Winter Sports Season Returns Early With Elevated Treats

RALEIGH, NC — With a cold snap of the fingers, Sugar Mountain Resort opens its slopes for Veterans Day with Cataloochee Ski Area to follow suit Wednesday. It’s NC winter sports season’s earliest opening since 2019, thanks to a weekend snowfall.

Along with the fresh powder come developments on the slopes. Hatley Pointe, which introduced its new vision for the former Wolf Ridge Ski Resort last season, has spent the past year extending the possibilities with upgraded terrain, a revamped rail park with 32 features, and a brand new tree run called The Glades, which will allow thrill-seekers to carve their own path through wooded areas. The addition of 16 new snowguns will enhance the experience on the widened and regraded slopes. On the tech side, Hatley Pointe will use the advanced Axess system for ticketing and access management.

Cataloochee, NC’s first ski area, spent the summer installing a new Doppelmayr USA quad lift to replace the double that served the Omigosh expert run. Other advances include widening the Upper Snowbird trail, snowmaking equipment upgrades, redesign of the shop, and a new point-of-sale system for retail and food and beverage.

“For six decades, our ski areas have helped make North Carolina the winter sports capital of the South,” said Wit Tuttell, executive director of Visit NC. “It’s exciting to see the mountain landscapes extend their appeal with new developments on the slopes for skiers and snowboarders as well as tubing enthusiasts and alpine coaster fans.”

More new perks on the peaks

In the High Country, Sugar Mountain switches on 20 new LED slope lights and adds snowmaking machines to its massive fleet. The resort, long loved by skiers for its double black-diamond run, has transformed its Summit Express parking garage into a thing of beauty with handiwork by muralist Ashley Roberts.

“The region’s scenic beauty is always a breathtaking treat,” Tuttell said. “An artist’s vision adds more pleasure for the eye.”

In the southern mountains, Sapphire Valley Ski Area, best known for the annual Outhouse Races, has installed a new snowmaking system on its tube hill.

All the right stuff

With the South’s highest peaks and coldest winters, the NC slopes have nature on their side when it comes to quality experience. Tuttell, a longtime winter sports enthusiast, notes that the NC ski areas are perfect for first-timers, not only for quality instruction but also for shops that rent bibs, jackets and other gear as well as skis.

“Our ski areas’ investment in state-of-the-art snowmaking means travelers will find a quality experience regardless of the weather on any given day,” Tuttell said. “In addition to the natural high for skiers and snowboarders, travelers can change gears with ice skating, tubing, alpine coaster rides and other activities.”

Ready to hit the slopes? Here’s a rundown of what’s offered at NC’s six ski areas; click here for the NC Ski Areas Association’s downloadable brochure. And keep reading to map tubing hills, alpine coasters and Beech Mountain’s irresistible sledding hill. 

Appalachian Ski Mtn.

Blowing Rock
The NC High Country’s first ski area, Appalachian Ski Mtn. is known for teaching beginners, families and groups. It’s the home of the French Swiss Ski College, the South’s oldest and largest independent ski school, dating to 1969; Burton Learn to Ride Center; and SKIwee and other children’s programs. The resort, which offers late-night sessions and RFID ticketing, boasts three terrain parks with 60 rails, boxes, tabletops and other features.
Target opening: Nov. 21.
Skiable area: 27 acres.
Slopes: 13.
Peak elevation: 4,000 feet.
Vertical drop: 365 feet. 
Longest run: 2,640 feet.
Lifts: 2 quads, 1 double, 1 surface, 2 conveyors.
Other activities: Ice skating on a Zamboni-groomed outdoor rink.
Off the slopes: Lodge with restaurant, ski shop, gift shop and locker room. 
Mark your calendar: Dec. 26-31 for the Holiday Midnight Blast.

