It’s going to rain today. A lot.
It’s already coming down here in downtown Raleigh. Wake County Public Schools has shortened the day by three hours to avoid the worst of It, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Schools have already cancelled altogether today. And several ski areas are following that lead.
Appalachian Ski Mountain, Winterplace Resort, and Massanutten Resort have all suspended operations for today, in hopes of preserving the conditions they already have.
Just as a reminder, here’s what I make sure to pack in my bag before a rainy day on the slopes:
- Extra socks
- Extra mittens
- Poncho – I have a fancy, waterproof (Grateful Dead themed) surfing poncho that works great, but the dollar-store variety will come in handy too, I promise.
- Rain jacket – In the early and late season, sometimes this works better than a ski jacket.
- Clear safety glasses – Not every situation calls for goggles. These are $2 at your local hardware store, and there’s no risk of ruining the antifogging coating on your expensive Oakleys.
Here’s what else you need to know about the southeast:
Massanutten
It looks like the first ever HeArt & SOUL Winter Fest was a success! Next year’s event will be held on the same weekend in January.
Here’s a little mini-edit from my past Saturday at Massanutten.
Winterplace
From the marketing team:
Suspending operations todays allowed the snow to harden overnight creating a protective shell from the rain and wind today. By not breaking open that shell with a snowcat the snow will withstand this weather conserving our snow base for a great weekend ahead.”
Beech
Adaptive Ski Week starts next week, on January 16. The event is the longest-running adaptive ski clinite, and got its start in 1981. The week will promote sports for those with disabilities, and run through January 18. I’ll have an interview with Al Kaye later this week.
Snowshoe
More snow today. The resort got an inch overnight, and therefore, opened up some more trails. There are 39 of 61 open right now. There is a switch to rain that is expected to happen, just like much of the region, so don’t dilly dally in getting over to the mountain this morning.
There’s a high wind alert issued by the National Weather Service, and that could impact some of the high speed lifts. Upper Shay’s and Grabhammer have both been left ungroomed.
Looking ahead, there’s a Jack Daniels tasting in the Tygart Room this Saturday for anyone above the age of 21. Tickets are $30 ahead of time, $35 at the door.
And looking even further ahead, I noticed that the Snowshoe Banked Slalom is scheduled for the same weekend that we’re eyeing the next SkiSoutheast Summit. You can register for the race here.
Bryce
An update from yesterday morning from ski patroller Bill Nabers:
Good skiing. Little firm early but consistent. Just what you want. Humidity was up last night, so no snowmaking. Nice day after a very busy weekend. “
Timberline
Heavy snowfall is expected throughout the day, though that will transition to rain in the afternoon. First tracks are going to be the best tracks today.
There are 19 of 20 trails open today at Timberline. The Drop is the only trail unopened. That will remain closed until the next round of snowmaking.
Sugar
It’s Winter Trails Day at Sugar Mountain Resort!
This day gives adults and children alike the chance to try snowshoeing for free. Guided tours are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and includes a 45-minute tour and snowshoe rental. Signup is at the ski and snowboard school.
Sapphire Valley
Sapphire has been only opening for Friday through Sunday. However, in light of Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, the ski area will be open next Monday for snow sports.
Appalachian Ski Mountain
Here’s the official word on today’s closure:
The Alpine Ski Shop will be open from 9am to 5pm on Tuesday. Skiing, Snowboarding & Ice Skating will operate on a regular schedule Wednesday, January 10. We expect to have all slopes open Wednesday, and plan to make snow after skiing hours on both Wednesday night and Saturday night this week.”
The Rest
I’m headed to Utah!
I booked myself a flight to Salt Lake City for a short trip to Powder Mountain with my dad. We typically take a trip out west together every year, with the exception of 2021, due to the pandemic. That usually lands us in Montana. But we’re mixing it up a little.
I’m flying into Salt Lake City for a short trip to Powder Mountain with my dad. We typically take a trip out west together every year, with the exception of 2021, due to the pandemic. That usually lands us in Montana. But we’re mixing it up a little.
This will be the first of two trips to Utah this season for me, as I’m headed there for a wedding at Brighton Resort in the early spring. For those of you who don’t know much about PowMow, know this: its slogan is “best day ever!” and it holds true. I spent a bluebird day there just days after a big storm swept through last year, and it was truly like nothing else I’ve ever experienced.
The lodges and amenities give off a small-mountain feel – not unlike Brighton, while we’re on the subject. That’s probably going to change soon, unfortunately, as big changes are already in motion after former Netflix CEO Reed Hastings purchased a huge stake in the resort. Lift ticket prices cost close to double what they were last season, and plans to go semi-private have already been announced.
So if you’re thinking of taking a trip to PowMow, now’s as good of a time as ever!
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.