NOTE: I’m combining the SkiNC.com and SkiSoutheast.com reports this morning. I have a busy day planned and need to compact some time this morning…so here goes.
Seems like I’ve been leading off the morning report with more snowfall lately and I checked my archives and actually we have had significant snowfall on EIGHT of the last THIRTEEN DAYS in the North Carolina Mountains! During that span of days we have seen 34" of snow at the highest elevations of Ski Beech and the top of Sugar Mountain. That is simply amazing. The term could also be used to describe the slope conditions all over the Southeast!
Snowshoe Mountain has received 62" of snow during that time, including 9" overnight and more is on the way. The conditions are epic right now and should not be missed. Since the middle of February over six feet of snow has been dumped on the slopes of Snowshoe.
That’s the kind of snows that we were all hoping for all season, but I am certain that ALL SNOW LOVERS will agree with me when I say that we will take it right now too!
Taking a sidebar for an explanation – I’ve had three people email in the recent weeks asking, "Why does SkiSoutheast call it ‘Slope Conditions’ when everybody else is calling it ski report or ski conditions?"
ANSWER: When we watch the participants on every ski slope that we’ve been on this season (and for the last few seasons) we see nearly as many snowboarders as skiers. Therefore "SKI REPORT or SKI CONDITIONS" just didn’t seem to fit as it has in the past. Therefore we call it a slope report or slope conditions.
Anyway the Slope Conditions at any resort you choose to visit today WILL BE GREAT. Expect some blustery winds out and about as wind gusts could be popping in the 20-30 mph range with some burst slightly higher. We were up at Ski Beech last night and while it was windy up top…it was phenomenal once you got about 50 yards off the top (see last night’s late update). The roads are pretty clear…except for some light snow coverage on Beech Mountain Parkway. Expect secondary roads and neighborhood roads to be snow covered.
The weather today should mild up a bit…and then turn colder again this evening as another burst of light snow is expected overnight and into Sunday morning. Some sources say to expect more significant accumulation…and others say not. Meteorologist Brad Panovich is off enjoying nine inches of snow up at Snowshoe today so we won’t get anymore out of him until Monday!
By the way, we have four of our design team up at Snowshoe with Brad Panovich. Actually there are EIGHT people staying together at Lands End at Snowshoe this weekend. Brad Panovich of WCNC, the NBC affiliate in Charlotte, NC and a fellow meteorologist from Florence, SC’s CBS affiliate are joined by six new and old friends! Additionally several SKINC and SKISOUTHEAST.com messageboard fans have agreed to meet this morning and over the weekend to have a mini, SkiNC summit of their own. Joe Stevens, the Director of Communications at Snowshoe is attempting to meet up with that group and take a few photos of the day for us.
Also Brad will be broadcasting LIVE from the top of Snowshoe on Sunday morning. If you can get WCNC Channel SIX out of Charlotte (that is on our local Charter Cable system here in the High Country and of course all over the eastern portions of the state…be sure to watch from 9am to 9:30am Sunday morning as they will be doing a LIVE REMOTE. We’re hoping for some mention of SkiSoutheast.com from that gang. Give us a yell up their guys and girls!
As mentioned before…the conditions out and about will be a little blustery, but bundle up and have a ball on some of the best conditions of the entire season RIGHT NOW in mid March!
CHANGE IS GOOD!
We mentioned last night that Snowshoe made us the first to know that they were extending their ski season and are now, weather permitting, expecting to stay open until April 10th. Don’t expect too many other resorts to alter their plans…but we DO have at least one more that has now extended their season!
CATALOOCHEE – They will be open for day skiing only today and Sunday, March 13, then will then not operate during the week from Monday, March 14 through Thursday, March 17 but will reopen for day skiing only next Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 18 through March 20. Midweek season passes will also be valid on the weekend for the rest of this season. That IS good news!
HAWKSNEST – They are now in their March schedule being open today, Saturday 9am to midnight & Sunday 9am – 4:30pm. Snowmaking will continue weather permitting and they will remain open as long as possible. Take advantage of their discounted March rates.
SKI BEECH – Received 6" of new snow last night and conditions are marvelous for March. NO SNOWMAKING TODAY.
SUGAR MOUNTAIN – Sugar Mountain received 4" of new snow overnight and right now may have best conditions of the season…and perhaps the best conditions in the state, according to our On-Snow Reporters. NO SNOWMAKING TODAY. March Madness Rates are in effect and run through the end of the season. Save up to 25% on lift tickets, rental equipment and lessons.
SNOWSHOE RESORT – As already mentioned, Snowshoe Mountain will be staying opening until Sunday, April 10. Snowshoe Mountain has received 62" of snow, including 9" overnight and more is on the way. The conditions are epic right now and should not be missed. Since the middle of February over six feet of snow has been dumped on the slopes.
The Silver Creek area is scheduled to close for the season on at 4:30 pm, Sunday, March 20. Silver Creek’s tubing hill and night skiing will be closing for the season on Saturday, March 19.
TIMBERLINE RESORT – is holding a Snowy Luau Weekend March 19th and 20th. Events scheduled are a "Snowy Luau Big Air Competition open to skiers and snowboarders. (You can win cash!). They are having a PIG ROAST, childrens obstacle race, Hoaloha Polynesian Review, synchronized skiing contest, sleds, shovels and sliders derby and much more. It sounds like a heck of a time. We’ll detail a lot more later…but you may want to plan this one for next weekend.
WINTERPLACE – They are hosting head-to-head races this weekend. Take a chance to win a pair of Rossignol Skis or a Rossi Snowboard!!!
WISP RESORT – The popular MAryland resort is hosting a Snow Tubing Party. Come out and enjoy unlimited tubing at Bear Claw from 6 pm – 10 pm on Saturday Night. There will be plenty of music, food and fun for the whole family. Tickets are only $29 per person (Advantage Card and Season Pass Holders pay $25 by showing your pass or card at Guest Services)
OBER GATLINBURG – They rescheduled their SPRING FLING WEEKEND FOR TODAY AND SUNDAY!
12:00 PM – Slope Style – Gated race with jumps, whales, waves & other obstacles
2:00 PM – Aerials – Single Jump
3:00 PM – Skiing & Snowboard Pond Skimming
4:30 PM – Awards Ceremony
The public is welcome to come up and view all activities (free of charge except for tram and/or parking fees).
To register for the races contact Pete Jucker at 865-436-5423 ext. 234 ASAP.
To accommodate Spring Fling activities, Mogul Ridge will be closed from Noon – 4 PM
CLOUDMONT – Yes…Cloudmont. These guys are amazing! We figured they’d have now given up on the season with Alabama temps being milder than needed for snowmaking. They ARE CLOSED right now, but one look at their website tells you that if they see ONE CRACK in the weather and get the needed temps…they will make snow. These guys just don’t give up.
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