Beech Mountain Resort

Beech Mountain 
At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is the highest ski area in the East. A central alpine village with cozy firepits, the 5506' Skybar and a resident brewery with live music further distinguish the resort. Beech offers the Ski & Ride School and Snowboard Learn to Ride plus Traxx, Beech Mountain Academy and Snow Kamp for children. RFID ticketing makes lift boarding a breeze.
Target opening: Nov. 22.
Skiable area: 95 acres.
Slopes: 17 with two terrain parks.
Peak elevation: 5,506 feet.
Vertical drop: 830 feet.
Longest run: 1 mile. 
Lifts: 4 quads, 2 doubles, 2 carpet conveyors, one surface.
Other activities: Cosmic Snow Tubing.
Off the slopes: The resort’s alpine village offers food and beverage including Beech Mountain Brewing Co., First Chair Coffee Shop, multiple fire pits, retail and equipment rental.
Mark your calendar: Check the rundown of live music at Beech Mountain Brewing. Another big date: Jan. 27-30, when the resort teams with Catalyst Sports for the 43rd annual Adaptive Learn to Ski/Snowboard Event, the oldest continually running national ski event in the United States.

Cataloochee Ski Area

Maggie Valley 
At the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee opened in 1961 to become North Carolina's first ski area. It features one of the region's longest seasons with help from its advanced snowmaking system. Cataloochee offers lessons at the Snowsports Center with CAT Trackers for kids. Starting Jan. 7, Family Day savings are offered each Wednesday. 
Opening: Nov. 12.
Skiable area: 50 acres. 
Slopes: 18. 
Peak elevation: 5,400 feet. 
Vertical drop: 740 feet. 
Longest run: 3,500 feet. 
Lifts: 1 double, 1 triple, 2 quads, 3 conveyors. 
Other activities: Tube World in Maggie Valley, which has a Wee Bowl Snowplay Area. 
Off the slopes: Lodge with fireplace, cafeteria-style restaurant, lounge and on-mountain shop. 
Mark your calendar: NC Smokies Ice Fest Weekend, which runs Jan. 29-Feb. 1, pairs well with time on the slopes.

Hatley Pointe 

Mars Hill 
Thirty miles north of Asheville off Interstate 26, Hatley Pointe elevates excitement for snowsports lovers with its reworking of the former Wolf Ridge Ski Resort. From the shadow of Big Bald Mountain in Pisgah National Forest, Hatley Pointe creates a boutique experience with its expanded lodge and dining options, a VIP lounge, retail and rentals. Group and private lessons are available at the Snow Sports School.
Target opening: Nov. 29.
Skiable area: 54 acres. 
Slopes: 22 plus a new terrain park.
Peak elevation: 4,700 feet. 
Vertical drop: 700 feet. 
Longest run: 3,700 feet.
Lifts: 1 quad, 2 surface lifts and a tow rope. 
Off the slopes: Base lodge fireplaces, Smoke + Timber (full-service restaurant and bar), Steeps Coffee and Juicery, Peaks & Pies for pizza and Hatley Hot Top Grill.

Sapphire Valley Ski Area 

Sapphire 
Just west of Cashiers, Sapphire Valley Ski Area is part of a 5,700-acre, four-season resort. It's especially attractive to families and beginning skiers who can take lessons and master the runs. 
Target opening: Dec. 13.
Skiable area: 8 acres.
Slopes: 2.
Peak elevation: 3,400 feet. 
Vertical drop: 200 feet. 
Longest run: 1,600 feet. 
Lifts: 1 quad, 2 carpet conveyors. 
Other activities: Frozen Falls Tube Park.
Off the slopes: Base lodge park and fire pit plus the Slopeside Tavern, Mica’s Restaurant and Pub, The Library Kitchen + Bar and Casa Amigo Bar & Grill.
Note: No clothing rentals, but bibs, hats and gloves are available for purchase.
Mark your calendar: Feb. 7 brings the Great Outhouse Races. Decorated outhouses will course down the slope with a “seated” passenger. 

