The writing is on the wall, meteorogically. It’s all about survival right now.
That’s what chief meteorologist Brad Panovich said in his forecast this morning.
“Don’t let the warm weather around you trick you into thinking that it’s all over,” he said.
It’s true. The bases that the ski areas in the region won’t just disappear overnight. Now’s the perfect time to take advantage of the benefits.
Like Brad mentions in his forecast, there are so many great things about skiing and riding in March. The crowds are thinner. The snow is slushier. Oftentimes, the prices are cheaper. So get out there. Just because it’s warm in Charlotte or Atlanta or Knoxville, doesn’t mean there’s not snow at the mountain.
I am in Quebec yet again today, for the final day on the mountain at Mont-Tremblant. The first half of the trip was absolutely frigid – the temperatures were below zero and the windchill was brutal. But thankfully, after a long lunch of poutine and a Chipie ale Pâle, the sun came out. That melted the ice chunks, and made for a great day of turns. A lot of it was skied off by the time we called it quits at 3 p.m., but with a temperature set to reach the 40s today, it should be a great Canadian spring skiing day.
Today’s the big day: Recess and Beech Mountain’s Park Rat Classic goes off at 11 a.m. Joe Sexton – professional street snowboarder and founder and owner of the board brand Public – is in North Carolina for the contest. He stopped by Recess, and signed a board that will go to one of the contest winners.
And Sugar Mountain hosts its Richard T. Trundy Memorial Sugar Cup competition. All of the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.
Here’s what else you need to know to ski and ride in the southeast today.
Timberline
Even in March, Timberline is 100% open. The team made snow for 24 hours straight on Thursday.
“Snowmaking was widespread throughout the mountain, refreshing conditions for the weekend,” the report says. “Surface conditions are a soft machine groomed surface. All open terrain has been groomed except for Off the Wall, The Drop, and Upper Almost Heaven.”
Bryce
Ski patroller Bill Nabers says that every trail at Bryce is open, aside from Hangover.
“We made snow last night!” he said. “Good groomed snow early, soft in the afternoon. All of all, was fun. “
From the snow report:
Snowmakers took advantage of cold temps last night and laid it down where snow was most needed. We still have a lot of snow to work with and 7 of 8 trails remain open and in great shape. Winterfest is March 9th and we plan to have a proper party so don’t miss out. We plan to keep the season going as late as we can into March so don’t put those skis and boards away yet!”
Snowshoe
From the snow report:
It’s going to be a great weekend here at the ‘Shoe! We did see some rain overnight but it’s expected to stop well before rope drop this morning, making way for an awesome Saturday. We’ll likely have some low-level clouds hanging out for the day, which could impact visibility up top. The Darn Tough Banked Slalom is taking place on Spruce this weekend – snowboarders today, and skiers tomorrow. Good luck to all those racing!”
Sugar Mountain
Discord user Long Jawn Silver was out there yesterday. Here’s what they had to say:
Kinda soggy out with some freezing rain type stuff coming down but the snow is pretty soft and fun. Not too bad so far.”
Massanutten
From the snow report:
Last nights precipitation is moving out giving way to partly sunny skies. Highs in the lower 50’s should provide for a comfortable day out on the mountain for Snow Moon fest weekend. Tonight is the last night for night skiing for the season.
Video Of The Day
In honor of Joe Sexton making an appearance in North Carolina: Joe Sexton in South Paw.
The Omni Homestead
Tomorrow is the last day of the season at The Omni Homestead. There are four trails open and two trails, along with a 10-inch base.”
The Rest
Thanks to everyone that has already joined us on Discord.
Think snow!
Think cold!
Click here to join us on our new 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.