Snow, Rain and Sunny Skies in the Southeast – Conditions Vary!

We are combining the SkiNC and SkiSoutheast.com content this morning to save a bit of time.  We have a lot going on and we want to make you guys aware of some fun events planned around the Southeast for this weekend.

First to the weather.  You can check out the full details in the morning weather update particularly on www.SkiSoutheast.com as we’ve already posted that and there’s some cold weather headed our way for the weekend!

While some of us in North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia experienced a bit of light drizzle this morning, areas further north like Canaan Valley , Snowshoe Mountain and Wisp Resort are seeing light snow.  Actually Snowshoe has already picked up another 2’ of snow overnight with about one more inch expected today.

The light drizzle that was falling early this morning has seemingly already cleared away from here and we’re experiencing sunny skies in Western North Carolina now!

Conditions vary across the Southeast today…

We’ll have all of the updated On-Snow Reports posted later in the morning, but conditions will range from some new natural snow in Maryland, West Virginia and at Wintergreen Resort in Virginia today…to very nice skies and softer conditions across Tennessee and North Carolina.  Actually I was up at Ski Beech last night and after a couple of milder days Monday and Tuesday I was expected the snow to be nice and soft last night.  I was wrong. Evidently the President’s Day Weekend crowd really hard packed the surface and it didn’t look like Beech did much grooming yesterday between sessions.  It was nice in some spots like Upper Shawneehaw and White Lightning, but terrible towards the bottom of White Lightning and the trails at the bottom – Powder Bowl and Play Yard – certainly a lot icier than I figured it would have been. There’s plenty of snow base, but we’re in need of a little snowmaking and some sweet grooming to make things great.

For those who emailed me asking about how much natural snow is left; the best way I can answer that is that anywhere the sun has hit…the snow is gone.  However I was up at Beech and parked about half-way up the mountain at a client’s home on the slopes and we had to walk through nearly a foot of snow in his yard to get on the slopes.  So there’s plenty of “ambience” in the way of natural snow still hanging around from the nearly 20” of snow that has fallen in the last two weeks or so.

According to our OnSnow Reporters, conditions range from very nice to good to GREAT depending on where you skied yesterday.  Check out the Slope Conditions for more information.  There’s plenty of snow, base depths are great and skiing should be pretty strong out and about today…particularly where they’ve gotten a little snow overnight and where they’ve concentrated on grooming.

Here’s some highlights of events and happenings!

The 8^th Annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics is happening TOMORROW (Thursday)! It’s sponsored by the Appalachian State University Police Department, Boone Police Department, Blowing Rock Police Department, Appalachian Regional Health Care System Police Department, Watauga County Sheriff’s Office and Watauga County Parks and Recreation Department. Registration for the plunge starts at 3 pm, with the plunge beginning at 4pm at the ASU Duck Pond. In the previous seven years, the Polar Plunge has raised over $40,000 for Special Olympics. All of the money raised for the plunge will stay in Watauga County to support our local athletes. Last year 173 people took the plunge, donating over $7,300 to Watauga County Special Olympics. We are asking individuals wishing to take the plunge to donate $25. For groups of five or more that register as a group we are asking for a donation of $20 per person. Prizes will be awarded for the Most Extreme Costume (male & female) as well as for the top fund raising group and individual. All plungers will receive a Polar Plunge Beach Towel. Anyone interested in taking part in the Polar Plunge or sponsoring a plunger contact Keron Poteat at 264-9511 or any of the Watauga County Law Enforcement agencies involved in sponsoring this event.

Its LADIES DAY at Hawksnest so the Ladies ski FREE today and tonight!  Hawksnest has closed their tubing hill due to the rain but expect to reopen it at least by Friday.

Massanuten Resort in Virginia is reporting about ONE INCH of new snow overnight and they are 100% open today!

Wintergreen Resort has also received some natural snow and they are 100% open and groomed all of thr trails overnight!

Snowshoe Mountain is reporting 2” of snow overnight with SNOW STILL FALLING.  They are 100% open at have great conditions for today.

Timberline Resort in West Virginia has also reported 1” of snow overnight with snow still falling and they have 30 trails open today!

Winterplace Resort reported in a little later this morning with 3” of snow and it’s still falling so we’re imagining that the rest of West Virginia has picked up more snow as well! Winterplace said, “Snow this morning followed by cloudy skies!! 3 inches of new snow at 6am and still snowing!!! The Terrain Park has cool features for everyone from beginner to expert!!! Conditions just don’t get any better than this!!! AWESOME!!!!!!!! “  Ya THINK they are excited??!!

Up at Wisp Resort in Maryland we promised Lori Epp and crew that we’d give you guys the heads up on a lot of fun that will be taking place up there this weekend. Friday they will celebrate “Mardi Gras on the Mountain!” They have an evening of enchanted Mardi Gras festivities planned.  We’re betting Lori knows how to party! They have a lot of fun planned at the Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park with a DJ (Jonny Rock), games, prizes, a bonfire and more. If you haven’t tried The Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park, all we can say is OH, MY, LORD is that a ride.  I have been on a few snow tubes and they are all great, but this one delivers an AMAZING adrenaline rush!

Wisp also has some Live Music happening in the Lodge from 7pm to 11pm featuring Zydecoagogo.  They also have a cajun-style buffet and more fun planned! The cost is $35 per adult, $30 children 12 & under, includes a festive party favor. Reservations recommended as limited quantities of space is available.

As if all of that isn’t enough, Wisp Resort is also featuring a SNOW SCULPTOR, Alan Matsumoto on Saturday.  Alan will be constructing a snowcastle on the slopes of WISP.  You have to see this incredible artist at work! Wisp will also have the free Saturday evening concert series going on beginning at 5:30pm.

We can’t leave WISP just yet! On February 26 through the 28^th WISP plays host to the Maryland Special Olympics Winter Games!  Go out and cheer on these amazing athletes or join in and volunteer to help.  It promises to be a rewarding and great time for all.

Until Next Time!

Be sure to check out www.SkiSoutheast.com  for more news and stories for all of the Southeast’s ski areas.

Be sure to email photos, snow reports and comments to: [email protected]