Sugar Mountain Ski Resort Logo.

CHAIRLIFT

The scenic chairlift at Sugar Mountain Resort is one of the most relaxing and beautiful ways to take in the natural beauty of the North Carolina High Country. As you ascend the mountain, the chairlift glides quietly above a stunning patchwork of forested slopes, offering panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. During the summer and fall, the ride is particularly breathtaking as you pass over green meadows, blooming wildflowers, and eventually, a sweeping view of the surrounding peaks and valleys. On clear days, you can see for miles, spotting landmarks and distant ridgelines that seem to stretch endlessly into the horizon.

The ride itself is peaceful and slow-paced, giving you plenty of time to soak in the scenery and snap a few photos. In autumn, it becomes a prime spot for leaf peeping, with brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold blanketing the mountainsides. Once at the top, you can step off to enjoy the cool mountain air, take a short hike, or simply relax and appreciate the incredible view before riding back down. Whether you’re visiting in the summer to enjoy the lush greenery or in the fall for the color show, the scenic chairlift is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Sugar Mountain.

People on scenic chairlift ride at Sugar Mountain resort near Mountain City, TN.
People riding scenic chairlift at Sugar Mountain resort near Boone, NC.
People on scenic chairlift ride.

CHAIRLIFT STATS

5300ft

PEAK ELEVATION 

SEASON

MAY – SEASON BEGINS

SEPTEMBER – SEASON ENDS

CHAIRLIFT HOURS

Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-26, 2025
Summit Express Chairlift and Easy Street Chairlift

FRI - MON
10AM - 6PM

July 4 – September 1, 2025
Summit Express Chairlift and Easy Street Chairlift

FRI - SUN
10AM - 6PM

October 11 & 12, 2025 / Oktoberfest
Summit Express Chairlift only (Scenic chairlift rides only)

SAT & SUN
10AM - 5PM

CHAIRLIFT RATES

Ticket sales begin 30 minutes before chairlifts and bike park open.
Ticket sales end 30 minutes before chairlifts close (excludes Thursday, July 4).

2025 SEASON
ONE TIME TICKET
HALF DAY TICKET
FULL DAY TICKET
ADULT
$22
$39
$53
JUNIOR
$22
$25
$40
GROUP
$17
$39 (FULL DAY ADULT)
$30 (FULL DAY JUNIOR)

THINGS TO KNOW

  • Prices are for lift ticket. 
  • Junior is 11 & Under
  • Kids 4 & under are free with paying adult. 
  • Tickets can be purchased at the main ticket windows located in front of the base lodge as you approach from the parking lot.

DISCOUNTS

  • Reservations are required for all group tickets (no walk-ins)! Please call 828-898-4521 x 202 Monday through Friday between 8am and 4pm or email groupsales@skisugar.com.
  • Season Pass rates are available. 

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

Click the link to visit the official website.

OTHER AMENITIES AVAILABLE AT THIS LOCATION

MULTIPLE RESTAURANTS

The resort has multiple restaurants available onsite.

CHILDCARE

The resort offers childcare for children 1 and up.

SLOPESIDE LODGING

Slopeside lodging is available through third-party companies.

INSTRUCTION

The resort has numerous ski and snowboard lesson options for all ages.

ONSITE STORE

The resort has two different onsite stores offering the finest in ski, snowboard and leisure apparel as well as a large variety of accessories, souvenirs and gift items.

LOCKERS AVAILABLE

Lockers are available for storing personal items.

SHUTTLES FROM PARKING LOTS

Shuttles are available from parking areas to main building.

VISIT LOCATION PAGE

Click the link to visit the location page for this activity and learn all about the location.

OTHER ACTIVITIES AT THIS LOCATION

Featured image for ice skating at Sugar Mountain resort near Banner Elk, NC.

Ice Skating Sugar Mountain NC

The resort features a spacious, outdoor ice-skating rink surrounded by the scenic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it a picture-perfect spot for families, couples, and friends.

Featured image for snowshoeing at Sugar Mountain resort near Boone, NC.

Snowshoeing Sugar Mountain NC

Away from the busy ski slopes, the snowshoe trails wind through quiet forests and open meadows blanketed in fresh powder, offering a serene escape into nature.

Featured image for snow skiing at Sugar Mountain near Boone, NC.

Snow Skiing Sugar Mountain NC

As the largest ski area in the state, Sugar offers over 125 acres of terrain with 21 slopes and trails that cater to every skill level—from gentle beginner runs to challenging black diamonds for advanced skiers.

Featured image for snowboarding at Sugar Mountain resort near Charlotte, NC.

Snowboarding Sugar Mountain NC

With over 100 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of 1,200 feet, riders can carve their way down long, sweeping runs or challenge themselves on steeper slopes.

Featured image for snow tubing at Sugar Mountain near Hickory, NC.

Snow Tubing Sugar Mountain NC

The tubing park features multiple lanes carved into the slope, each offering a thrilling ride down on an oversized inner tube.

ACTIVITY AT OTHER LOCATIONS

Chair lifts with pretty sky showcasing chair lift rides near Banner Elk, NC.

Chairlift Rides Beech Mtn NC

During the summer and fall, the resort runs scenic lift rides that carry guests up to 5,506 feet—the highest accessible summit east of the Rockies—for breathtaking panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains