Dear Readers,
The damage from Hurricane Helene is widespread, extreme, and very heartbreaking. This is especially true for the mountain communities in our region. Numerous stories of flash floods, landslides, and downed trees continue to come in.
Sadly, lives have been lost while several more remain unaccounted for.
We are in the early stages of assessment, and words cannot fully describe what is known. The roadways to certain parts were swept away and remain impassable. Most of the entire area is still without power, water, internet, or even cell service – progress is being made.
Travel to these areas is not advised, with the exception of emergency and essential personnel.
The most important things right now are shelter, meals, and necessities. This goes for pets as well. There are several organizations that are set up to deliver, and your contributions of support are welcomed. Items such as canned food, water, clothing, blankets, medicine, financial donations, tools, etc. are the most urgent.
Our geographically southern ski resorts, found in North Carolina and Tennessee, received the worst of the impact. However, some of them have shared statements about their staff being fully accounted for while also saying that their infrastructure survived. Their messages have optimistically said yes, there will be a ski and snowboard season.
It is our intellect and willpower that shall guide us past these moguls of burden. Neighbors and strangers will come together to restore and rebuild. Eventually, things will be back to normal, as much as possible, and may we rejoice that moment. Perhaps on a chair lift ride up while taking in the natural beauty that surrounds us.
We will keep you posted here on the site as well as on social media.
Until then, please be safe and take care. Your understanding and charity are greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
The Ski Southeast Team