Look, I’m not saying that I’m ready to get in an argument with a groundhog, but I am saying that us here at SkiSoutheast would like to have a word with Punxsutawney Phil this morning.
The famous groundhog did not see his shadow, and predicted that we would not have six more weeks of winter.
“It’s not what I feel, it’s what I see and what you hear, so gather round and let me be clear. Atmosphere is a wonderful thing, we can create our own and the weather it brings. It brings hope for the future and so much more, maybe some Punxatawney Phil write-in votes in 2024, but what this weather did not provide, is a shadow or a reason to hide. Glad tidings on this Groundhog Day, an early spring is on the way.”
SkiSoutheast Si has other plans in store, though.
“According to SkiSoutheast Si, we will have a cold and snowy mid-to-late February and early March,” editor and co-founder Mike Doble writes. “We think six more weeks are in the cards for us.”
I know that the X Games has come and gone, but Brantley Mullins recently posted this photo on her Instagram, and it’s too cool not to share.
Let’s get into what you need to know around the southeast today:
Massanutten
College students, come on down: it’s college special tonight. An 8-hour slope use ticket is just $45, and equipment rentals are $30.
The ‘Nutt is back to 100% open, just a week before the SkiSoutheast Summit begins. And if you’re curious about the schedule for that, here it is:
Friday night – 7pm until close
Look for SkiSoutheast’s peeps on the trails and at the Family Adventure Park during the night session. We’ll have some stickers and maybe some beanies and hats to give away.
Saturday noon-ish at Base Camp
Join us at the umbrella bar at base of the mountain for lunch, drinks, and giveaways. SkiSoutheast.com will be giving away beanies, stickers and more. We are getting some new gear made up and plan on giving a bunch away. You’ll want to be on time or early as the freebies go quickly.
Saturday night Après’ Ski Party
More details coming on when and where. This will be a happy hour meetup – more details coming – but they will have appetizers and drink specials for us.
Sunday morning – 8am – First Tracks
First Tracks on Sunday morning with only Ski Southeast attendees on the mountain! Massanutten plans to open Creekside and Peak Express lifts 30 minutes early just for us! This is always a highlight of our summits!
Snowshoe
No fresh snowfall on this Groundhog’s Day at the ‘Shoe, but it’s set to be a beautiful winter weekend with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
“The terrain parks are in incredible shape right now,” the snow report says. “If you’re just cruising through please be sure to use proper park safety etiquette and stay clear of the take-offs and landing zones.”
Appalachian Ski Mountain
App is open to 100% capacity this morning. And if there’s one reason I wish I was headed to App this weekend, it’s this double-barrel rail setup in the terrain park.
The Oakley/Volcom Shred For The Cup Slopestyle finals is on Sunday. The registration deadline is Sunday at 11:30 a.m., and you can sign up here.
Beech Mountain Resort
The social media team at Beech wins social media this week, ahead of red-dirt country music singer Wyatt Flores’ show at the mountain tomorrow.
@beechmountainresort Mood because Wyatt Flores is coming to Beech this Saturday!! #wyattflores #northcarolina #MemeCut
Tickets for that show in the winter music series are already sold out, but the show will be at Beech Mountain Brewing Co. The show is for ages 18-plus, so remember your ID.
And remember, Girls Go Shred is teaming up with Burton for a 100% female demo session on February 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Participants can test ride all of Burton’s women’s boards and bindings, including Step Ons. All of that is included with the purchase of a lift ticket that day.
There will be a short product clinic, and those who RSVP will be automatically entered to win a 2024 Burton Feelgood. There’s an afterparty and raffle at Edge Of The World boardshop starting at 5 p.m.
Omni Homestead
From Lynn Swann:
Happy Groundhog Day! So, what will it be…6 more weeks of winter or an early spring? Either way, we’re heading into the weekend thinking cold and looking forward to resuming our snow making operations as soon as conditions permit. Today, we’re skiing and snowboarding on 4 trails (2 beginner and 2 intermediate) with an average base of 18”. Our Penguins Slide Tubing Park has 2 lanes open. And, because it’s Friday, that means night snow sports! Last lift at 7:30 and last tubing session starts at 7.”
Timberline
The February Moonshiners recreational race league starts tonight. The races start at 5:30 p.m. on Lower Almost Heaven, and all ages are welcome. Registration is at the ticket window, and ends at 6 p.m.
We have 100% of terrain open and groomed today. A brief rainfall and heavy fog at the summit has created variable conditions on the mountain this morning. From the summit to mid-mountain, you’ll find a soft but grippy machine groomed surface. From mid-mountain to the base, our machine groomed surface is soft and granular.
Sapphire Valley
It’s Friday, and Ski Sapphire Valley is back open at noon with a base of 22-55 inches.
Cataloochee
There are 17 trails and five lifts open today. There are six features in Turkey Trot, and the team will be setting Richards Run soon. Snowmaking is off, but there’s a base of 34-72 inches today.
Today is a law enforcement appreciation day at the mountain. Tuesday, February 6 will be homeschool day.
Video Of The Day
North Face Athlete Jake Blauvelt is an east coast native who’s made his way back from a number of injuries. The film “Liminal” takes viewers through his journey.
The Rest
Don’t forget: Clear your calendar from February 9-11. That’s when Massanutten and SkiSoutheast will host team up to host our summit. It’s a great way to meet like-minded, snow-loving people, and possibly make some lifelong friends in the process.
Thanks to everyone that has already joined us on Discord.
Think snow!
Think cold!
Click here to join us on our new SkiSoutheast Discord channel. It is a great way to meet new snow loving friends and shares experiences, ask questions, and more!
And as always, email me at [email protected] with your thoughts and photos.