One of the best places to ski in the eastern United States is the Cataloochee Ski Area. This resort property offers a great place to ski for beginners as well as more advanced skiers. Cataloochee Ski Resort is located in Maggie Valley, NC, in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Does it Snow in North Carolina

While it does snow in North Carolina, especially in the western part of the state, the Cataloochee Ski Area has the capability to make its own snow. That way, even if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate with enough snow for the slopes, they are still open and ready to go. According to Krista Hill of Flipside Board Shop (flipsideboardshop.com), in Maggie Valley, NC:

“The Cataloochee Ski area boasts some of the best snowmaking in the country. They are one of the highest elevations for a ski resort on the east coast with a summit at over 5400 feet. They have some of the best views in the area and show a tremendous commitment to snowmaking and grooming season after season. I believe that they are the oldest ski area in North Carolina and provide lots of options for skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels. They have two beginner’s areas where newbies can try out their skills without having to learn how to navigate a lift. They also have a beginner lift that runs a little slower to allow success to those new to navigating a ski lift.”

Snowboarding at Cataloochee Ski Area

Maggie Valley, NC, is a great place for snowboarding as well. The Cataloochee Ski Area offers snowboarders the opportunity for lessons, gear and challenging slopes. Flipside Board Shop carries rider-owned brands of snowboarding gear. Said Krista, “We do cater to snowboarders by the fact that we only carry snowboard hardgoods (boards, boots, and bindings). We do have lots of customers that ski who choose to purchase our brands of outwear, layering pieces, facemasks, and gloves.” If you don’t want to bring your own gear with you or you need some new items, check out the Flipside Board Shop. They also rent boards and give sage advice, since both Krista and her husband are avid snowboarders.

Snow Skiing in North Carolina

Aside from Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley, there are a few other places to ski and snowboard in North Carolina. One of these is Wolf Ridge Ski Resort in Mars Hill, NC. This resort offers convenience to the Asheville area. They also have the capability for snowmaking.

Lodging and Maggie Valley Vacation Packages

Meadowlark Motel offers an array of vacation packages that will allow you to ski or snowboard, while staying in a cozy atmosphere right on Jonathan Creek. It’s located at 2878 Soco Road in Maggie Valley – just a few minutes from the Cataloochee Ski Area. They have a great recreation area, offer free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast, and some of their guest rooms and cabins feature jetted tubs. Ask about the ‘Kids Ski Free – Stay Free Vacation Package’.

Resources for Cataloochee Ski Area and Maggie Valley Activities

For more information on NC skiing, snowboarding, fishing and other recreational opportunities in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, see our other articles on winter activities.

Visit Haywood County Visitor’s Center, 1110 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC, 28751, call toll free: (800) 334-9036, or see Visit Smokies.com.
Cataloochee Ski Area is located at 1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley, North Carolina, 28751.

 

Photo Credit: Photo by Jörg Angeli on Unsplash