For the first time this season, we have a sizeable ski area that is fully open! We can’t technically say that a resort hasn’t been 100% open prior to now because Sapphire Valley has that honor. However with only one real slope plus their bunny hill – they were the first to be fully open. However, other resorts are now sharing that treat this morning. Those that are not 100% WILL BE VERY SOON! All resorts made snow last night and a few of them are still making snow as of this update (8am) but the guns will be OFF at ALL resorts at some point this morning and that will make for what should be THE BEST DAY of skiing and riding of the season. PLEASE SEND YOUR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS TO: [email protected]
The weather looks to be very Chamber of Commerce-like today as temps will rocket into the 40s and possibly 50s today before nose diving back down this evening with MORE FRIGID TEMPS and 2-5” of SNOW in the forecast!
Appalachian Ski Mountain is 100% open for the first time this season. All ten trails are open, both terrain parks looks awesome and they also offer their popular (and scenic) ice skating arena. Conditions are awesome.
Cataloochee – A new day of skiing and riding at Cataloochee is here and they are open on more terrain than ever before in Cataloochee history, including the newly widened (with snowmaking) Lower Snowbird Trail, which last was open in 1979. They say they will continue to make snow on the Upper Snowbird Trail as temperatures permit in order to open on 100% of the mountain in the upcoming days. Those headed that way should also note that Lower Snowbird Trail is open for day skiing only.
Hawksnest – Top Gun and Upper and Lower Soc ‘Em Dog are open today! Hawksnest will ski and ride on everything except “Old Blue”, “Merlin” and “Narrow Gauge”. Don’t forget about the USCSA Race being held there this weekend! Note: Top Gun will be open today after USCSA race. They also play host to a Boarder cross and skier cross on Sunday which is open to the public.
Sapphire Valley – They are 100% open as mentioned before. 2 slopes and tubing! They are reporting Loose Granular conditions.
Ski Beech – Robbins Run is open for the Crescent Ski Council Race only today. Beech is reporting Packed Powder and Frozen Granular conditions with 9 slopes open to the public. Robbins Run should be open to the public on Sunday. Beech will be making snow as long as temps allow today to open the yet unopened terrain such as Southern Star and White Lightning which should open any day now.
Sugar Mountain – They are not making snow this morning. The report that as soon as temps drop cold enough that they will resume. They have 17 trails open today and 5 lanes of their tubing hill. They have a Nastar Race on Big Red today.
Wolf Ridge Resort – The Wolf is please to announce that the new Viewfinder and the Wolf Ridge connector trails are open today! Remember to join them for their Slope-Style competition today at 1 PM. Registration for the competition begins at 9 am at the upper Wolf Ridge Lodge. There is a $15 registration fee and a 25% discount on lift tickets for competitors. The competition begins at 1pm and includes skiers and snowboarders. Each competitor will be given 2 runs judged by a panel of 3 judges. The score will be based on style, amplitude and technicality. The top 5 competitors will move on to a final 3rd run. Prizes will be given to the top 3 competitors. 1st prize will be $500, 2nd prize will be $250 and 3rd prize will be a new helmet and uni-tool! The event is sponsored by Wolf Ridge Ski Resort, Scenic Wolf Resort, Breakaway Village, Zero Gravity Skate Park of Brevard, FLIPSIDE skate shop and Red Bull. The Park Place terrain park has the following features: 13′ Straight Rail, 16′ C-box, 16′ flat down T-box, 10′ rainbow rail, 16′ flat box and a 3 ft. mini kicker.
Saturday will be ONE SWEET DAY to be on the slopes.
Until Next Time…
THINK COLD AND SNOW!!!
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For more information about the ski resorts of the Southeast and Mid Atlantic visit www.SkiSoutheast.com
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