The BIG NEWS TODAY would normally be the moderate-to-heavy rain that is forecasted for the region on Tuesday, however when one of our ski areas closes down a bit earlier than expected THAT becomes the bigger news. We had speculated that Wolf Ridge MIGHT close for the season after Sunday’s sessions, and some of our readers emailed us asking just that. We called over there and spoke with them yesterday and were told that they would be skiing on.
However, today they wrote that they were closing for the week ahead and would make a decision about reopening for the weekend ahead.
We also received some more firm comments as per closing dates for some of the others and have noted those where possible.
Appalachian Ski Mountain – Great Shape – All 10 trails open in primo condition for Monday. They have not made snow since February 27th and don’t anticipate doing so until Friday night. Appalachian will stay open, weather permitting through March 30th.
Cataloochee is doing something different for the rest of March. They are open for skiing and snowboarding from 1pm-10pm only – Monday through Fridays. They will be open from 8:30-4:30 only on Saturdays and Sundays. They have 10 trails open this afternoon. Cataloochee has announced its intentions to sk through April 6th.
Hawksnest Resort – They look VERY NICE this morning! They will have 9 trails open for today. Justin Grimes writes, "On Monday, March 3rd slopes we’ll open at 9am for skiing and boarding until 10pm. Snow tubing will be open at 11am until 9pm. Last tubing session is 7pm to 8:45pm. We have many terrain park features around the mountain. Ladies Day is Wednesday, ladies receive a free lift ticket. Free lesson Thursday, rent your equipment with Hawksnest and receive a free beginner lesson."
Sapphire Valley – They closed ski operations a couple of weeks ago and have now closed for tubing as well. They reported, "The ski area and Frozen Falls tube park is closed for the 2007/2008 ski season. Thank you to all our great visitors, we hope to see you again next year!"
Ski Beech – They too look quite nice today with the sun already beaming down on what looks like darn nice conditions for Monday. They have 13 trails open with granular conditions.
Sugar Mountain – They have 19 trails open with what should be sweet conditions. Sugar fans should note that today is the start of March Madness and it runs through the end of the season. Take advantage of up to 25% savings on lift tickets, rental equipment, and lessons. Restrictions apply.
Wolf Ridge – We spoke with them yesterday and they stated that they would remain open for the next week, but they must have gotten a good look at the weather forecast and decided to pull the plug on ski ops for this week. With the forecast for this week ahead and no snowmaking temps prior to Friday night over that way, they MAY be closed for the season. We’ll see, but they write, "The mountain will be closed for the upcoming week… Conditions permitting will reopen for the weekend!"
THAT IS A BIG IF…
Conditions are QUITE NICE at Appalachian, Cataloochee, Hawksnest, Ski Beech and Sugar for today. We have some weather coming in on Tuesday that will change that…so get out and enjoy the conditions today!
ONLY 4 DAYS TO GO BEFORE WE EXPERIENCE THE 1st ANNUAL SKISOUTHEAST.COM SUMMIT!! MAKE PLANS TO JOIN US!
As of 11am Sunday we have 81 confirmed attendees and if you have not made plans to join us skiing and riding at Snowshoe for next weekend, YOU ARE INVITED!
You can get $100 off any on-mountain lodging, and join us for a group photo on Saturday morning and make some turns with fellow readers and messageboard bloggers. All summit attendees are invited to a FREE Wings Après-ski Party at Moonshine in the Shavers Center from 4-7pm. We’ll be giving away a bunch of the brand new SkiSoutheast.com Hoodies, what’s left of the SkiNC hoodies and some stickers as well (as long as the supplies last).
Plus ALL ATTENDEES will be given a FREE lift ticket to ski Sunday!
We’ll also be doing some first tracks on Sunday morning compliments of Snowshoe’s President and COO, Bill Rock and crew.
GaTom, Mellow Yellow and others. Some of the newer, most active members such as TheGnar will be there and we’re trying to nudge some of the top messageboard people to make it.
Click here to Join Us for All of the Fun of Spring Break and/or the SkiSoutheast.com Summit Weekend!
Until Next time…
Be sure to visit www.SkiSoutheast.com for more news from the rest of the Southeast and Mid Atlantic ski areas!
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