A couple of the North Carolina ski areas pulled the plug on the 2006-2007 ski season one day earlier than expected. Hawksnest Resort and Wolf Ridge Resort are both CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. The snow coverage was pretty good despite not making snow for nearly two weeks. Lack of turnout and the wet weather certainly played into the last second decisions. Sapphire Valley will end their season today.
That leaves Appalachian, Cataloochee, Ski Beech and Sugar to ski and ride for the rest of the season in North Carolina.
I was on a quick turnaround trip to Washington D.C. Friday and yesterday and traveled near Bryce, Massanutten and Wintergreen on Saturday. The temps during the mid afternoon on Saturday was at 70° and I witnessed numerous people with golf clubs in hand. Leaving Washington, there was still some snow on the ground along I-81, despite the 50° temps and just an hour or so further south the highs were in the 70s. Crazy weather indeed!
Despite the warm temps Massanutten, The Homestead and Bryce resorts still show no base depth reductions. Someone’s asleep at the switch in Virginia. You get the feeling like unless one does it, none are going to. I’m certain it’s something less sinister, but bases are coming down people.
Wintergreen was looking nice on Saturday and should be in nice shape today. Sarah Lovejoy writes, “Lots of Sun is in the forecast today so come up and ski or ride! Glass and Powder’s last slope style event is today. This is always a great event and well worth the trip. Today, we will be skiing and riding on 25 trails with a machine groomed surface and there will be 6 lifts running. The Plunge is open from 10am until 9pm and the Slide is open from 10am until 6pm for some great tubing!” They were at 34° this morning.
The West Virginia Resorts are in primo shape right now! Temps this morning are in the 20s with Snowshoe reporting 26°. That’s FROZEN GRAN people. Spring skiing at the Shoe will be very nice today. Lindsay Kutsko writes, “Snowshoe will have a wonderful day of sunshine today. Slaymaker and Cascade will be closed until 2 p.m. today for ski racing. Skiers and riders can expected frozen granular conditions across both Snowshoe and Silver Creek. Right now, skiers who purchase a new season pass for the 2007/2008 season can ski for the remainder of this season for free. Call 1-877-441-4FUN to purchase your pass today.”
Editor’s Note: Lets see, Snowshoe is at 26° today and they dropped their base 5”. The Virginia resorts are in the 30s and no reduction. Hint, hint.
Wisp Resort is reporting 36° this morning and 30 trails open. They report a drop of 4” of base and very nice snow today! Wisp is hosting a “Beachin’ Nice Weekend” next weekend. Saturday & Sunday, March 17 & 18 you should visit and enjoy an X-Cross, rail jam and Live music by The Happy Mon Band in the Main Lodge from 4pm – 8pm and lots more. Don’t miss the all-time favorite events – Cardboard Box Derby.
Ober Gatlinburg is open to the top on THIS, their last day of the 2006-2007 season. Go enjoy it for one last day!
As mentioned, some of the NC resorts ended their season yesterday.
Cataloochee – 39° – Dropped the Snowbird Trails from their open terrain. They now have ten of twelve trails available for day skiing today from 8:30am-4:30pm. Also, be sure to join Cat for some recreational racing at Cataloochee today. These races are open to any age and any level and will be held today and Sunday, March 18, from 1pm until 3pm each Sunday. Cost is $3 per run, or $5 for two runs. Awards and Results will be held at 4pm in the lodge each Sunday afternoon. Don’t forget that Cataloochee is CLOSED on Mondays.
Ski Beech has plenty of snow and good coverage. They are beginning to show some discoloration that is typical with Spring skiing. Gil Adams writes, “The areas around are reporting good bases, and there seems to be plenty of snow for some really good conditions here in March. It is not time to pack up the skis and boards just yet, so come on out and take advantage of skiing in March.”
Sugar Mountain has all 20 trails and 3 tubing lanes open for today with nice conditions. A bit loose and wet from the overnight fog, but certainly the best conditions in the High Country right now would be at Sugar and Appalachian.
GO SKI AND SEND SOME PHOTOS!
Until Next Time…
THINK COLD AND SNOW!!!
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