Top Skydiving Spots Near Asheville, NC – Tandem Jumps, Prices & Tips
So, you’re thinking about jumping out of a plane over Asheville? First of all—YES. Secondly, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker chasing your next big adrenaline fix or someone who made a dare with their friends after a few beers, skydiving in Asheville, North Carolina, is chef’s kiss amazing.
With its rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, endless forest views, and that cool mountain breeze, Asheville offers a skydive that’s not just a “drop,” but a full-on memory-making flight of awesomeness. This guide will walk (well, jump) you through the best skydiving spots, what to expect, how much it costs, and even where to grab a “we survived!” beer afterward.
Let’s take the plunge, shall we?
Why Skydiving in Asheville is Basically the Best Idea Ever
Picture this: You’re 14,000 feet up. The plane door opens. Your heart is racing. Your instructor shouts something encouraging (probably “LET’S GOOOO!”). Then BOOM—you’re diving into the sky, surrounded by the sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pisgah National Forest, and a horizon that seems to go on forever.
Honestly, if you’re going to yeet yourself out of an airplane, you might as well do it somewhere ridiculously scenic.
Asheville’s mild weather, stunning landscapes, and laid-back adventure vibe make it a top-tier skydiving destination. Plus, the post-jump celebration scene here? 10/10—more on that below.
Best Places to Skydive Around Asheville
1. Skydive Carolina – Chester, SC
About 2 hours away, but totally road-trip-worthy
Tandem jumps start around $219
Skydive Carolina is kind of like the Beyoncé of Southeastern skydiving spots—experienced, glamorous, and doesn’t miss. These folks have been doing this since the ‘80s (cue big hair and jumpsuits), and they’ve got it down to a science.
Why you’ll love it:
- Jump from up to 14,000 feet—that’s higher than your excuses
- Super chill, certified instructors
- Excellent safety record
- Optional video footage to prove to your mom that you actually did it
Perfect for first-timers or anyone who wants to combine beautiful views with a seasoned crew.
2. Skydive Georgia – Cedartown, GA
Just under 3 hours from Asheville
Prices start around $199
Skydive Georgia is for those who like their skydiving with a side of go big or go home. They offer jumps from up to 18,000 feet—that’s a solid 90 seconds of freefall. That’s right: you’ll have plenty of time to scream, think about your life choices, and then scream some more.
Bonus points for:
- Longest freefall in the region
- Great group packages
- Hype staff that’ll calm your nerves and pump you up
3. Skydive East Tennessee – Dandridge, TN
Only 1.5 hours away—a solid pre-brunch adventure
Around $230 for a tandem jump
A little more low-key, Skydive East Tennessee is perfect if you want a friendly, intimate vibe with stunning views of Douglas Lake and the Smoky Mountains. This is your go-to if you’re new to the skydiving game and don’t want to feel like part of a skydiving assembly line.
Perks include:
- Chill staff who’ll talk you through your nerves
- Easy scheduling and fewer crowds
- Epic mix of lake and mountain views
Best Time to Skydive in Asheville (a.k.a. When You Won’t Freeze Your Butt Off)
Timing is everything—especially when you’re falling from the sky.
Spring & Fall = Prime Skydiving Time
- Spring: Fresh air, blooming views, mild temps
- Fall: Fiery foliage and crispy, Instagrammable skies
Summer = Sweaty But Worth It
You’ll get clearer skies, but things heat up—especially in that jumpsuit.
Winter = Ehh, Maybe Stay in the Plane
Cold, unpredictable, and many places reduce their jump schedules. Brrr.
What to Expect on Your Big Jump Day
Let’s walk through your day so you can mentally prepare (read: psych yourself up).
Check-In Shenanigans
- Sign waivers (yes, a lot of them)
- Weigh-in time—don’t lie, the scale knows
- Meet your instructor, who is now your BFF for the next hour
The Safety Briefing
- How to arch your body like a flying banana
- What to do (and not do) mid-air
- Trust us, you’ll want to pay attention here
The Flight Up
- About 15-20 minutes of nervous laughs and OMG selfies
- You’ll look down and say, “That’s really far… is it too late to back out?”
The Jump
- Door opens, wind hits, brain screams
- You exit the plane, and freefall for 30–90 seconds
- Then—whoosh—parachute opens, and it’s pure bliss
The Landing
- Soft touchdown (unless you forget to lift your legs—don’t forget)
- Screaming, hugging, adrenaline surging
Boom. You did it.
Tips for First-Time Skydivers (From People Who’ve Screamed Before You)
- Eat light – You don’t want burritos floating midair with you
- Wear comfy clothes – Yoga pants and sneakers > jeans and boots
- Don’t overthink it – Once you’re up there, your brain will go “Welp, here we go!”
- Trust your instructor – They’ve done this more times than you’ve binge-watched Netflix
- Get the video – Seriously. You’ll laugh, cry, and possibly meme yourself later.
How Much Does It Cost to Yeet Yourself into the Sky?
| Package | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Tandem Skydive | $199–$260 |
| GoPro Add-On | $80–$120 |
| Outside Video Crew | $120–$150 |
| Repeat Jumps | $150–$180 |
| Solo Training (AFF) | $1,500+ |
Budget Pro Tips:
- Book as a group and save
- Weekdays are cheaper and less crowded
- Ask about student, military, or birthday discounts (yes, some places offer birthday jumps!)
What to Do After You’ve Conquered the Sky
You just faced gravity head-on and won. You deserve something amazing. Here’s where to head next:
Grab a Celebratory Brew
Asheville = beer heaven. Try:
- Burial Beer Co. – Great vibe, amazing IPAs
- Wicked Weed – Experimental brews and a buzzing patio
- Hi-Wire – Chill and very “Asheville-y”
Eat Like a Champion
- White Duck Taco Shop – Wild, funky tacos (hello, duck confit!)
- 12 Bones Smokehouse – BBQ that’ll make your knees weak
- Tupelo Honey – Southern comfort food done right
Chill Out and Reflect
- Blue Ridge Parkway drive – Soak in the views (with all limbs safely in the car)
- Biltmore Estate – Pretend you’re classy now that you’ve cheated death
- French Broad River tubing – Float like a lazy champion
Skydiving FAQs (a.k.a. “Wait, What If?”)
Q: Is it scary?
A: Uh, yeah. But in the best “I can’t believe I did that!” way.
Q: Can I bring my GoPro?
A: Most places say nope—for safety reasons. But they’ll have video options for you.
Q: What if I chicken out?
A: Totally normal to feel nervous. But once you’re strapped to an instructor, you’re probably going. (They’re very persuasive.)
Q: How long does it all take?
A: Expect 3–4 hours total, including training, waiting, jumping, and celebrating.
Ready to Take the Leap?
If you’ve made it this far, you’re either really curious or already booking your jump. Either way—do it. Skydiving in Asheville is the perfect blend of beauty, bravery, and bananas-level fun.
So, suit up, take a deep breath, and fall in love with freefall. Asheville will be there to catch you… eventually.
