Blake’s images were also featured by fellow SkiSoutheast / SkiNC-er, Brad Panovich, the Chief Meteorologist for WCNC TV in Charlotte, NC. Brad’s more important title around these parts is "Head Weather Guru for SkiSoutheast.com and SkiNC.com! Anyway, Blake’s Trail Report to Opening Day at Cataloochee follows with some nice photos (all posted to the Photo Gallery) as well.
Be sure to check out the link to all of the images at the bottom of this Trail Report.
Here’s the full report:
I just got back home and I must say I was impressed with opening day. This is the first October opening I have experienced in my 13 years skiing. Cataloochee managed to throw together some awesome snow for us in little over 24 hours with a lot of help from Mother Nature. I arrived at the Cat around 3pm this afternoon. (Sorry 2slikstix), I was unable to make first chair. There were about 30 cars in the lot and the slope was wide open as you all will see in the photos that will follow. Conditions were hard pack with some loose granular here and there. NO ICE! In previous opening days I have encountered bare spots, ice, rocks, crud, you name it. Today was smooth and solid coverage with the exception of the lift exit, but nothing bad. Temps were in the thirties and it felt like a crisp January day.
Everyone missed out, but not to worry. As I was leaving, the crew was getting ready to fire up the guns. That, plus Mother Nature’s continued cooperation through the rest of the week will provide great if not better conditions for you all! Be excited, very excited! I hope everyone enjoys the photos and check back tomorrow for the opening day video!
-Blake (Sutherland)
"SkiorDie" is from Abingdon, Virginia and has been a member on the messageboard since August 2006. Read his posts on the messageboard.
Click HERE to see all of the Cataloochee images from Opening Day, Tuesday, October 28, 2008!
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