Here’s our third in our series of What’s New for the 2007-2008 season.
Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley, North Carolina:
We all know by now that Cataloochee opened for THIS season on Wednesday at 1pm. However the top news story for this Maggie Valley, North Carolina ski area is that they have added TWO NEW TRAILS for this season! These trails now create 25 acres of skiable terrain that offers something for everyone! The new trails are called Short n Sweet (which is as its name says, 550′ long) and Turkey Trot which offers 1200′ of fun that can be enjoyed by novice skiers and riders!
In addition to the two new trails, Cataloochee doubled their water capacity with two ponds. The photo here is of the top pond, but according to Chris Bates VP/GM of the resort, "We did some numbers crunching recently and we have enough water to put 5-6 feet of snow on all of our trails, so water won’t be an issue here!"
First to Open, Last to Close in 2006-2007!
Cataloochee was the first ski area to open in the East for the 2006-2007 season and they were also the last to close in the state of North Carolina. Cataloochee strives to provide the longest season in the state and within the Southeast and Mid Atlantic region!
Cataloochee is North Carolina’s oldest ski area and it began operating in 1961 when Cataloochee Ranch owner Tom Alexander converted his isolated, mile-high pasture-land peak into a small alpine facility on Moody Top Mountain. Alexander developed the mountain into a ski area to further the region’s tourism trade and to keep his ranch hands employed through the winter months.
Cataloochee sits in western Carolina’s Maggie Valley, 35 miles west of Asheville, with part of the resort property bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
What They Say About Themselves!
Visit Cataloochee Ski Area this season and experience southern hospitality on the slopes. For generations of snow-loving families,
Cataloochee is a winter tradition, and with good reason.
Our winter playground is nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks – riding the chairlift has never been more rewarding. Smooth, gentle slopes like Easy Way and Rabbit Hill, serviced by a beginner’s chairlift, gives novices the elbowroom they need to learn the basics and practice their skills. Intermediate skiers and snowboarders find plenty of action on Rock Island Run and Lower Omigosh, while seasoned experts can face the steepa found on Upper Omigosh. For skiers and snowboarders looking for a thrill, our Cat Cage Terrain Park delivers with ramps, rails and boxes. At Cataloochee, everyone in the family, skiers and snowboarders, from novice to veteran, can carve a place of their own.
Conservation Minded too!
Cataloochee is committed to making your skiing or snowboarding experience the best it can be by utilizing the most advanced snowmaking system in the Southeast. And as a member of the National Ski Areas Association’s Sustainable Slopes program, they are dedicated to lightening their footprint on the earth by protecting and conserving natural resources.
Taking Tubing to Another Level!
If sitting back and slidin’ is more your style, check out Tube World in the valley. With the same dedication to making snow, Tube World is family fun you can depend on. Riding their conveyor lift to the top makes getting to the top of the run even easier.
Don’t miss Tube World in the Valley for a slidin’ good time!
Après-ski at The Cat Lodge
After a session on the mountain, you can relax with family and friends in front of the lodge’s double-sided fireplace. There’s nothing better than swapping stories about the day’s adventures on the slopes while enjoying the lodge’s good food and an après-ski drink. You might even catch a local bluegrass band playing. Don’t forget to stop in the lodge’s gift shop to pick up your favorite Cataloochee gear before you head down the mountain.
Ski School Notes:
With their secluded Ski School area, Wolf Creek Hollow, and easy beginners runs, Rabbit Hill and Easy Way, Cataloochee is the perfect place to introduce your children to the magic of winter sports.
All children’s instruction is carried out under the direction of our dedicated and professionally trained staff. Each instructor possessing special skills in teaching children from ages four to twelve. Cat Tracker’s (skiers ages 4-7) and Cat Explorer’s (skiers ages 8-12) and Cat Explorer’s (snow boarders ages 8-12) programs are perfect for children at all levels of ability. Call: 1-800-768-0285 or (828) 926-0285 for information.
For more information, please visit www.Cataloochee.com
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