Winter Adventures: Skiing, Snowboarding, and Cozy Cabins in Alabama
While Alabama isn’t often the first place that comes to mind for winter sports, it offers surprising options for those seeking a chilly getaway with a cozy southern twist. Just a little over an hour’s drive from Birmingham, the Cloudmont Ski & Golf Resort in Mentone, perched atop Lookout Mountain, presents a rare alpine experience in the Southeast. Cloudmont’s ski hill may be modest compared to big mountain resorts, but it offers a delightful mix of gentle slopes perfect for beginners and families. The resort’s well-maintained runs are a winter haven when cold snaps bring just enough snow or when the snowmaking machines are working full tilt. The crisp mountain air, paired with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, gives visitors a refreshing change from the typical southern winter landscape.
For those who crave more than day-trips, Mentone itself is a charming village worth exploring. Nestled about 20 minutes from Cloudmont, this artsy mountain town boasts cozy cabins and inns that capture the rustic spirit of the area. Many of these cabins are tucked along scenic trails like the Little River Canyon National Preserve, just a short drive away. The Canyon’s Eberhart Point Overlook offers sweeping vistas of the rugged landscape, which is particularly striking in winter when the bare trees reveal the deep canyon walls. Hiking the modest trails here provides a quiet, reflective experience amid frosted rock formations and the gentle murmur of the river below, making it an ideal complement to a day on the slopes.
Further south near the Gulf Coast, winter takes on a gentler form, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find cozy retreats. In Fairhope, about 30 minutes east of Mobile, there is an abundance of charming bed and breakfasts and quaint cottages that invite visitors to unwind by a fireplace after a day of exploring. Fairhope’s downtown district offers a blend of boutique shops and art galleries where locals showcase coastal-themed works. Strolling along the Fairhope Municipal Pier, especially in the brisk winter light, reveals stunning views of Mobile Bay, with winter bird migrations adding an unexpected element to the peaceful shoreline. While skiing isn’t on the agenda here, the town’s relaxed vibe and inviting lodgings make it a perfect winter sanctuary.
Back inland in northern Alabama, the Bankhead National Forest near Double Springs, roughly two hours northwest of Birmingham, provides a different kind of winter adventure. Though snow is rare, winter’s cooler temperatures bring relief to hikers tackling the Sipsey Wilderness trails. The Sipsey Fork Trail, known for its cascading waterfalls such as the 30-foot Fall Branch Falls, becomes a tranquil and misty wonderland in colder months. Visitors can enjoy crisp hikes through hardwood forests, where the absence of summer foliage allows for spectacular views deep into the wilderness. Winter’s quieter trails offer a peaceful alternative to the busy summer months, and nearby cabins in the forest’s lodges provide a snug base to warm up after a day of exploration.
If it’s a true mountain escape you’re after, the Talladega National Forest, about 50 miles east of Birmingham, offers some of Alabama’s highest elevations and cooler winter conditions. The Cheaha Wilderness area surrounding Cheaha Mountain, the state’s highest point at 2,407 feet, has trails that wind through rocky outcrops and pine groves. The Pinhoti Trail, which traverses this region, challenges hikers with moderate climbs and leads to breathtaking overlooks. In winter, the chill in the air sharpens the long-distance views, sometimes revealing distant ridges dusted with frost. Nearby, rustic cabins and lodges provide a warm retreat where visitors can enjoy hearty southern cooking and the crackle of fireplace flames after a day outdoors.
For a uniquely Alabama winter outing, the town of Florence in the northwest corner of the state provides a blend of cultural warmth and nearby outdoor charm. Just a 30-minute drive from Florence, the Natchez Trace Parkway cuts through rolling hills and forested landscapes that take on a quiet beauty in winter. The Parkway’s scenic overlooks, like the Inspiration Point, offer sweeping views that feel all the more expansive without summer’s dense greenery. Florence itself is known for its welcoming inns and historic homes, perfect for curling up with a book or enjoying a hot meal. The city’s thriving music scene, connected to the nearby Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, adds a soulful soundtrack to any winter stay.
While Alabama’s winters rarely mirror the snowy wonderlands of the northern states, these destinations show that cold-weather adventures paired with cozy accommodations can be found in the heart of the South. The state’s mountain retreats, forest trails, and charming towns invite visitors to trade the usual winter stereotypes for quiet beauty and genuine southern hospitality. Whether it’s gliding down Cloudmont’s slopes, hiking through the Sipsey Wilderness, or warming up in a Fairhope cottage by Mobile Bay, Alabama offers a winter experience that’s both unexpected and thoroughly inviting.