When most people think of popular skiing destinations in the U.S., their minds often jump to the Rockies or the Northeast—ski vacations in the South aren’t on most peoples’ radar.

But to overlook the South is to overlook Boone, North Carolina, the “Ski Capital of the South.” Not only does Boone have three nearby ski areas , each within 19 miles of the next, but it’s beautiful to get to: The town is tucked just off the Blue Ridge Parkway , aka “America’s Favorite Drive,” which runs for 469-miles through the Appalachian Mountains.

Those mountains, which provide the Blue Ridge Parkway with long-range mountain views , become a playground for skiers and snowboarders when the temperature drops.

The closest ski area to downtown Boone, Appalachian Ski Mountain , is also the longest standing of the trio. Appalachian, often called “App Ski Mtn” for short, has been open since 1962 and has a ski school— French Swiss Ski College —that’s been teaching people to ski for nearly as long.…