There’s a large part of me that wishes I wasn’t sitting at my desk writing today’s FirsTrax for you today.
That’s because I – and dozens of others – were set to race in the Beech Mountain Banked Slalom today. That, unfortunately, has been canceled due the rain that’s coming down, and the damage it did to the course.
The Beech Banked has been a bucket list item for me ever since talking to USASA’s Andy McDaniel about it on the chairlift a few years ago. I’m bummed that Mother Nature had other plans for us today, but I guess I’ll just have 365 days to prepare for next year.
Runs for Buns is still going on today, so sign up for that if you’re still headed to the resort.
Indy
There’s great news for Indy Pass holders in the southeast. Wisp and Wintergreen have both been added to the pass for the upcoming season.
This makes far-and-away the best multi-resort pass for anyone in the southeast that is willing to travel around the region. There are now nine ski areas included on the pass, and you’ll still get two days each at ski areas like Jay Peak, Bolton Valley Resort, Saddleback Mountain, Mt. Hood Meadows, Eagle Point, and Trollhaugen.
The other resorts added to the pass are:
- Big Moose Mountain, Maine
- Mt. Eyak, Alaska
- Mt. Washington Alpine Resort, British Columbia
- Powderhorn Mountain Resort, Colorado
- Steeplechase, Minnesota
I already renewed my pass for 2024-25 before the news about Wisp and Wintergreen had been announced. But I’m particularly stoked about this because living in Raleigh, Wintergreen is the closest resort outside of Appalachian Ski Mountain. And as much as I love traveling out to the North Carolina High Country, sometimes you just want to shake things up a little bit.
“These 12 new partners are just the beginning of our additions for next season; we are nowhere close to done,” said Indy Pass director Erik Mogensen in a press release. “We will work hard over the off-season to enlist more independent resorts from all ski regions globally.”
Wintergreen, Winterplace, The Omni Homestead, and Ski Sapphire are all closed for the season.
It’s a rainy one out there. Here’s what you need to know to ski and ride in the southeast today.
Cataloochee
The intended last day of the season at Cataloochee is March 24, weather permitting. Night sessions are over after tonight.
Snowshoe
It’s 38 degrees and raining at Snowshoe this morning. That is supposed to turn into snow tomorrow.
From the snow report:
Saturday is rolling in with some wet & windy weather in tow but the Cheat Mountain Magic is expected to take over at some point tonight, with 3-6″ of snow expected through Monday morning! Our snowmaking team is ready to fire up the system the minute the mercury drops. Evolution Park will be closed this morning for a USASA Slopestyle competition. Catch the Rail Jam on Skidder at 4:30 this evening. Please note that there are some areas with thin cover and bare spots so stay under control at all times and pay attention to all safety signage. We’re excited to celebrate Pride Weekend here at the ‘Shoe!”
Timberline
Spring skiing is here. The base at Timberline is melting fast. So be aware of thin cover.
From the snow report:
Bonus Days have begun! During Bonus Days, Perfect Pass and Gold Pass holders can use their pass to bring a friend and get a free lift ticket! Silver and Bronze Pass holders can enjoy the slopes any day- including the weekend!”
As of right now, Timberline will be open until March 13. That could change, as the team hopes to extend its open dates into the weekend of the 16 and 17, but Mother Nature will have the final say.
Bonus Day lift tickets are $20 off! These discounted must be purchased in person at our ticket windows in order to receive this special pricing.
Wisp
Tomorrow is closing day at Wisp Resort. Make sure to get your turns in before 5 p.m.
“As gallant an effort as our Mountain Operations team put forth, Mother Nature is the deciding factor in forcing spring on the slopes,” the snow report says. “Wisp is entering into the final weekend of winter operations…Thank you for a wonderful season – your patronage is greatly appreciated.”
Massanutten
There’s some rain and dense fog out there today at the ‘Nutt. There are thin and narrow spots, and late season rates are in effect. Season pass holders from other resorts can ride and ski at Massanutten today for 50% off the rest of the season. Night skiing and riding is closed for the season.
Dew Tour
Portsmouth, New Hampshire native Colby Stevenson has won the men’s ski streetstyle competition at Dew Tour, beating out Tucker Fitzsimons and Alex Hall yesterday.
On the women’s snowboard streetstyle side of things, Great Britain’s Mia Brookes took home a first-place finish in her Dew Tour debut.
“I’ve always wanted to win these big contests I grew up watching and it’s been an incredible year, starting with the World Champs a year ago, then X Games, and now Dew Tour,” Brookes said. “It feels so good to be setting these really big goals for myself and knocking them down one after another.”
Video Of The Day
Leanne Pelosi is one of the most influential women in snowboarding. Put together a film with Jamie Anderson, Barrett Christy, Hana Beaman, Jess Kimura, Robin Van Gyn, Circe Wallace, Marie France-Roy, and some more of the best women to ever strap into their bindings and you’ve got a film worthy of being celebrated the day after International Women’s Day.
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.