor
Dine where Mediterranean meets the mountains with delicious cuisine in an interestingly designed space of wood and stone. Even in the winter, enjoy outdoor seating with continuously burning fireplaces to keep you warm.
Try lunch or dinner, cocktails, and an extensive wine list.
Hidden Valley Tavern/Tripadvisor
The beef tenderloin with sauteed spinach and mashed potatoes is a hearty choice. Read the menus on the Hidden Valley Tavern website.

Mountain Cottage

The Mountain Cottage
The family-owned Mountain Cottage offers three cottages that have housed more than 500 families and groups since 2016. Once Upon A Stream sleeps up to 14 people in four bedrooms and three bathrooms, complete with a "kids cave" (rec room).

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Follow the large boulders to this fire pit that leads to a rushing mountain stream.
The Mountain Cottage
More importantly, some time in this hot tub might feel warm and delicious after being so active in the cold weather.
The Mountain Cottage
Gather up to the fire and enjoy conversations about the exciting day with family and friends.
The Mountain Cottage
Reserve this place or something smaller on the Mountain Cottage website.

Gorges State Park

Gorges State Park, 976 Grassy Ridge Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774, USA
Tara P/Tripadvisor
This park happens to sit near the tripoint where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia meet, right in the Blue Ridge Escarpment with more than 8,000 lovely acres of temperate rainforest.
One reason to visit is the 26 waterfalls the park offers, including the cascading Windy Falls and Rainbow Falls.
Rainbow Falls Trail, North Carolina 28747, USA
Doug Ernsberger/Alltrails
Discover more about the wonderful park's rugged river gorges, and sheer rock precipices on the Gorges State Park web page.

Be sure to visit Sapphire for a perfect winter-weather destination in North Carolina. And for some seriously warm cold-weather gear, shop on The North Face‘s website.

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