My New Year’s resolution for 2024: no more rain in the winter time.
It looks like that rain has passed us over, just in time to give us a solid holiday weekend on the slopes. While temperatures could still reach the 40s everywhere from Winterplace and Snowshoe in West Virginia to Bryce in Virginia, a cold front is sweeping in just in time for the weekend.
I had my first day of teaching an unofficial ski lesson yesterday. It went really well and fortunately, the person I taught had a blast. There were a few crashes and a few raindrops, but neither deterred any stoke.
If you’re headed to Omni Homestead in the next few days, postpone any plans for skiing and riding. The snowsports operations will be closed, after the rain and warm temperatures. That will open back up after snowmaking conditions return.
I’ll be at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, New Hampshire today. It’s raining here too, but it’s one of my favorite places in the world, so I’m just happy to be here. If the visibility is low, find me in the Paul Bunyan Room having a pint, looking for country music superstar Zach Bryan. He was spotted at Loon just a few weeks ago.
If you’re around Snowshoe today, you might see some members of the SkiSoutheast team on the slopes or in the lodge. Make sure to say hello. And speaking of Snowshoe, let’s get into today’s report.
Snowshoe
It looks like the torrential rain is a thing of the past, as the forecast for the next few days shows temperatures that are in the 30s and below, with minimal precipitation projected through the weekend.
“Today’s forecast calls for cloudy skies and a high chance of good times,” the snow reporting team said. “The stoke is building as cooler temperatures make their way in and 2023 prepares to bow out with grace.“
There are 28 trails open today, with nine lifts running, including Soaring Eagle Express, Powderidge, Ballhooter, and Powder Monkey.
TheKendog (SkiSoutheast’s Kenny Griffin) reported minimal lines yesterday, though with the sun shining today, that certainly could change. There’s some icy corduroy out there to start the morning off, but as the sun soften things up, that won’t last for long.
Massanutten
It’s a warm one. So warm, the temperatures could reach 50 degrees. The team hasn’t been able to make snow in a little while, so be careful when you’re out there today.
Here’s what the snow reporter had to say:
Mostly cloudy with high’s around 50. There are some thin spots starting to appear so please ski with caution. More seasonal like temps return tomorrow with forecasters calling for a chance for some light snow and snowmaking temperatures returning on Friday night. The mountain operations team will be ready to take advantage of any snowmaking temperatures mother nature provides.”
Cataloochee
It looks like after a bit of a wait, Cataloochee has a full-fledged park setup. Here’s what features they have:
10’ Double Bar Flat Rail
10’ Single Bar Flat Rail
8′ flat box
Mini Tube
6′ Flat Rail
Timberline
After holding steady with an incredible 19 of 20 trails open for the last few days, there are 17 open day. Night skiing is back on. Here’s what the snow reporter has to say this morning:
Summit terrain will close at 4:30, with night skiing terrain available off the mid-mountain quad lift. Surface conditions are soft and spring-like, and all open terrain has been machine groomed. Snowmaking mounds remain on Thunderstruck for a more advanced terrain option. The warm and rainy stretch is just about behind us. Upper Almost Heaven will be closed today in order to conserve snow. Snowmaking conditions roll back in at the end of the week, and we’ll be shooting for 100% open before our NYE celebrations.
Reminder: Don’t make any plans for February 9 through 11.
For the first time since 2020, we are hosting a SkiSoutheast Resort Summit. This one will be at Massanutten Resort. The weekend is an opportunity to meet up with like-minded snow sports lovers from all over the southeast.
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.