Area ski slopes

Ski season in the Southern Appalachians is an exciting time, and in this region in particular that’s because of Cataloochee Ski Area. The Maggie Valley ski resort is usually one of the first in North Carolina to open among the last to close, thanks to its incredible snowmaking ability and the cooperation of Mother Nature. Cataloochee is always increasing its snowmaking capacity and opened two new trails over the last couple of years.

Check Cataloochee’s Web site for opening day information or pick up the weekly Smoky Mountain News for information on current conditions.

The following is a complete listing of ski areas in the Southern Appalachians. Most ski places open mid- to late- November, but depending on the weather could open sooner or later. If it is an early winter, chances are most slopes will open by Thanksgiving week. Most ski areas have expanded hours during peak holiday weeks. All ski areas have rope or handle tows on bunny slopes, but only overhead lifts are included in listing. All ski areas listed have rental equipment.

North Carolina

Appalachian Ski Mountain

What: Nine runs; Two quad lifts and one double lift; Day-care available for ages 1 to 4 with advance reservations; Ice skating; Restaurant, but no bar.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
Where: Along U.S. 312 between Boone and Blowing Rock.
Contact: 800.322.2373. www.appskimtn.com

Cataloochee Ski Area near Maggie Valley

What: 15 runs and Cat Cage Terrain Park; one quad lift, one triple, one double lift and two carpet conveyor lifts; Tubing; Lodge with fireplace; Full bar with enclosed porch overlooking slopes; full-service rental shop.
When: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tues. through Sat. and some Sunday’s in December. Opens Nov. 30 (or earlier depending on conditions).
Where: Off U.S. 19 on the west end of Maggie Valley.
Contact: 800.768.0285. www.cataloochee.com

Sapphire Valley Ski

What: Two runs; One double lift; Restaurant, lounge.
When: Wednesday through Friday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Three miles east of Cashiers on U.S. 64.
Contact: 828.743.7663. www.sapphirevalleyresort.com

Ski Beech Mountain Resort

What: 14 runs; One quad and six doubles; Two restaurants, both with bars; Ice skating; Tubing; Child care for 6 months to 3 years by reservation; Highest elevation ski area on east coast.
When: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
Where: North of Banner Elk on N.C 184.
Contact: 800.438.2093. www.skibeech.com

Sugar Mountain

What: 20 runs; one triple lift and four double lifts; tubing; restaurant; lounge with bar.
When: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
Where: South of Banner Elk on N.C. 184.
Contact: 828.898.4521. www.skisugar.com

Wolf Laurel

What: 15 runs; one quad lift and one double lift; tubing; restaurant
When: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Where: North of Asheville on U.S. 23 near the Tennessee border.
Contact: 800.817.4111. www.skiwolflaurel.com

Georgia

Sky Valley

What: five runs; one double lift; restaurant but no alcohol.
When: noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Where: East of Dillard on highway 246.
Contact: 800.437.2416. www.goski.com

Tennessee

Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort

What: Eight runs; one quad lift and one double lift; indoor ice skating rink; scenic chairlift; enclosed aerial tramway; 1,800’ sledding track/ice chute.
When: noon-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Where: downtown Gatlinburg.
Contact: 800.251.9202. www.skiobergatlinburg.com

Virginia

Wintergreen Resorts

What: 20 runs; one six-person lift, one quad lift, two triple lifts and one double lift; restaurant with bar on slopes; large country-club type resort complex with condos, golf courses, multiple restaurants, etc.
When: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: West of Charlottesville.
Contact: 434.325.2100. www.wintergreenresort.com

West Virginia

Snowshoe Mountain

What: 57 slopes; 14 lifts; restaurant with bar on slopes; large country-club type mega-resort complex with condos, golf courses, multiple restaurants, etc.
Where: East of Charleston of U.S. 219.
Contact: 877.441.4FUN. www.snowshoemtn.com