I know it is ONLY Thursday, but is it ever too early to look forward to the weekend. There is a lot happening this weekend around the slopes and I suggest you get out and enjoy while you can.
Beech
We’ve talked and talked about this. This weekend is the RETRO 80’s weekend at Beech Mountain. Also on Saturday they are having a banked slalom contest. A few of us from SkiSoutheast are going to be there along with quite a few members. Should be a great weekend at Beech!
Wintergreen
This weekend is the Double Cross Finals and Adventure Weekend. In addition to the Double Cross Finals, there will be live entertainment and music. For the Adventure part of the weekend, for every activity you participate in around the resort, you will receive a validation stamp. Turn in your adventure cards at the end of the weekend and enter to win great prizes, including lift tickets, tubing tickets, Discovery Ridge Adventure Center passes and much more.
Ober
The K2 Pop This Ollie Contest is at Ober Gatlinburg tomorrow starting at 7pm. Prizes include a new K2 Skatedeck, hoodies, bags, and more. There will also be a best trick contest. Come on out to Ober and see what them crazy kids are up to nowadays.
It’s going to be a good weekend at the slopes – FOR REAL.
The storm is gone and warm temperatures (and some "moisture") have moved into the area. There is quite a dichotomy going on with the temperatures in the morning snow reports. Ober, Cataloochee, and Sapphire are all in the 50’s this morning, while Timberline and Canaan are at 25 & 26 degrees respectfully. The warm weather in parts has had a fairly dramatic impact on the bases. Here’s where we stand today compared to yesterday at the impacted resorts.
Grass Showing at Sapphire Valley
Appalachian Ski Mountain: 47-98”, down 3-6” from yesterday
Cataloochee Ski Area: 66-96”, down 8” from yesterday
Beech Mountain: 42-90”, down 2-4” from yesterday
Sugar Mountain: 45-95”, down 3” from yesterday
Bryce Resort: 60-70”, down 5-10” from yesterday
The Homestead: 58”, down 2” from yesterday
Canaan Valley: 16-30”, down 2-12” from yesterday
We’re back down below 100” again, and this time I’m afraid we might not see it again until next season. But hey, there’s still plenty of snow out there, so no need to freak out yet. We still have some good skiing to come.
Plenty of Snow at Witnerplace!
Before I go, let’s check in on the Olympics and see where we stand. Here’s the current medal count.
1. Norway: 21 – 10 Gold, 4 Silver, 7 Bronze
2. Germany: 16 – 8 Gold, 4 Silver, 4 Bronze
3. United States: 23 – 7 Gold, 5 Silver, 11 Bronze
4. Russian Fed: 22 – 6 Gold, 9 Silver, 7 Bronze
5. Netherlands: 22 – 6 Gold, 7 Silver, 9 Bronze
The big news of the past couple of days is that Ted Ligety took the Gold in the Giant Slalom. Ted has a company called Shred Optics where he sells his custom designed Googles along with Helmets, Sunglasses, and Accessories. His attendance and performance in the Olympics has long been viewed as a marketing play for the company. This assertion was proven true as his website went down due to traffic after winning the Gold – CHA CHING!
Take Care out there today!
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.