Snowboarding is one of the most popular winter adventure sports in the world, and it all started because a dad wanted to have some fun with his daughter. In 1965, Sherman Poppen invented the “Snurfer” when he tied two skis together with a rope, which went around the nose of the skis, allowing his daughter to stabilize herself in the snow. Pretty soon all her friends wanted one, and Poppen licensed his idea.

Throughout the years, more people added their own creative spin. (Surfer Dimitrije Milovich developed a snowboard design based on surfboards because snowboarding is really just surfing in the snow, right?) The first national snowboarding competition was held in 1982 in Vermont. In 1994, the International Snowboard Association was formed. Two years later, the X-Games were officially founded, and the popularity of action sports grew exponentially. But it wasn’t until 1998 that snowboarding was finally recognized as an official winter sport at the Nagano Winter Olympics.

Its popularity has exploded since then. From Alpine snowboarding and slopestyle to Big Air, Boardercross, Half Pipe, and terrain parks, there’s something for every type of rider. And some of the best spots to conquer the slopes are in the Smokies. Here are our top picks for snowboarding in the Smoky Mountains.

Where to Find Epic Snowboarding in the Smoky Mountains

Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg is the premier ski resort on the Tennessee side of the Smokies, and snowboarders of all skill levels can catch some serious air here. The longest run down the mountain is an adrenaline pumping 5,000 feet, and every trail serves up high-octane thrills with vertical drops of 600 feet.

Hit the Freestyle Terrain Park to hone your skills and learn new tricks. Founded in the 2009/2010 ski season, the park raises its game year after year. With its own snowmaking capabilities, impressive building techniques, and an ever-increasing number of jibs, the park welcomes newbies who want to learn as well as snowboarding pros looking for a challenge. The park crew are all dedicated riders themselves, so you know the setups will be legend.

Where to Stay: Glenstone Lodge has a dual level indoor pool with a relaxing hot tub and waterfall where you can chill out after pounding the slopes all day. The Park Vista also has a multi-level indoor pool (with waterslides and a whirlpool to boot), plus incredible views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains.

1001 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | 800-251-9202

Cataloochee Ski Area

Carve a path down the same slopes as an X-Games gold medalist. Waynesville, NC native, Zeb Powell, made a name for himself – and for Maggie Valley’s Cataloochee Ski Area – when he won gold in January 2020 in the Wendy’s Snowboard Knuckle Huck event. Powell’s early training started when he hit the slopes here around 6 or 7 years old. And you can enjoy the same thrills when you take on Cataloochee’s 18 trails with elevations up to 5,400 feet.

Its extensive snow making capabilities guarantee more base snow than many other ski resorts in the Smoky Mountains. And there are plenty of trails for every skill level. But if you’re looking to up your snowboarding game, head over to the Cat Cage Terrain Park. The park crew keeps it fresh by adding different varieties of features throughout the season. But no matter what setup they create, you’ll get your heart pumping with ramps, rails, and boxes for exciting runs.

Where to Stay: Don’t waste time schlepping back and forth to the mountain. Stay nearby for more time on the slopes. The Meadowlark Motel, set on the serene Jonathan Creek, is just minutes from Cataloochee Ski Area. Their cozy cabins are an ideal home away from home for snowboarding in the Smoky Mountains.

1080 Ski Lodge Road Maggie Valley, NC 28751 | 800-768-0285

Appalachian Ski Mountain

Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock, NC takes its snowboarding seriously. In addition to 10 slopes with peak elevations of 4,000 feet and a vertical rise of 365 feet, there are 3 incredible freestyle terrain parks. This regional leader in snowboarding, has over 60 rails, boxes, tabletops, jibs, and jumps. Their dedicated crew is always coming up with new setups and features. These folks ride the park themselves and take pride in keeping everything in stellar shape.

If you’re around during their annual Shred the Cup Series, be sure to grab a front row seat to the snowboarding action. After the competition, head into the resort’s Bavarian style lodge to grab a bite to eat and warm up beside the fireplace that overlooks the slopes.

Where to Stay: Check out the “stay and ski” packages at any number of Blowing Rock’s inns, motels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals. Or if you want to stay close to the action, the resort offers slopeside cabins and ski chalets right on and around the resort.

940 Ski Mountain Rd Blowing Rock, NC 28605 | 828-295-7828

Sugar Mountain

Hit one of the highest vertical drops in Western North Carolina – a pulse-racing 1,200 feet – at Sugar Mountain Ski Resort. With snowfall averages of more than 70 inches of natural powder covering 21 slopes and 125 skiable acres, you’ll find primo snowboarding conditions here. There’s something for everyone with trails that are 34% beginner, 52% intermediate, and 14% expert.

Head to Sugar Mountain’s terrain park for exciting thrills like boxes, rails, rollers and jump lines. Novice snowboarders can work on their progression, while more experienced riders can have fun showing off their tricks. When you want to take a break from snowboarding in the Smoky Mountains, take advantage of Sugar Mountain’s ski town perks. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can go tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, or even take a long winter’s hike.

Where to Stay: If you want a true ski in/ski out spot try the Sugar Ski & Country Club. Or for larger groups, escape to the cozy Alpine Log Cabin.

1009 Sugar Mountain Drive Sugar Mountain, NC 28604 | 828-898-4521

Beech Mountain Resort

Take on the highest snowboarding in the Smoky Mountains when you head to Beech Mountain Resort. With a summit elevation of 5,506 feet above sea level, it’s some of the best snowboarding in all of eastern North America. Explore the resort’s 17 slopes and 830 feet of vertical rise for incredible spots to shred. And while you’re there, don’t waste the elevation. Make sure to stop and take in the incredible panoramic views.

Check out the two terrain parks and find your groove. Features like rails, boxes, and jumps are always being updated, and there are setups for both intermediate and advanced freestyle boarders. While the newest park is geared to more experienced boarders, Beech Mountain has devoted its smaller park in the Meadows to beginners. Newbies can learn tricks and practice their new skills on awesome rails, boxes, and rollers. When you’ve had your fill of snowboarding, head to the resort’s Sky Bar for delicious craft beer that’s brewed right on site at Beech Mountain Brewing Company.

Where to Stay: Rest up after a day on the slopes at Little Main Street Inn and Suites or stay warm and cozy in The Perry House Bed & Breakfast.

1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy Beech Mountain, NC 28604 | 828-387-2011