Here we are, smack dab in the middle of March and the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic ski season still has LOTS of life left. We’ve heard from three resorts this week and all communications have been about extending the season. Ober, who we shared yesterday is having their longest season in their history, is pushing for another week. Wintergreen decided to cancel their season ending spring events due to another snow storm in the forecast, and Cataloochee has tipped their hat at April weekends. The bottom line is that there is plenty of snow on the ground just about anywhere you look.
From the Boathouse at Snowshoe, snow is plentiful
Here’s an update on Wintergreen’s extended season.
Spring Operating Schedule:
Monday 3/10 – Sunday 3/16 – DAY SESSION ONLY 9-5
Monday 3/17 – Friday 3/21 – DAY SESSIONS ONLY 9-5
Saturday 3/22 & Sunday 3/23 – DAY SESSIONS ONLY 9-5
Monday 3/24 – Friday 3/28 – CLOSED
Saturday 3/29 – Sunday 3/30 – TBD – The decision to operate past 3/23 will depend on a number of factors including: weather, snow and business levels over the next 2 weekends.
Wintergreen is looking at a really good chance (80%) of 5-9” of snow starting Sunday night and going into Monday. Bryce and Massanutten should be cashing in as well. The West Virginia resorts of Snowshoe, Canaan Valley, and Timberline could see the snow start falling today and go straight through to Monday. No alerts from the National Weather Service yet, but we will keep an eye out for those to start popping up in the next 24 hours or so.
Down here in North Carolina, all but 3 runs are open at the High Country ski resorts. Appalachian is operating at 100%, with a 35-68” base, Beech has 12 of their 15 runs open with a 30-80” base, and Sugar is 100% open with a 28-78” base.
Our boy Kenny has put together a very cool time-lapse of Beech’s season so far. He really outdid himself this time! Click on the image below to take a walk down memory lane.
Ah – good times. I’m starting to water up a little. And speaking of Beech, as soon as I get done putting this together I’m heading up. The last word from Kenny was that he is heading up to Appalachian today to take part in the Appal 350. If you’re heading to App or Beech, be sure to track us down. Kenny will be throwing down his crazy moves at the park, while I’m sure I’ll be throwing something down after lunch and beers at the 5,506.
Appalachian and Beech are still scheduled to close down Sunday, March 23 while Sugar is expecting to stay open a few more days. You know how Sugar loves being the first to open and the last to close.
As you head out today you’ll experience temperatures reaching into the 50’s and 60’s at the Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee resorts with partly cloudy skies. You’ll peak at about 40 in West Virginia before the snow moves in (hopefully). Up at Wisp you’ll have 40’s and a mix of precipitation throughout the day.
Take Care!
Tim Bahlke
Drop me an email at [email protected] to let me know what you think or with suggestions on what we could be doing better.