What a wonderful winter Friday it is – snowy, sunny, and a L-I-T-T-L-E bit chilly! February's off to an exciting start. I never was able to get to my real story yesterday, but Mike saved the day with his report. As we head into the weekend, which should make for a great time on the slopes, I thought I'd share details on a feel-good annual event with you: the 2013 Southern Snow Seekers Youth Outing that just took place last Saturday at Cataloochee (pic of Cat today shown above). Before we get to that, I'll give you what you're waiting for, crazy, all-across-the-board snow totals:
Past 24 Hours Past 48 Hours
App – 1.3" 1.7"
Cat – .4" .7"
Beech – 3.5" 6"
Sugar – 5" 9"
Wolf – 3.2" 4.7"
Bryce – .4" .4"
Mass – .5" .5"
Wintergreen- 1" 1"
Canaan – 10.7" 12.5"
Snowshoe – 10" 11"
Timberline – 6" 9"
Winterplace – 5" 5"
Wisp – 7" 8"
Ober – 2" 3"
You'll probably see those numbers change throughout the day and especially by tomorrow. Not to mention, those bases should inch up. The temps across the region were all low, low, low this morning, with an average of 13 degrees! With the wind chill, the real feel is even lower. You couldn't ask for better snow making conditions.
Last Saturday, January 26, the Southern Snow Seekers from metro-ATL partnered with Cataloochee Ski Resort to provide many children with their first ever slope adventure. "Most of the children live in economically-challenged communities," says Kimberly King, Program Founder Board Member/ Former SSS President.
King adds, "This was our fourth year of partnering w/ the folks at Cataloochee — the resort provides great discounts — to introduce local youth to winter sports. In 2012, our trip was featured on the First Lady's Let's Move Blog (thanks to lots of collaboration with LSSM's Mary Jo Carollo)."
Below, you'll find details on the trip that were shared with DeKalb Champion, a local ATL newspaper that covers the area school's broader community.
Trip Overview
More than 90 participants — including about 70 students plus parents, school leaders and ski club volunteers travelled about 3.5 hours from Decatur early Saturday morning. Prior to the trip, the club met with parents to describe the trip and provide ski clothes (for the trip's use) that had been donated by the resort. During the trip, participants enjoyed complimentary snacks and water.
Group enjoyed great support from community partners: breakfast was donated by McDonald's (4075 Memorial Drive, Jerome Lay/ Manager) and water/ juice donated by Kroger – Belvedere Plaza (Mary Jenkins/ Assistant Mgr and Manager ). Harmon Brothers Bus Company offered discounts on bus transportation.
Upon arrival, kids were fitted for equipment and began their lessons. A few students progressed beyond the beginner lesson and were able to ride the lift and ski/ ride the more challenging slopes. Ski day ran from approximately 10:30 AM (arrival) with lessons beginning around 11:30AM/Noon. We wrapped it up around 7PM. Took a final group photo against the backdrop of night skiers (the resort offers Twilight Skiing/Riding). Departed the mountain just before 8 PM and travelled back to Atlanta — making one stop at another McDonalds's (Franklin, NC).
Group has been invited to appear at upcoming DeKalb County Commission Meeting and the Stan Watson Show.
What an awesome organization and hats off to Cat for helping the cause. I know many resorts work to benefit the greater good. These community outreach efforts are so vital (and FUN as an added bonus in many cases, like this), and usually, it's so simple to get involved, donate, or show your support. For more information on SSS, go to www.southernsnowseekers.org or visit them on Facebook. We hope to announce the event beforehand next year, so let the countdown begin 😉
Stay warm, and enjoy your time on the snow. For those who look forward to the annual ski summit (and even for those who don't but are going to this year), stay tuned – more details should be coming your way soon.
Email me at [email protected].