10 Family-Friendly Winter Activities at The Cliffs

Winter in the Carolina mountains is a magical time of year. As the temperature begins to drop, the blue-toned peaks transform into a winter wonderland that invites you to enjoy the charm of the season in its full splendor. 

Discover 10 of the best family-friendly winter activities you can take part in this winter in and around The Cliffs. 

1. Visit a Ski Resort

With some of the highest peaks on the East Coast, the Blue Ridge Mountains are home to a number of ski resorts. During the winter months, you and your family can hit the slopes and enjoy the thrill of skiing, snowboarding, and tubing your way down the mountainside. A few favorites located in the area include the Beech Mountain Ski Resort, Appalachian Ski Mountain, and Sugar Mountain Ski Resort. 

2. Decorate a Gingerbread House

Take part in the classic holiday tradition of decorating a gingerbread house with your loved ones. If you enjoy baking, take on the challenge of making gingerbread yourself –– and use any extra dough to decorate gingerbread cookies too. 

If you’re looking for inspiration, be sure to check out the 28th Annual National Gingerbread House competition which is the largest in the world! Typically held in Asheville’s Omni Grove Park Inn, this year the creations will be on display virtually.

3. Take a Hike 

Enjoy the views of the mountains and all of the wildlife that call it home on a winter hike through the Blue Ridge Mountains. This particular area of the Appalachians is home to some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the country. Even during the winter, these hiking and cycling trails can be enjoyed given the region’s mild temperatures. Oftentimes, the trails are less crowded during the winter months, making the experience even more serene. 

4. Go Ice Skating Outdoors

Going ice skating at an outdoor rink is the perfect way to spend time with your family and get in the holiday spirit. Afterward, you can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine. In The Mountain Region, there are several charming mountain towns with outdoor rinks, one of the most popular is UCB Ice on Main, right in the heart of downtown Greenville. Some ski resorts in the area have outdoor skating, too. 

5. Visit The Biltmore Estate

Take a trip to America’s most famous home, just a short drive from downtown Asheville. During your visit, you can take a private carriage ride through the grounds, visit the famous winery for a wine tasting, and even stay overnight for a luxury escape at The Inn on Biltmore Estate.  During the winter months, The Biltmore Estate hosts a number of holiday events, so be sure to check their schedule to best plan your visit. 

6. Have a Holiday Movie Marathon

Stay in and curl up on the couch to enjoy a relaxed evening at home watching some of your favorite holiday movies. From classics like A Christmas Story to Home Alone, they will be sure to get the whole family in the spirit of the season. Or be sure to visit The Cliffs at Glassy and join in on the fun when they host their family movie night.

7. Make a Winter Bonfire

Some winter evenings are too lovely to spend indoors –– and few things are as relaxing as the sound of the wood crackling gathered around the fire with your loved ones. Bundle up, grab a warm drink, and head outside to build a winter bonfire. If you really want to get the feel of camping out, cook s’mores over the open fire for another delicious sweet treat. 

8. Play a Round of Golf

With mild winters, golfers can still enjoy teeing off for a competitive round of golf. As you make your way through the course, you can enjoy the beauty of the winter landscape. At The Cliffs, you can choose from our seven premier golf courses, the most family-friendly being found at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs community. This course is designed with three approachable loops of six holes and a set of family tees, ideal for every member of the family.

Become a Club Member at The Cliffs

When you become an exclusive club member, your experience at The Cliffs is heightened. It is your pass to world-class golf courses, state-of-the-art wellness centers, private fine dining venues, and much more, all within our private community.

 Interested in learning about everything club membership offers? Read about it here.  

9. Host a Game Night

Invite your family friends over for a fun evening playing your favorite card or board games. If you’re a member of one of the many private social clubs at The Cliffs, you already know just how entertaining it can be. Who knows, you may even make it a weekly event.

10. Take a Day-Trip

At The Cliffs, you are in the perfect location to enjoy day trips to many of the small towns that are scattered throughout the Blue Ridge Parkway. With unique boutiques and shops offering one-of-a-kind gifts, this is the perfect place to do some of your holiday shopping. 

11. Send Holiday Cards

Everyone loves to receive personalized holiday cards. So why not spread the holiday cheer by taking some time to write holiday cards? This little reminder shows your family and friends that you are thinking about them. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even get creative and decorate the cards yourself.

Join Our Community at The Cliffs

Don’t let the cold temperatures keep you inside this holiday season. Come take part in all of the family-friendly winter activities in the area and you’ll see for yourself just how splendid wintertime in the Carolinas can be –– especially at The Cliffs, where the mountain spirit fills the air. 

Our tight-knit communities host a number of winter activities throughout the holiday season. Get together and create festive wreaths during the Wreath Making Class held at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove or make your favorite cocktails at The Cliffs at Keowee Falls Holiday Classics Mixology Class. As a member of The Cliffs, it’s easy to make the most of the holidays. 

If you are not yet a member of The Cliffs’ community, we invite you to discover the luxury mountain properties and homesites within our gates. We provide you with the opportunity to build your custom home alongside some of the best builders in the country –– or move into any of our available mountain estates, cottages, or townhomes. 

Once you have purchased your new home with us, you can become a club member and begin to participate in all of the exciting events and winter activities at The Cliffs this holiday season. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a visit to discover The Cliffs firsthand, contact us today.