Happy Christmas Eve Everyone!
We are combining the reports this morning for both SkiNC and SkiSoutheast to expedite things. (We DO have a lot to do before Santa makes his excursion this evening!) Be sure to check out the separate photos of the day on each site though…because we’ve submitted tons yesterday and should have the rest caught up today.
Today IS Christmas Eve so be aware that some resorts are closing after day skiing only today. Additionally, others are opening a little later on Christmas Day…so be certain to check the schedule on the Slope Conditions page.
Temperatures were borderline again last night (as we anticipated) and we THOUGHT that a couple of other ski areas might have pulled the trigger and attempted to make snow, but not so. As far as we can tell only TWO resorts were able to make snow last night and one of them will probably surprise you! Ober Gatlinburg reports that they did make some snow last night and that is great news for them. Snowshoe Mountain saw temps drop to 25° and that made for some good snowmaking there.
LETS GO AHEAD AND COVER THE WEATHER
The forecast is still holding for the most part and colder air and some natural snow is still in the forecast. That is great news, because for the most part this early in the season our forecasts have not held up. The call right now is that areas around the High Country of Western North Carolina will get a nice day on Sunday, a bit of rain moves in tonight and lasts much of Christmas Day, but then it changes to COLD and SNOW on Tuesday and Wednesday. Lots of great snowmaking temps and perhaps 2-4” of natural snow to boot!
Temps will be slightly colder around Snowshoe, Timberline and Wisp Resorts, but the call is for a bit of rain Christmas Day and then blowing snow Tuesday and into Wednesday morning. Some forecasters are calling for some heavy snow, but we’ll hold off on that right now. The good news is that the snowguns will be cranking. It will also be windy…but we’ll have to take the bad with the good.
All of this means that visitors who have never seen real snow SHOULD SEE SOME…and the slopes will be getting in better and better shape as the week moves on.
FOR TODAY – KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
As Lenny Cottom of Hawksnest reported this morning, “We are open for skiing and snowboarding and anticipate snowmaking to resume Christmas night with natural snow in the forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday. There is plenty of fun to be had today, especially for beginners as the sun is shining and the snow is soft making it easier to learn the basics.”
All of the ski areas are open today except for Sapphire Valley, so check the slope conditions page and get out and play some. Take Christmas Day to enjoy with your families and then hit the slopes on Tuesday and Wednesday. It should be a blast!
CROSS COUNTRY SKIIING???
Snow has been scarce thus far this early in the season. We need some good snows around the region for Cross Country skiing enthusiasts. However, we want to thank Jean Crow who contacted us earlier in the week. Jean is doing a nice article for the Spartanburg Herald Journal about cross country skiing in the region. Remember to check out the link on SkiSoutheast.com for a complete list of some of the best cross country skiing opportunities in the area. Thanks again Jean.
THE QUESTION OF THE DAY
Today’s question of the day was written by Julie Tomlinson of Baltimore, Maryland who wrote, “I really like your website. I am eight years old and I see that you answer everyone’s questions about snow stuff. I don’t really have a snow question. Not really. I just want to know if Santa is real?”
Yes, Julie; there IS a Santa Claus. We saw him over at Sugar Mountain the other day; he was also at Snowshoe in West Virginia (along with some elves and Mrs. Claus). End of story. Next time, go ask mommy and daddy that question.
Merry Christmas Everyone. May your day be wonderful, tonight be special and Christmas Day warm and dry with your family.
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
REMEMBER TO VIEW ARCHIVED ARTICLES IN CASE YOU MISSED A STORY POSTED EARLIER TODAY!