10/24/08 – 2.5 Million Dollars Reinvested in Improvements at Appalachian Ski Mtn.
With the completion of a multitude of ski area improvement projects, Appalachian Ski Mtn. has now reinvested 2.5 million dollars in snowmaking and other improvements over the last two years. More fan guns have been added this summer than in any other year in its history. Appalachian has installed a total of 8 SMI tower fan guns on Big Appal, Orchard Run, Appaljack, and the base area.
In addition to better snow coverage, this snowmaking expansion should allow the Appaljack Terrain Park to open almost simultaneously with the ski area.
<8 New Wizzards waiting to go on the hill (photo taken 6/6/08)
Appalachian fans can tell you that this great, little mountain can literally create a blizzard on top of you when they crank up their full snow making system, and they have now added even more of the efficient tower fan guns! Once they crank up their mechanism, you can bet that they can lay down enough coverage to open the main hill within one day!
After again significantly expanding the snowmaking reservoir, electrical infrastructure has also been added to support current and upcoming improvements to Appalachian’s snowmaking system. This electrical infrastructure includes new switchgear, a new switch house, and over five miles of wiring. These improvements will provide the foundation for continued snowmaking expansion into the next decade.
Last year, Appalachian doubled its snowmaking pumping capacity, enlarged its reservoir, and added 5 new tower guns. Appalachian Ski Mtn. now has the greatest snowmaking capacity per acre in the Southeast!
Appalachian Ski Mountain has also been busy creating some synergies with area businesses including Hawksnest’s New Tubing Area!
Appalachian can tailor a custom ski getaway for you! They have always handled some great on-mountain lodging options and they are announcing some great stay and play deals with numerous area hotels. Their reservationists can design a package that can include everything from comfortable lodging (most of it just minutes from the slopes) and ski tickets to equipment/clothing rental, lessons, childcare…even ice skating!
You can click here> Appalachian Ski & Stay Packages and check out the participating hotels and the pricing, or call 1-800-322-2373 to speak to one of their reservationists. Group Ski&Stay rates are available as well.
Appalachian Ski Mountain and Hawksnest Team Up!
For those unaware, Hawksnest is no longer offering skiing and snowboarding, but they ARE boasting what will soon be the largest snow tubing park on the East coast. Appalachian is the only ski area in North Carolina that does not have their own snow tubing hill. However they are now announcing an Exclusive Tubing Package with Hawksnest Resort.
Appalachian Ski Mtn. and Hawksnest Resort are joining together to offer Appalachian’s skiers and riders a special deal on tubing at Hawksnest through Appalachian Ski Mtn’s Reservations Office.
Hawksnest Resort is now specializing in tubing only and boasts the largest snow tubing park in the Eastern United States, with 4 separate tubing areas, 20 lanes, and 2 conveyor lifts.
Guests who book skiing and tubing for the same day through Appalachian Ski Mtn’s Reservations Office, will receive a 50% discount on tubing at Hawksnest on weekdays and non-holiday Sundays. Hawksnest plans to open for tubing by Thanksgiving Day and operate through the first weekend in April. Tubing sessions are one hour 45 minutes long and are offered at 10 am, 12 Noon, 2 pm and 4 pm 7 days a week, and also 6 pm Monday through Friday. 8 am and 8 pm sessions are also offered Saturdays and Holidays.
Appalachian’s reservations office can package tubing any day of the week with its ski-and-stay packages. Ski-and-stay package lodging partners are Alpen Acres, Best Western, Chetola Resort, Comfort Suites, Country Inn & Suites, Crestwood, Fairfield Inn & Suites, La Quinta, Mountainaire Inn & Cabins, Village Inn, and Wits End Log Cabins. Appalachian also offers slopeside vacation rentals sleeping from 8 to 14 people.
Ski and stay packages start at $58.00 per person/per night for a room and ski tickets based on double occupancy.
Besides tubing, ski and stay packages can include ice skating, ski or snowboard rentals, private or group lessons, the SKIwee children’s program, nursery, clothing rentals, and multiday lockers.
“Since Hawksnest will be the only snow tubing park in the region to offer a separate, gentler tubing area geared to small children, we feel this is a great fit for the families who ski with us.” said General Manager Brad Moretz.
Hawksnest is less than 20 miles from Appalachian Ski Mtn., and about 11 miles from Boone, North Carolina.
For reservations or more information, call 800-322-2373.
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