“Does it Snow in Asheville? How much snow does Asheville get?” Asheville residents get this question A LOT. We get it, we’re a mountain city and there are a lot of movie-caliber "snowpectations" that come to mind when you think of Asheville. While snow in Asheville is always possible, it’s also not as common as many think.
Before you plan your winter getaway to Asheville, you’ll want to be well-informed about the climate, of course. That’s where we come in! We’re here to teach you everything you need to know about snow in Asheville.
Winter Temperatures in Asheville
Asheville’s relatively mild climate contributes greatly to the uncertainty of snowy winter conditions. While Asheville rarely gets above 90 degrees in the summer, the average temperature in the winter is a balmy 45 degrees- not exactly conducive to snow production.
Asheville also sits amid the Blue Ridge Mountains, which create a sort of weather barrier for some of Mother Nature’s harshest weather conditions. This “bubble effect” can be disheartening for those of us desperate for some of that flaky white gold. While you shouldn’t expect a lot of snow, know that it can happen—and when it does, Asheville is a truly magical place to live.
How Much Snow Does Asheville Get on Average?
The average snowfall in Asheville is approximately 12 inches a year. Compare that to the national average of 28 inches, and you’ll suddenly understand why residents are always so blasé about snow.
On average, January through March is the prime time to expect snow, with average totals around 3-4 inches. However, December also has the potential to deliver some of the season's best snowfall totals. In 2017 and 2018, December dumped nearly 11 inches of snow onto Asheville, with many surrounding towns receiving 15-18 inches. These “snowmageddon” events aren’t common, but they’re spectacular. You’ll have about 24 hours to get out and enjoy it, as snow days are fleeting and rarely keep Asheville down for long.
Can We Ski Near Asheville?
Yes! Downtown Asheville may not get the snow perks of other mountain communities, but it’s located near some of the best ski terrains in the south. In fact, the same mountain range that protects downtown from the wrath of winter (the Blue Ridge Mountains) is also ideally situated to absorb precipitation and create ideal skiing conditions!
Best Skiing Near Asheville
About an hour and a half from Asheville is Beech Mountain Ski Resort, the highest ski resort in the Eastern United States. Receiving about 84 inches of snow a year, Beech Mountain is one of the top destinations for skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and ice skating. There are 17 different slopes to accommodate all skill sets, and Beech Mountain is open 7 days a week starting at the end of November.
Another popular choice is Sugar Mountain Ski Resort in Banner Elk. With 21 slopes (15 of them are lit for night skiing!) Sugar Mountain has plenty of variety. Closer to Asheville, Wolf Ridge Ski Resort in Mars Hill (just 30 minutes north) has 15 lighted runs, including two black diamond trails for the real thrill-seekers. Wolf Ridge is a family-friendly option for a day trip, plus it’s economical.
Tee Off in the Winter
Unlike most of the country, some of Asheville’s very best golf days occur in winter. Scheduling a tee time from December to March can be unreliable, but you’re flexible with your plans, it’s common to have a weekend or two of incredible temperatures to enjoy a round of golf in the offseason.
As mentioned above, our average winter temperature is 45 degrees, and highs can swing 10-20 degrees on any given day. This means there are frequently winter days perfect for dusting off the clubs! Our region is home to some of the best golf courses in North Carolina.
Lake Lure’s Rumbling Bald Resort
You can tee off on two championship courses at Lake Lure's Rumbling Bald Resort: Bald Mountain and Apple Valley. Both earned 4-star ratings from Golf Digest and keep players coming back with their mountain and lake views.
Grove Park Golf Course
The Grove Park Golf Course is a favorite in Asheville and has a rich history. Since 1926, it’s welcomed everyone from PGA pros to President Obama! It’s a challenging resort course with classic design and plenty of Blue Ridge charm.
Cleghorn Golf and Sports Club
Drive an hour south to Tryon and play at the Cleghorn Golf and Sports Club at Tryon Resort. Designed by George Cobb (best known for Quail Hollow and Augusta National’s Par 3), this 18-hole course keeps you on your toes from start to finish. Both Golf Digest and the PGA rank it as one of the best in the region.
Stay Close!
Want something simple and nearby? Head to the Asheville Municipal Golf Course or Black Mountain Golf Course (newly reopened after Hurricane Helene). They’re affordable, easy to reach, and perfect for a quick round without the extra drive.
Hiking in a Winter Wonderland
Winter hiking is a massively overlooked perk of living in Asheville. First and foremost, the trails are not nearly as crowded. You’re essentially out frolicking in the woods alone, lost in thought and lost in nature. It’s a welcome reprieve from the bustling fall season!
Winter hikes also give us some of the best views (leafless trees mean views for days), magical moments like snow-lined trails or frozen waterfalls, and cooler temps for sweat-free hikes. Take note: Some popular trails do depend on the weather. For example, hiking trails off the Blue Ridge Parkway often close in winter. Temperatures there usually run 10–20 degrees colder than Asheville, so even if it feels mild in town, those spots may not be accessible. Thankfully, plenty of other nearby trails stay open year-round.
DuPont State Forest
About an hour south of Asheville, DuPont State Forest rewards the drive with a 4.4-mile loop that takes you to four waterfalls. For longer views, try the 4.5-mile round-trip to Cedar Rock Mountain.
Montreat
Roughly 20 minutes east of Asheville, Montreat is less traveled by tourists but packed with hundreds of miles of trails. Most routes are easy to moderate, weaving through forests and alongside mountain streams. The Lookout Trail is short but steep (0.6 miles) and leads to Lookout Mountain, where you’ll find sweeping views over Montreat and Black Mountain. It's a fantastic place to catch a winter sunrise or sunset!
South Mountains State Park
An hour east in Morganton, South Mountains State Park has more than 40 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. With elevations up to 3,000 feet, conditions are usually mild in winter.
Book Your Asheville Winter Stay Directly with Greybeard Rentals!
Winters here will certainly keep you on your toes, but there’s really no better time of year to peel back the layers and explore what makes Asheville special! When it comes to finding the best vacation rentals in Asheville, look no further than Greybeard Rentals.
Stay in a cozy Asheville log cabin and curl up next to the fireplace or seek out a cabin with a hot tub so you can soak your worries away. No matter what you’re looking for, we’re confident you’ll find a fantastic fit in our extensive catalog of Asheville rentals!
Browse our available Asheville vacation rentals now and book your stay directly with Greybeard!
Asheville, North Carolina Lodging
GreyBeard Featured Vacation Rentals
