Beech Mountain NC “Highest Town on the East Coast”

Town of Beech Mountain North Carolina
Our town has been called “The Snow Capital of the Southeast,” and for good reason—the average yearly snowfall often exceeds 100 inches. At an elevation of 5,506 feet Beech Mountain is the highest incorporated town east of the Rockies. The Town has a full time population of 350, but the population swells to as high as 10,000 during the winter and 5,000 in the summer. People flock to Beech Mountain in the winter to ski at Ski Beech and in the summer to take advantage of the mild climate and numerous recreational opportunities. Even though there are only 350 full time residents on Beech Mountain, there were at last count over 1800 dwelling units on the mountain. Beech Mountain has become a popular location for vacation and 2nd homes for many people from North Carolina to Florida.

History of Beech Mountain NC
The Town of Beech Mountain began as a private resort development in the mid 1960’s. Grover and Harry Robbins, of Blowing Rock, NC, started the resort along with 35 other investors. The original plan was for Beech Mountain to be an ideal second home for owners to escape the pressures of everyday life and enjoy various summer and winter sports.

The Robbins brothers along with the other investors formed Carolina Caribbean Corporation (CCC) to develop Beech Mountain along with several other planned resorts on the island of St. Croix. CCC built what is today Ski Beech, most of the Town’s roads, the Town water and sewer system, along with many of the houses on Beech Mountain before filing for bankruptcy in 1974. The Property Owner’s Association, which had been formed in 1970 to collect assessments for the maintenance of roads and recreation areas, took full control of the maintenance of the road system, recreation areas, and water/sewer systems.

In 1977, the water and sewer systems where purchased from the courts by the Beech Mountain Utility System, a wholly owned subsidiary of the property owner’s association. In 1978, a Sanitary District was established by the property owner’s association. In 1980, the Sanitary District purchased the water and sewer systems from the property owner’s association. In May of 1981, the Town of Beech Mountain was incorporated by act of the NC General Assembly.

 

Beech Mountain Resort Ski Area
Beech Mountain Resort is a total Winter experience. With excellent skiing (day or night), and a charming Alpine Village filled with intriguing shops, tempting restaurants and more…you’ll find that Ski Beech offers a winter wonderland of fun and activities for all members of your family or group!

Located high in the mountains of Western North Carolina, in the Town of Beech Mountain, since 1967 Ski Beech redefines southern skiing as the highest ski resort in Eastern North America, at 5506 ft. above sea level. The only high-speed quad lift in North Carolina with a panoramic vista. These views make riding up the mountain as much fun as skiing down. We also offer double-sided runs with our backside Oz run and our nine runs on the front side of the mountain. That kind of weather, combined with the snow-making capacity at Ski Beech, offers opportunities for skiing and snowboarding that most resorts can only dream of. Even our sledding is a cut above the usual.

But, if a thrilling ride isn’t your speed, you’ll have plenty of time to ice skate, shop in our unique Alpine Village, or peer across the snowy horizon over a cup of hot cocoa. And our winter events provide lots of excitement as the pristine winter landscape puts you in a holiday mood.

Autumn at Oz Festival at Emerald Mountain
For two days each year, the public is invited to take a nostalgic stroll down the yellow brick road and share memories of Oz with younger generations. Held on the first weekend in October, visitors park in a large meadow across from the Town Hall on Beech Mountain Parkway and walk or take a shuttle bus or hay ride to the private garden at Oz. Guests tour Aunt Em and Uncle Henry’s farm and meet Dorothy and friends along the Yellow Brick Road. There is a concession stand featuring new and old Oz trivia, a small petting zoo, a mini-Oz museum, mountain music, square dancers, and face painting to add to the festive atmosphere. In past years, guests of honor have included Munchkins from the classic movie Wizard of Oz and past presidents of Carolina Caribbean Corporation. Tickets are $15.00, children under 3 free, but they’ll gladly take original yellow bricks or other park remains for trade. A limited number of advance tickets are available at the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds go to pay for the party and help with restorations.