Sugar Mountain Resort

Sugar Mountain 
North Carolina’s largest winter resort is distinguished by the state’s only double black diamond slope, sophisticated lift system and extensive off-the-slopes activities. The RFID ticketing system adds convenience for action on ice rink and tubing hill as well as the slopes, and the widening of the Northridge slope will give skiers more space and brighter night session runs. Group and private lessons are available at the adult and children’s Snowsports Schools.
Opening: Nov. 11.
Skiable area: 125 acres.
Slopes: 20. 
Peak elevation: 5,300 feet. 
Vertical drop: 1,200 feet. 
Longest run: 1.5 miles. 
Lifts: 1 fixed-grip quad, 2 doubles, 1 high-speed six-pack, 2 high-speed quads, 1 surface, 1 carpet conveyor.
Other activities: Skating, tubing and guided snowshoe tours.
Off the slopes: Base lodge with two cafeterias, the Last Run Lounge with full-service bar, locker room and shop. 
Mark your calendar: SugarFest enlivens the weekend of Dec. 12-14  with demos, food, and an after-ski party with music and fireworks.

More winter action

Beyond the ski areas, find exhilarating runs at the following attractions, which are listed north to south.

Beech Mountain Sledding Hill

Beech Mountain
Designed for sledders 12 and younger, the Southeast’s only municipal sledding hill is just off Beech Mountain Parkway (1.5 miles below Beech Mountain Ski Resort). Bring a plastic sled (available for rent from Beech Meadows Ski Shop and White Wolf Lodge and for sale at Fred’s General Mercantile). Use of the hill is free. The town calls a pair of snow guns into service whenever a boost is needed.

Hawksnest Tubing

Seven Devils
One of the East Coast's largest snow tubing parks, Hawksnest features up to 30 lanes in four different areas with a range of terrain. The fun is available for children 3 and older.

Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster

Banner Elk
North Carolina’s first alpine roller coaster extends excitement along 3,160 feet of track with three circular loops plus waves, twists and turns. It’s open year-round. There’s also a specialty coffee shop with pastries and other goodies.

Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park

Newland
Boasting 400-foot-long slopes that are steep and fast, Jonas Ridge caters to tubers 3 and older. Spectators can check out the action from the viewing area.

Zip N Slip 

Mars Hill
Less than 6 miles below Hatley Pointe, Zip N Slip offers up to 10 lanes with a magic carpet to the top. Designed for tubers 3 and older, the park features a solarium with fireplace.

Black Bear Snow Tubing

Hendersonville
Featuring a 500-foot tubing slope, Black Bear offers concessions plus a heated lodge for non-tubers. A lift takes tubers to the top. Designed for tubers 4 and older.

Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park 

Hendersonville
Moonshine Mountain features five lanes with 500 feet of fun for solo runs and group trains.

Highlands Outpost

Scaly Mountain
Snow tubing and an alpine coaster create irresistible fun west of Highlands. Tubers 4 and older (minimum height 42 inches) can take a magic carpet to the top and enjoy a fast ride back down. The Scaly Mountain Screamer features 3,800 feet of gravity-powered thrills with 360 degree turns to be experienced at your own speed. The coaster is open year-round, and tubing will begin as soon as temperatures dip enough to make snow.

For more to inspire a trip, stop by VisitNC.com.

Photos: Images are available for download at this link. Please credit VisitNC.com unless otherwise indicated in the file name.

About Visit North Carolina

Visit North Carolina, the state's official destination marketing organization, is part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, a private nonprofit corporation that serves as North Carolina’s economic development organization. The EDPNC focuses on business and job recruitment, existing industry support, international trade, tourism and film marketing.

The mission of Visit NC is to unify and lead the state in positioning North Carolina as a preferred destination for leisure travel, group tours, meetings and conventions, sports events and film production to maximize economic vitality statewide. Each year, North Carolina welcomes about 40 million visitors who spend nearly $37 billion during their visit. The tourism industry employs more than 230,000 people and generates nearly $2.7 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information, travel ideas and inspiration, go to VisitNC.com.

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