Friday Friday Friday! The weekend is almost here and I’m sure all of you guys are just as ready for it as I am. My dad and sister are going to be staying at a place in Banner Elk this weekend and I’m taking them out to Beech tomorrow. My sister has never even been to the mountains and my dad hasn’t skied in 20 years probably. So needless to say, I’m pretty pumped to be able to go take them out on the slopes and show them around the area.
<<<Sugar Mountain looked to be in great shape yesterday. The same can be said for all the ski areas across the region.
With the great snow conditions and beautiful weather this past week I’m expecting that there will be some pretty huge turnouts at the resorts this holiday weekend. The weather should be pretty cooperative, as we’ll see highs ranging from the mid 40’s to low 50’s throughout the weekend. There is a slight chance of showers for the latter part of the weekend, but as of right now it doesn’t appear to be a significant event so don’t let that deter you from getting some turns in.
I always like looking at the cams on weekends like this just to see what the crowds look like. Sometimes it can get pretty crazy! Check out the High Country Web Cams site and take a look for yourself at some point this weekend. There are some pretty cool views of the entire region, not just limited to the ski areas. The Watauga Lake View cam is now a personal favorite of mine, as I was up there yesterday for the first time working on it. If you’ve never been to Watauga Lake, I highly suggest getting up there sometime as the place is simply amazing!
Just a reminder that the trip report contest is still going on. The winner will receive 4 passes to either Cataloochee, Wolf Ridge, or Massanutten. I’ve seen a visible spike in the amount of area trip reports lately but I want to see even more! So take your camera out this weekend! Also, don’t forget about the SkiSoutheast Snowshoe Summit in two weeks. If you haven’t already made your reservations, definitely do so quickly as Snowshoe is giving SkiSoutheast members an incredible deal on rooms and lift tickets. Click here for more info.
That’s about all for today, here’s a look at the ski areas…
Appalachian Ski Mountain – 53°- 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 and I’d imagine they will see some pretty big crowds out there this weekend. Ice skating is also open.
Beech Mountain Resort – 43°- 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 – 48.2°- They are open on 100% of the mountain with a groomed surface today. Tubing is open today and sessions will begin at 10 am. 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 – 44°- 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 on Saturday!
Sugar Mountain – 43.7°- 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. A NASTAR event will also be taking place on Big Red on both Saturday and Sunday.
Wolf Ridge – 47° – Open on 14 of 23 slopes today with a groomed surface. They will have night skiing and tubing today and the Upper Lodge will be opening up at some point.Well that’s all I have for today.
Send me photos, stories, or any questions to [email protected] and enjoy your weekend!