Be sure to check the SNOW REPORT for all of the details as today we talk cold weather and natural snow in the forecast. I’ll also respond to some of the emails I’ve received about had bad the weather’s been and more. So grab your coffee, sit back and (hopefully) enjoy.
One quick sidebar – I’ve heard from a fair number of our readers that many of you still prefer to ‘stop by’ SkiSoutheast.com and get your daily ski news fix by READING this column. Thanks for that and for all of you who have shared that sentiment. I know we are living in a digital world these days, so we ARE providing more video and visuals for those of you who prefer it that way. However YOU like it – we’ll always attempt to bring you all the news and updates as we have that news in one convenient location – right here at FirsTrax.
Here’s the Video Snow Report and Some Added Comments. (Scroll below to read MUCH MORE.)
SaturDAY Not So Sweet; Tonight SNOW and COLD Returns!
SNOWY AND WINDY CONDITIONS TO DEVELOP THROUGH TONIGHT ACROSS
THE NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS…
Snow expected. Snow accumulations of up to an inch is possible across the mountain valleys, with up to 4 inches across elevations of 3500 ft. 3 to 5 inches will be possible in and around Mount Mitchell. Higher amounts of 6 to 8 inches will be possible across the higher elevations in Swain and Haywood counties. Northwest wind gusts will be as high as 50 mph.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST SUNDAY…AT SNOWSHOE, CANAAN and WV AREAS
COULD SEE 5-9″ of SNOW!
More importantly SNOW MAKING IS in the forecast with a good window of cold temps.
Things will look 100% better by Sunday evening!
Here is a nice breakdown of what’s happening at YOUR favorite mountain (in alpha order today)
APPALACHIAN SKI MOUNTAIN – 75% open – 9 of 12 slopes open
Appalachian Ice Arena is having a fund raiser today on January 4 from 5:00-6:30 and support the Appalachian Jr Race Team. Skating is only $10/person (includes skate rental).
Smith Shred for the Cup Rail Jam
JAN 5 REGISTRATION 9 – 11AM / EVENT 12PM
App Terrain Park will kick off their Signature Shred for the Cup Series on Sunday, January 5 with the Rail Jam!
The Shred for the Cup Series has become the benchmark competition series in the region, with 3 events held throughout the winter season that test skiers & snowboarders skills in a variety of park disciplines (Rail Jam, Big Air, and Slopestyle). As always, the series has categories and features that cater to all skill levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) of both skiers & snowboarders, as well as a dedicated Women’s category in both ski and board.
Smith Optics is the Rail Jam presenting sponsor, and will be on-site supporting the event with tons of product for winners!
BEECH MOUNTAIN RESORT – 59% open – Beech Mountain Resort – 10 of 17 slopes open
January 4 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Live Music with Jos Vicars and the Quiver at Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Taproom and Grill! Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Taproom and Grill offers the perfect setting to watch your favorite band. The Taproom and Grill offers a full bar with a variety of menu options. This event is FREE and tickets are not required to enter the venue.
BRYCE RESORT – 70% open – 7 of 10 slopes open
JAN 4 9pm-midnight
Ben Kunkle Band with The Seven Bends at Bryce Resort
CANAAN VALLEY RESORT 26% open – 12 of 47 slopes open
Loved this comment this morning for directions to Canaan:
Find Us At The Intersection Of Relaxation and Recreation
The Davisson Brothers Band is Here…and they brought winter!
1st Annual Music, Mountains, and Snow hosted by The Davisson Brothers. January 3rd and 4th, 2020 1st Annual Music, Mountains and Snow hosted by The Davisson Brothers Canaan Valley Resort Davis, WV 2 day Music and Ski Event l
Ski and snowboard the beautiful mountains of West Virginia while experiencing authentic Appalachian music. West Virginia’s very own Davisson Brothers will be hosting and hanging throughout the weekend. The Davison Brothers will also be setting in with multiple guest as well as headlining both nights – music starts at 2pm.
CATALOOCHEE SKI AREA – 39% open – 7 of 18 slopes open. Tubing Closed this weekend.
MASSANUTTEN RESORT – 29% open – 4 of 14 slopes open. No intermediate terrain open today. Tubing Open.
Get ready to rock tonight (Friday) and Saturday night from 8pm-1:30am during the “Live at the Lodge” party at Encounters Lounge. Our Ugly Sweater Party is on Jan. 4!
Come out to enjoy live music, delicious food, hand-crafted cocktails, and a great time. Plus, the party’s always free with a lift ticket! This weekend, Massanutten will welcome Uptown Band hailing from Roanoke, VA.
$7 cover charge (show your slope-use ticket for free admission)
21 & up only with valid ID
DJ Zach & Ken from 8 – 9 pm
Check out massresort.com/fun for the full Massanutten winter season band lineup and more.
OBER GATLINBURG – 0% open – 0 of 10 slopes open. Tubing SOLD OUT.
Sorry, but Snow Tubing sessions are SOLD OUT through January 4th. …But, the Scenic Chairlift, Ski Mountain Coaster, Ice Skating, Wildlife Encounter, Carousel, The Shops at Ober, The Seasons of Ober Restaurant and the Loft Lounge are also available to guests of Ober Gatlinburg.
SAPPHIRE VALLEY RESORT – 0% open – Closed and hope to open January 10th
SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN RESORT – 61% open – Snowshoe Mountain – 37 of 61 slopes open
The first Saturday of the decade is rolling in with a winter weather advisory in tow! Read more…
This morning will start off on the wet side but watch for temperatures to drop this afternoon, ushering in some natural snow and allowing our snowmakers to get back to doing their thing. By tomorrow morning, we’ll be back in full-on winter wonderland mode. Get up here and take advantage!
JAN 4-5 – ALL DAY – BURTON WOMENS SNOWBOARD CAMP – MEET COACHES, PROFESSIONALS AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS ALL WHILE DEVELOPING YOUR SKILLS!
SUGAR MOUNTAIN RESORT – 43% open – 9 of 21 slopes open. Tubing and Ice Skating open as well.
Enjoy a unique blend of bluegrass, old time mountain and contemporary music performed on acoustic instruments. Southern natives Keith, Jody, Shannon, and Alex will entertain with the sounds of banjo, bass, acoustic guitar, mandolin, and fiddle from 4:00-6:00 p.m
THE OMNI HOMESTEAD RESORT – 22% open – 2 of 9 slopes open
We are honored to be named number one in luxury lodging in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine’s Best of Blue Ridge 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards!
WINTERGREEN RESORT – 24% open – 6 of 25 slopes open
Wintergreen has TWO entertainers providing music from 3pm-midnight. Check out their event page for today and tonight’s fun. They also offer SNO CAT RIDES from 9:30pm-10:30pm Saturday night. https://wintergreenresort.com/Events-Home/
WINTERPLACE RESORT – 44% open – 12 of 27 slopes open
ANOTHER BLUERIDGE OUTDOOR MAGAZINE AWARD GOES TO WINTERPLACE
Searching for the perfect family vacation? Look no further than Winterplace Ski Resort– Voted the #1 place to learn how to ski and snowboard in the Southeast by Blueridge Outdoors Magazine.
WISP RESORT – 32% open – 11 of 34 slopes open
Open 9-9pm for ski and snowboard operations. Mountain Coaster and Snow Tubing Open as well.
WOLF RIDGE RESORT – 27% open – 4 of 15 slopes open. Tubing Open
That will do it for today.
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