The season ain’t dead yet!
Yesterday, I just wrapped up my third day in a row on the hill. Since my FirsTrax duties have eased up Monday through Friday, I’ve got a bit more time to actually hit the mountain. Since resorts are threatening to close – and hey, I have a hard time blaming them, it was 75 degrees in Raleigh on Tuesday – I’m trying to squeeze in as many days as possible.
Last night, my friend Nick Simpkins and I hit Sugar Mountain for a night session.
The snow was slushy, but it was super playful.
I also bought a twilight ticket for Sugar on Thursday, I fit in 18 runs between the afternoon and the nighttime. Since Sugar’s running its March Madness special, that lift ticket was only $39. Honestly, one of the best deals in the region.
Wednesday, I was at Appalachian Ski Mountain for a night session. Honestly, App could keep at it for a few more weeks, if they wanted to. The snow was great. The parks were a bit slushy at times, but they were also ripping. And the lift lines were nonexistent.
If you’re headed to the mountain and need a good cup of coffee, do yourself a favor and stop at Mountain Dog Coffee. I snuck in eight minutes before they closed on the way to Sugar for a night session, and I was wildly impressed. They have a massive dog park next door as well.
Here’s what else you need to know to ski and ride in the southeast today.
Appalachian Ski Mountain
The meltdown games are here.
If you’re looking for a heavy schedule of events, Appalachian Ski Mountain is the place to be. The ski area is kicking off the weekend with a St. Patrick’s Day rail jam at 11 a.m., and following up with a cardboard box derby at 1 p.m. and a trashbag downhill race at 2 p.m.
There are also some massive sale prices at the Alpine Ski Shop at the mountain.
Beech Mountain Resort
Beech’s finest Brantley Mullins has been home for a few days now, and that won’t stop this weekend. She’s slated to make an appearance for the Beech Bash happening today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brantley will be joined by Lauren Derminio for the community ride day, and there will be prizes and fun features placed throughout the mountain.
DJ Raheim Andrews will provide the music, and food trucks from Diggy Donus and The Cardinal will be set up in the park.
Brantley’s already been ripping through the Beech park all week.
Snowshoe
There’s a pond skim at Snowshoe today. Registration will take place beside the base of the Ballhooter lift tomorrow morning from 10:30-12:30. The trails have been significantly cut in half, as there is only 29 open today. There is a 36-inch base and six lifts spinning.
Massanutten
Today, unfortunately, is the last day of the season at The ‘Nutt. There is a 14-inch base, three lifts open and four trails open.
Timberline
There are just seven trails open today, after yesterday’s closure/ From the snow report:
We saw a significant loss of terrain after yesterday’s warm temperatures and rain. We will be open today with Thunderstruck, Whiteout, Easy Does It, Lower Thunderstruck, Lower Dew Drop, Mid-Mountain Crossroad, and First Flurries. All open terrain has been machine groomed. Surface conditions will be very granular, and will soften up throughout the day.
The annual Pool Party begins today! Swing by the ticket office to see the full event schedule!”
Video of the Day
I recently listened to an interview with JP Walker and Jeremy Jones, and was inspired to go back and watch some vintage snowboard films. Shakedown is a Mack Dawg production. And let me tell you, it is so good, it has me questioning why snowboarding films ever went in a different direction.
This is how we do it!
Lees-McRae College
Announcing your 2024 women’s snowboard team alpine combined national champions: Lees-McRae.
Lilly Kamp and Nicole Yoos each finished in the Top Ten in all three events: boardercross, slalom and giant slalom.
The men’s team also finished in second place for the freestyle team combined, and won first in boardercross.
The Rest
Thanks to everyone that has already joined us on Discord.
Think snow!
Think cold!
Click here to join us on our new SkiSoutheast Discord channel. It is a great way to meet new snow loving friends and shares experiences, ask questions, and more!
And as always, email me at [email protected] with your thoughts and photos.