I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news.
The good news: it’s snowing.
The bad news: with just less than a week left in February, we have hit the home stretch of the ski season in the southeast.
It’s kind of crazy to think about. But next week will be the last for at least Winterplace and The Omni Homestead. Sugar and Appalachian Ski Mountain currently have plans to call it quits on St. Patrick’s Day.
So basically, get your turns in while you can still drive to get them in!
Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich says we’re getting ready for “a pretty decent weekend.” There’s an Alberta Clipper type system headed our way. It’s just a little bit of a disturbance, but we’ll see a burst of natural snow and cold enough temperatures to boost our resorts into March. That’s important, because we’re expecting milder temperatures once we get into March.
“This weekend’s a great ski weekend, but going into that first weekend in March might not be half bad either,” Brad says.
Here’s what else you need to know to ski and snowboard in the southeast today.
The Omni Homestead
If you’re looking to get to the Omni Hometead, your chances are limited!
Here’s marketing director Lynn Swann:
Today we are open to the top for skiing and snowboarding on 4 trails with an average base of 13”. The Penguin Slides Tubing Park has one lane open today. Don’t forget, if you are looking for the perfect après ski experience, book a soak in the renowned Warm Springs Pools. A 50-minute soak in these geothermal, mineral-rich springs is only $30.”
Bryce Resort
Winterfest will be held at Bryce on March 9. Here’s the schedule:
- 9-10 a.m. | Pancake and Waffle Breakfast
- 10 a.m. | Polar Plunge
- noon-5 p.m. | Barkely performs at Carter’s
- 1 p.m. | Costume Parade
- 2 p.m. | Pond Skimming
Sugar Mountain
There are some fat snowflakes falling at Sugar right now.
Snow making is in progress.
Appalachian Ski Mountain
App Ski’s closing day will be on March 17, though in a Facebook page, the resort did say that there is enough snow to ski and ride “well into April.”
There’s another ladies park night at Appalachian Ski Mountain tonight courtesy of Girls Go Shred. Registration will be from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Alpine Ski Shop on the bottom floor of the lodge.
“We are amped to have an awesome set up dedicated to progression and learning,” the group said on its Instagram page. “We will be hanging out in the Appaltop park this time around, located on riders right at the top of Upper Big Appal.”
Timberline
There are low temperatures again and the Timberline team is rejoicing.
“While we still have 100% of our terrain open, Snowmaking will resume this evening to refresh conditions in key areas of the mountain,” the snow report says. “We expect snowmaking to continue overnight and into Sunday morning. This morning, conditions will be soft and spring-like, but will firm up as temperatures drop in the afternoon. All open terrain has been groomed.”
Snowshoe
Fresh snow alert!
Snowshoe seems to be the only place where there’s noticeable snow accumulation this morning. The resort got about an inch of the goods. There’s a USASA ski and boardercross race this morning on Spruce, and Sawmill will be closed until 11:30 a.m. for race training.
“Happy Saturday from Almost Heaven! A fresh coat of snow has the mountain looking refreshed as we head into the weekend,” the snow report says. “More snow showers are likely throughout the day. Our snowmakers will be taking full advantage of the cold temperatures coming in tonight.”
For those of you who like to go fast, the Darn Tough Banked Slalom will be going down on March 2 and 3. You can sign up for that here.
Winterplace
Bluebird Fest is on. The mini big air competition will kick off today, and the family race goes off tomorrow. Plus, there’s a tap takeover from Freefolk Brewery, food trucks, live music, and more.
Speaking of birds, it’s early bird season. Buy a season pass for Winterplace before April 30, and get it for just $399, as opposed to $699. This deal is available online only.
Winterplace will hold its pond skim on March 3. Whoever makes it across the pond from the lowest point on the mountain will win a pair of skis from Line.
Park Rat Classic
A reminder: Recess is hosting the Park Rat Classic on March 2.
The event is a snowboard competition, in which tricks will be set for certain features and worth certain points, kind of like a game of H.O.R.S.E. in basketball. If a rider lands a trick, they will receive the points. The rider with the most points at the end of the day will be crowned the winner. The event is free to enter and a group lift ticket rate will be offered to those who preregister for the event here. https://www.skireg.com/park-rat-classic
Practice will start at 10:30 a.m. and the event kicks off at 11 a.m. The event is sponsored by Public, Vans, Dang, Volcom, Howl, and Beech Mountain Resort.
Video Of The Day
Olympic gold medalist Sage Kotsenburg has stepped away from the contest scene, with the exception of the Natural Selection Tour, and gone into the backcountry. He released a video part on his personal YouTube page in December, filled with powder slashes and double corks. Filmed in Utah, Wyoming, Canada and Alaska and featuring The Beach Boys in the soundtrack, here is…SAGE KOTSENBURG FULL PART 2023. (What a bad name for a great video).
The Rest
Thanks to everyone that has already joined us on Discord.
Think snow!
Think cold!
Click here to join us on our 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.