Preparing Downtown Asheville for Winter Weather
Preparing Downtown Asheville for Winter Weather
As winter weather approaches, the Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID) is working closely with City partners, businesses, and service providers to help keep Downtown safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone.
Our Ambassador team and operations staff have been preparing for potential snow and ice by reviewing response protocols, coordinating with City departments, and identifying priority pedestrian areas that may need extra attention including shaded areas, sidewalk corners at intersections, transit stops, and high-traffic corridors.
In an effort to maximize our impact Downtown, we will be updating our service hours to one shift, from 8am - 5pm for the duration of the weather event.
If you’re Downtown and in need of basic essentials, both Asheville Forager and Wall Street Market will remain open this weekend.
Shared Responsibilities Downtown
Snow and ice management is a shared effort:
City crews clear sidewalks adjacent to City-owned properties such as parking decks and civic buildings.
Property owners and businesses are responsible for clearing sidewalks in front of their buildings.
ADID Ambassadors may provide limited supplemental support in certain high-traffic or persistently icy areas.
When ADID applies de-icing materials, we prioritize pet-safe and non-toxic products whenever possible. In more severe conditions, additional standard snow melt may be used to de-ice high traffic areas. As always during winter weather, pet owners are encouraged to wipe or rinse their dogs’ paws after being outside, or utilize outdoor booties for your pets.
How Businesses and Property Owners Can Help
Downtown businesses can prepare by:
Clearing sidewalks adjacent to their storefronts promptly
Paying special attention to shaded areas that remain icy longer
Communicating changing hours to staff and customers
Reporting hazards through ADID’s text line or the City’s Asheville App.
Call or Text ADID Service Line: (877)828-2343
***Businesses may also choose to close or adjust hours during severe weather to prioritize staff and customer safety. We encourage businesses to clearly communicate any changes through signage, websites, and social media so visitors can plan accordingly.
City-Owned Parking Garages – Free Weekend Parking
Starting Friday, January 23 at 5 PM, parking in City-owned garages will be free for the weekend. Please note that on-street parking will not be permitted beginning at 5 PM the same day.
Code Purple & Cold Weather Support
During severe cold weather, Buncombe County activate Code Purple, which expands access to overnight shelter and transportation for people who are unsheltered. When Code Purple is in effect, individuals can ride the bus to shelters, and Asheville Police and Fire Departments may assist with transportation to warming locations as capacity allows.
ADID Ambassadors will help connect people to available resources during these activations.
