Sugar Mountain Ski Resort Logo.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Mountain biking at Sugar Mountain Resort offers riders an exciting blend of challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery. The resort transforms its ski slopes into a summer playground, with miles of downhill trails that cater to both seasoned riders and those looking to try something new. The terrain varies from wide, flowing runs perfect for building confidence to technical singletrack that weaves through the forest, complete with natural obstacles, roots, and switchbacks. Riders can take the chairlift up with their bikes, saving energy for the descent while enjoying sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the way up.

What makes mountain biking at Sugar Mountain stand out is the variety of experiences packed into one mountain. Some trails are fast and smooth, ideal for riders seeking a flowing, adrenaline-filled ride, while others challenge you with steep descents, rock gardens, and tight turns. The cool mountain air makes riding more comfortable in the summer heat, and the natural beauty of the area adds to the thrill of each run. Whether you’re there to push your limits on rugged downhill trails or simply to cruise and enjoy the views, Sugar Mountain’s biking scene offers something for every rider.

Person mountain biking at Sugar Mountain ski resort near Boone, NC.
Mountain biking on ski mountain at Sugar Mountain near Johnson City, TN.
Man riding mountain bike down ski mountain at Sugar Mountain near Gastonia, NC.
Mountain bike equipment shop at Sugar Mountain, NC.
Man doing mountain biking at Sugar Mountain near Banner Elk, NC.

TRAIL STATS

3764ft

TOTAL DESCENT

11

NUMBER OF TRAILS

4 MILES

TOTAL LENGTH

1123 FT

VERTICAL DROP

Snowskiing and snow boarding trail difficulty sign for beginner.

BEGINNER

3 TRAILS

Snowskiing and snow boarding trail difficulty sign for intermediate.

INTERMEDIATE 

4 TRAILS

Snowskiing and snow boarding trail difficulty sign for expert.

EXPERT

4 TRAILS

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

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
HALF DAY TICKET
FULL DAY TICKET
ADULT
$39
$53
JUNIOR
$25
$40
GROUP
$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.
  • Helmets are required.
  • Full-face helmets are required when riding any downhill expert trail.
  • Tours and lessons are available.
  • Bike wash stations are available.

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. 

EQUIPMENT RENTAL & STORE

Fully equipped mountain bike shop with equipment sales and bike rentals is available onsite. 

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 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.

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 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 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 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 scenic chairlift ride at Sugar Mountain resort in Banner Elk, NC.

Chairlift Sugar Mountain NC

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.

ACTIVITY AT OTHER LOCATIONS

Man on mountain bike enjoying mountain biking near Banner Elk, NC.

Mountain Biking Beech Mtn NC

What makes it unique is that its ski slopes—at 5,506 feet, the highest in the Eastern U.S.—become lift‐served bike trails every summer, offering an exhilarating descent without the grind of pedaling uphill.