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I changed my destination mid route to Cat after Sugar failed. It was my first time at Cat and I really liked the resort. The snow was good and the open terrain had multiple aspects so even late in the afternoon there was a section that was still in the sun and soft. Coverage was excellent for the first day of the season. I would not want to drive up after a snow as the access road seemed steeper than at Beech. Other than that I was impressed overall, especially at the size of the mountain that Cat sits at the top of. I liked the steepness of the lift network and was able to get a ton of laps in a few hour with mostly no lift lines. The only other knock I would have against Cat is the lack of beginner terrain, but it looks like a great mountain for intermediates and above skill and the surrounding mountains are beautiful. It's too bad it is an extra hour plus drive for many of us. I hope I get back one day!

And the 10000 GNAR points goes to... johnmelton! Bonus points for the trip report.

Great job man. Was unable to get up there. Hope u had fun

A TR with pics to start the season . . . way to go!

Good to know you had a good time. I'm hoping to make it to Cat for a first look during the swap weekend Dec. 7-8. Having a reason to be in Asheville makes the added drive from the Triangle a lot less of an issue. Especially with an Indy Pass.

johnmelton wrote:I would not want to drive up after a snow as the access road seemed steeper than at Beech.

Thanks for the great report! I wish I could have made it but I was on the way to Raleigh for a conference.

Cataloochee has an arrangement with NCDOT that allows Cataloochee to keep Fie Top road plowed. It's often the clearest road in the County even after a big snow. I've been up it when US 19 through Maggie Valley hadn't been plowed and Fie Top was clear white line to white line.

The Meadows are a real treat after a big storm.

dj



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dj wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2019 10:51 pm

johnmelton wrote:I would not want to drive up after a snow as the access road seemed steeper than at Beech.

The Meadows are a real treat after a big storm.

dj

How about the terrain on the other side of the resort, towards the NE from the top or a little lower?

johnmelton wrote: ↑Sat Nov 09, 2019 7:30 pm
How about the terrain on the other side of the resort, towards the NE from the top or a little lower?

I'm not sure I understand where you mean. The wooded area to skiers right from Upper Omigosh? Or the open bald above the parking area (Hemphill Bald)?

I've never seen anyone try either. I guess Hemphill Bald could be skiable under the right conditions, but it is Cataloochee Ranch (not the same ownership) property and would probably be a trespassing issue.