Another day, same story up here in the High Country…more great weather and riding conditions! I am loving waking up every morning, making a cup of coffee, and watching the sun come up over the mountains off my back deck. There is just something about a mountain sunrise that gets me pumped for the day!
Temperatures are already in the 40’s at almost all of the resorts and will make it into the 50’s today. With President’s Day coming up, there are a lot of people who will be.jpg)
going to the resorts to spend their holiday weekend on the slopes and are somewhat worried about this week’s warmer weather. I got an email from a Ken Hansen yesterday talking about this, “I read your update on ski southeast. I agree, I am one of those that is a bit concerned about this warm spell. We will be at Sugar Mountain 2/21-2/23. How long can the snow hold out at these temperatures? Hopefully it will not rain on those days, but it looks like there is a chance.” Ken, if you’re reading this do not worry, it will be a great couple of days of riding and there will be plenty of snow. Like all of the resorts in the region, Sugar has a huge base right now and a few days of mild temperatures is barely going to put a dent into it. As for the weather, there is the possibility of a light shower or two but I don’t see anything significant enough to deter you from getting on the slopes. Also, nice name.
Yeah, there’s plenty of snow to enjoy still as evident by this picture from>>> Sugar Mountain yesterday
Ken is not alone in wondering about the amount of snow still at the resorts. A lot of people do not realize the amount of snow that can be made by the ski areas and how much of a base they can lay down, especially over the course of a couple months. Combine that with the crazy December and January weather where we experienced natural snowfall every week, and the resorts have big enough bases to comfortably last them into March, even if it doesn’t snow or get cold enough to make snow again. Most of the time, resorts don’t close at the end of the season because they have a lack of snow, it’s because there is a huge drop off in customer numbers and it doesn’t make sense financially to stay open any longer. It seems that once people get that spring fever, they forget about the mountains and snow. People in Charlotte look at me crazy when I tell them at the end of March that I’m going snowboarding. That’s really a testament to the snowmaking capabilities and hard work of our area resorts.
And onto the resort rundown…
Appalachian Ski Mountain – 42°- Open today on all 12 slopes with a groomed surface. They have a new page on their website that will keep you up to date on the current terrain park features set up on the mountain, so if that’s your thing make sure to check it out before heading to the mountain. As always, conditions at App will be great. Ice skating is also open.
Beech Mountain Resort – 35°- Open today on 100% of the mountain with a groomed surface. The terrain park is open with a multitude of fun features. Ice skating is also open today.
Cataloochee – 41.5°- They are open on 100% of the mountain with a groomed surface today. Tubing reopens today at 4pm. The Challenge Cup Race Series continues tonight at Cat. Individuals race against the clock for the best of two runs. Top three challengers in both men’s and womens’ age divisions win cool stuff. You must be 21 years of age or older to participate. Also, just a reminder that it’s Learn to Ski and Snowboard Season at Cataloochee and with the purchase of rentals you get a free 1.5 hour beginner lesson!
Sapphire Valley – 32°- Open today on 100% of the mountain. Tubing is also open and they will have night skiing tonight. Don’t forget that Sapphire Valley will be hosting their Annual Outhouse Races this weekend!
Sugar Mountain – 36.7°- Open today on 100% of the mountain with a perfectly groomed surface. It should be great skiing and riding as always up there. Skating and tubing are also open. This weekend Sugar will be featuring the acoustic sounds of High Country bluegrass artist Boss Hawg on Saturday from four until six.
Wolf Ridge – 40° – Open on 13 of 23 slopes today with a groomed surface. Here’s what they have to say: “Its Thursday, 40 degrees on the mountain and the weather man is calling for partly cloudy skies today. We will have 13 runs and 2 lifts open along with just our bottom Lodge for all ticket and rental purchases. The Upper Lodge will be closed this week and will reopen Friday at 4.30pm. Today is our Home Schooler Day :$29.00 Lift/Ski/lesson package as well as our College Night : Lift ticket $15.00. Get here early and be the first to Shred the snow. See you at the Wolf!!!”
Well that’s all I have for today. Send me photos, stories, or any questions to [email protected] and enjoy your Thursday!