“We encourage people to dress up in costume or wear something Oz-ly,” says Cindy Keller, coordinator of the Beech Mountain’s 15th annual Autumn at Oz celebration.

The site of the old Land of Oz theme park will spring back to life Oct. 4-5. It operated from 1970-80. The fountain, overlook gazebo, Uncle Henry’s barn, Dorothy’s house, and, yes, The Yellow Brick Road remain and provide the setting for a fall harvest celebration. Magic shows, face painting, hay rides and photo opportunities with Oz characters will be part of the fun. The tour takes from 1 1/2 to 2 hours and Oz-esque costumes are encouraged. Strollers and wheelchairs will have to be parked. For more information, including advance ticket sales, contact the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce at 800-468-5506. This past year of 2009 over 8,000 visitors came from all over to see the Autumn at Oz event. Get there early, if you have kids take the hay ride to the top, bring a camera for the views, and make sure you bring jackets it gets cold at the top.

Winterfest at Beech Mountain Ski Resort
Beech Mountain Resort hosts every year Winterfest on the first week in January We’ve got a ton of activities happening this weekend at Beech Mountain Resort. Kids of all ages can enjoy face painting all day Saturday and ski and snowboard demos will be available to checkout on Sunday. See the schedule below for a complete listing of all activities. Don’t miss Winterfest! It’s a great opportunity to come check out all the great things at Beech Mountain Resort.

Speed Ball Tournament – Ski Beech Speed Ball Tournament at 5:30pm hosted by Jackalope’s View Vault Bar
Bathing Beauty Contest – Don your bathing suit and slap on your skis for this mobile beauty contest across the play yard in front of Viewhaus. Contestants must be 18 years or older and register before the event. Judging based on poise, beauty, creativity, and originality.
Bluegrass Cookout – Cookout and live bluegrass music from 11:30am to 1:30pm on the View Haus Deck.
Village Rail Jam – Beech Mountain Resort Village Rail Jam in the Beech Tree Village.
Shane Pruitt Band – The Shane Pruitt Band performs at the Beech Tree Bar and Grille from 8pm to midnight.
Waiter/Waitress Race – Servers get ready to show off your balance skills. Can you ski a tray of beverages across the play yard without loosing a drop? Come root for your favorite local restaurant!
Cardboard Box Derby – Racers must be registered by 11:00am. Boxes will be judged for artistic merit starting at 11:30am. Official race begins next to the Ice Skating Rink at 2:00pm. Each race must carry a helmeted rider the entire track with no steering aids.
Fashion Show – Ski Beech Sports Fashion Show at 3:30pm in the Beech Tree Bar and Grille.

Mile-High Kite Festival
The Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Mile High Kite Festival at 10 a.m. on September 6, 2009 as part of the town’s Labor Day Weekendfestivities. The party starts the night before with a street dance beginning at 7 p.m. outside the Beech Mountain Town Hall. Why “Mile High”? Because Beech Mountain is 5,506 feet above sea level. It is the highest incorporated town east of the Mississippi which makes it the perfect place to fly a kite. The elevation almost guarantees great breezes and when the temperatures are still in the mid to high 90’s in most of the Carolinas and Virginia, Beech Mountain remains cool with temperatures rarely exceeding 80 degrees. Two recognized kite clubs, one from Charlotte, N.C. and one from Richmond, Va., will be on hand to demonstrate flying techniques, staff kite clinics and help folks build their own kites. Free kites will be given to the first 150 children under the age of 13. Prizes are given to novice flyers for the biggest kite flown, the most original handmade kite flown, the kite to fly the highest, and whatever other categories the organizers can dream up.

The Cook 5K Mile Run
The A Cool 5 Race weekend is a compilation of events that began in the summer of 2008 on Beech Mountain. For 2010 the A Cool 5 Race weekend will encompass a series of events that are sure to please avid runners, family’s interested in a group recreation experience, and those of the general community wishing to support a wonderful cause.

