Christmas Snow - Where to Go?

[RonWSl]

I am in Central Florida and want to be a "Reverse" Snowbird around Christmas time. I want to plan a trip within a reasonable distance from here for the week between CHristmas and New Years (no kids coming home this year :() maybe 8-12 hours driving time, or 500 -750 miles or so. Would like somewhere we can see snow, maybe some winter sports for old folks (snow tubing). Was looking at maybe N.C. perhaps around Hickory. Gatlinburg seems too crazy during that time. Finally, DW is not totally onboard with this due to concerns about driving in the snow (Hickory seems to be doable as far as it is near main roads/interstates). We have a Ford F350, dually diesel, 4xr4 towing 36' fifth wheel. DW has suggested Williamsburg but I doubt that will be a winder wonderland or close to same. Any suggestions as to locations or rv parks would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Merrykalia]

If you want to get away this week, they are calling for us to have snow flurries on Wednesday. I'm not really ready for it yet.

[tatest]

I don't think there is anyplace within 750 miles of Central Florida where you can count on having snow. Even the ski resorts in the central Appalachians with snow making machinery can guarantee it will have been cold enough, long enough, to have snow for Christmas.

West Virgina is most likely, but no guarantees.

[Handbasket]

Wolf Laurel, NC, has a nice ski resort and they make snow all winter. Better chance of seeing natural snow up around Boone, NC, and definitely they'll have man-made. Forget Hickory for snow; too low.

Jim, "Mo' coffee!"

[Pawz4me]

If I were thinking about snow and NC and Christmas, I'd be looking around Boone and Blowing Rock. Even if there's no natural snow, if it's cold enough you can bet the ski resorts will be making plenty. Although I'm guessing it might be challenging to impossible to find a campground that's open.

[NanciL]

Several things:
1. I doubt if you will find snow at Hickory around Christmas time
2. You might find trouble finding a Rv park that is open. Most of them close down because the exposed water pipes are subject to freeze

3. If you want to stay in a motel or equal near Spruce Pine you would have a good chance of finding snow on 6000 foot Roan Mountain.
We are in Bakersville at the base of "the Roan" and many years that has been our winter playground. When it rains in Hickory and down below the mountains, it is almost always snow up there. Some years there is a deep snow pack from early December right into the spring.
We cross country ski there, and many of the locals go coasting on the road(which they close) from Carvers Gap up to Roan high Bluff.
Also you can almost always bump into some snow shooers on the App. Trail that crosses the Roan

jack L

[doxiemom11]

We are from Michigan and there have been years with no snow at Christmas, or just a light dusting which is not enough snow to do any of the winter sports you may want to try.

[Water-Bug]

Go to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It's 669 miles from Orlando. Even if it doesn't snow, Dollywood is all decked out for an old fashoned Christmas and has seasonal shows.

[loulou57]

Bearhawk wrote:
We always have a white Christmas (I think once in the 40's there was one without). Go North till you run out of road!

How far north? I "need" a white christmas this year and hubby and I intend to have one, LOL

[MontanaCamper]

we have had our share of a green christmas's in Montana. Kinda hit and miss in some places.

[RonWSl]

Oh, PS, we have two dogs,,,,very small poodles, and I pondered the cabin idea, but dogs can be a problem, notwithstanding how well behaved our 4 legged children might be. Also, prefer doing the RV thing. I have had enough of hotels, BB, etc., hence the reason for the RV lifestyle. Thanks again.

[RonWSl]

Thanks for the replys. The few areas I have looked at, I have also checked rvparkreviews and then go to the websites for the ones listed. Surprisinly, a lot seem to be year round. Please keep the ideas coming...hopefully, I can talk DW into something besides Williamsburg.

[Bearhawk]

We always have a white Christmas (I think once in the 40's there was one without). Go North till you run out of road!

[Merrykalia]

I am not sure about how far it would be, but Winter Place, outside of Bluefield/Princeton West Virginia might just meet your expectations. It has excellent tubing, ski and snowboard lessons, a nice warm and cozy lodge.

It is about 2 miles off of I-77, so even if it does snow, the roads are usually cleared and open within a few hours after the snow stops.


Winter Place link

Or you could consider the Boone/Blowing Rock, NC area. There is sure to be snow in the mountains. They usually begin making snow around Thanksgiving or earlier if temps are cold enough.

Also, you might consider staying in a cabin, lodge or hotel instead of dragging your RV behind you. Most campgrounds in the "winter" areas (read snow) close about Dec 1 and don't reopen until the snow melts in March or April. If it is cold enough to snow, it's cold enough to freeze the water pipes, therefore, they close.

[loulou57]

You might be best to make last minute plans, if you would like to enjoy the snow
There have been Christmases here in parts of Ontario without any snow.

It would be a shame to make plans and be "Dreaming of a white Christmas"

Only to get "Raindrops keep falling on my head"