If you've relocated from the North or West and assume that you'll have to give up skiing, you're assuming wrong. Just prepare yourself for a slightly different, perhaps scaled-down experience. For one thing , Southern skiing relies heavily on man-made snow. Most areas south of the Mason-Dixon have 100 percent snowmaking which translates to generally uniform coverage but little powder. The mountains are higher than those in the Northeast (most NC skiing is above 5,000 feet), but are smaller in terms of runs.

Two ski areas south of Banner Elk near Boone, make for a decent--if long--day trip from the Triangle:

SKI BEECH at Banner Elk, NC: The largest ski resort in NC and at 5,505 feet elevation, the highest in the eastern US. It has 14 slopes and 830 feet of vertical drop and features a buffet restaurant and pub, ski school, shops reminiscent of a German village and an outdoor ice rink for visitors who don't ski. It also has a children's program and nursery.

SUGAR MOUNTAIN at Banner Elk, NC: Immediately north of Banner Elk, this resort boasts 18 slopes with 1,200 feet of vertical drop, the steepest in the state. Lessons and rentals are available as well as a restaurant and lodge with live entertainment.

To check snow conditions, rates and features of all six major ski resorts in North Carolina (Appalachian, Cataloochee, Hawksnest, Sapphire Valley, Beech, Sugar, and Wolf Laurel) go to: Travel.Triangle.com. For a virtual swoosh, go to the: SkiBeech Web Cam.