Pre-Race Festivities
The A Cool 5 Race weekend will kickoff on Friday, June 11th, 2010 with a pre-race community pasta dinner featuring a guest motivational speaker, live music, games and activities for the family, and pre-race registration and packet pickup. Best of all, the pasta dinner and pre-race festivities are only $6.00! In years past the pasta dinner event has featured racers, family members, and supporters from the local community with participation levels far exceeding 200 guests, so be sure to secure your spot early.

Race Day Events
Race Weekend festivities continue on Saturday morning with the Third Annual A Cool 5 Race. This year the race will again feature a 1.5 mile fun run/walk and 5 mile (8K) race. The course for each event is set above 5000ft. in elevation with 360 degree views of the majestic mountains such as Grandfather, Mount Mitchell, and Snake Mountain. Typically the weather rarely exceeds 70 degrees and the skies part leaving bright, beautiful blue skies for race day. Race entry is $30.00. Pre-registered racers are guaranteed a race t-shirt, custom DeFeet socks, and a post-race meal voucher. For those of you 21 and over, you will also receive 2 free adult beverages upon finishing one of the A Cool 5 races. Race Day registration will be available; however, race t-shirts and socks will be given out on a first come, first serve basis and sizes may be limited. Be sure to register early to get your race T and socks! Note: Running Strollers are allowed on the entire race course. Dogs will be allowed for the 1.5 mile fun run/walk event.

Post Race Events and Awards
Following the race events we will hold post race festivities and an awards show. The post race festivities include live music, great food, games and activities for family members, and an age group awards show for race day participants. The top male and female finisher will be recognized and receive awards for their accomplishments.

After the post race festivities, many participants find themselves drawn to Beech Mountain’s many hiking trails, streams, water falls, or sport recreation outlets like the golf course and Buckeye Recreation Center for the remainder of the weekend. For more information on Beech Mountain, NC amenities, please visit the Beech Mountain Links and Amenities section of our Website (www.acool5.com). Here you will find lodging and dining discounts, recreational opportunities, and area attractions.

Kiddo Fishing Derby
One of Beech Mountain’s annual events that is open to all children ages 4 to 12 (under 10 must have adult supervision). This event is free and is sponsored by the member businesses that comprise the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce. Prizes and trophies are awarded for boys and girls who catch the first trout, largest trout, heaviest trout, and the first to catch the limit of 4 trout. Just bring your fishing gear and favorite bait. Registration is at 8 AM and the derby begins at 9 AM. Call the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce at (828) 387-9283 for additional information.

4th of July Roasting of the Hog & Fireworks
Billed as “Eastern America’s Highest 4th of July Celebration,” the Fourth of July festivities at Beech Mountain are scheduled for Saturday, June 30th. The Town of Beech Mountain, the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce and the Beech Mountain Volunteer Fire Department will host the 36th year of the 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog, one of the area’s unique Independence Day Celebrations.

Oddly, every year the event is the “47th Annual Roasting of the Hog.”

The event will feature food, musical entertainment, children’s activities, a street dance, and a nighttime fireworks display.

Tickets can be purchased at the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce, Fred’s General Mercantile or at the gate. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under and includes food. For more information, call the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce at (800) 468-5506.

Buckeye Recreation Center on Beech Mountain
A fabulous indoor facility dedicated to expanding the recreational needs of residents and visitors alike. This 22,500 square foot recreation building offers recreational opportunities for all ages.

Hours of Operation
Monday Saturday 8:30 AM 8:30 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM 6:00 PM

Recreational Opportunities
Tennis Ball Machine Basketball Court
Volleyball Court Indoor Tennis Court
Fitness Area Kids Playroom
Living Room Area Ping Pong
Indoor Walking Track Meeting Areas
Hiking and Biking Trails Fishing Poles
Outdoor Walking Track Ball Field
Outdoor Tennis Courts Soccer Field
Outdoor Open Play field Playground

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