Saturday was not your typical first day of skiing and snowboarding at either Cataloochee or Sugar Mountain. Photos that were sent to us looked much more like those that we’d see in December and January with snow covered trees and slopes that looked something like mid season. The biggest difference was the fact that only two trails were open at Sugar and three at Cataloochee. 4" or so of natural had fallen and combined with the great snowmaking ops at both ski areas – things looked amazingly – well snowy!
Sheldon Reynolds sent us a nice shot from Sugar and added the comment, "I was surpised at how good the conditions were on the fist day of the season." His snowy shot looking down Upper Flying Mile supported that.
Kevin Wray posted a nice image of Cataloochee as well.
So the theme for Saturday’s opening day was – Meteorologist Brad Panovich can forecast some weather for these mountain, can’t he? While most local weather peeps were not mentioning more than a dusting ealrier this past week, Brad posted that we could see the season’s first snow event with some significant snow. …and that we did. 4-5" of natural snow fell Friday evening into Saturday and some leftover snow showers on Saturday created a can’t miss first day of fun at Cat and Sugar.
Nice photo of snow making and snowy conditions at Cat on Saturday>>>
Both ski areas picked up a reported "dusting" of additional snow in the last 24 hours and they both made an appreciable amount of snow all day on Saturday and last night so things should be and look even better for Sunday’s day sessions at both resorts.
Tammy Brown posted, "Thanks to all for a great opening day! On Sunday we will operate from 8:30am-4:30pm on 3 slopes and 2 lifts on a base of 6-12 inches and a machine worked surface. Special rates on Sunday are $28 for adult lift and $22 for juniors 12 and under. We will not operate from Monday, November 8-Friday, November 12 but will reopen on Saturday, November 13 at 8:30am. Check our website at www.cataloochee.com or become our fan on Facebook for more information! Season passes are on sale now for the lowest price for the rest of the season…so don’t delay! The season is here!"
We’ll try to post up more images later this evening and perhaps an update or two from some of you guys. Send your videos, photos and trail reports to [email protected] – We’ll post them and make you famous!
Be sure to check back often for more photos being posted as well as our video blog. If you have not yet visited our Ski Messageboard Forum you should do so.
We’ll be sharing TONS more input about our plans for this season, but for a little sneak peek visit:
www.HighCountryWebCams.com
www.HighCountryWeather.com
www.SkiSoutheast.com
Send your comments, photos, videos and trip reports to: [email protected]