When Can You FINALLY Go Snow Skiing In North Carolina?

There are many arguments that can be made as to why living in the Carolinas is the best place to live in the country.  Among the best (specifically in the Charlotte area)?  You're just a couple of hours from the coast in the summer and the mountains in the fall and winter.  Ever since the calendar turned to fall and Halloween decorations stored for another year, the question became, "When are the North Carolina ski resorts opening up?"

Good question.  For winter sports and activities enthusiasts, the abnormally warm October and November have done nothing to help their jones.  That being said, the last couple of mornings have brought freezing temperatures and the time has come for North Carolina mountain winter fun.  WGHP-TV in Greensboro reports, from a revenue standpoint, not a moment too soon.  According to the N.C. Ski Areas Association, the industry has an annual economic impact of more than $165.2 million dollars in North Carolina.

So when can you finally go skiing?  Well, if you're favorite spot is Sugar Mountain Ski Resort, the answer is now!  Sugar Mountain is North Carolina’s largest winter resort, and it opened its slopes Tuesday morning. Sugar Mountain Resort boasts the the state’s only double black diamond slope and features both a sophisticated lift system and extensive off-the-slope activities. Also, for this season, Sugar Mountain has made significant investment in simplifying their equipment rental processes and has added new groomers and snow making machines.

Another popular spot is Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley.  It opens up operations today (11/29).  Opening in 1961, Cataloochee is the state's oldest ski area and due to its location (along with its advanced snowmaking system), boasts the longest ski season.

Other resorts are gearing up this week as well.  Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock opens 11/30, and Beech Mountain Resort kicks off operations this Saturday (Dec. 2).

So, skiing enthusiasts rejoice.  Your time has come and places to play are waiting for you.

It seems like the winter weather is here to stay. YAY! I'm glad it's cooling down and if you're into skiing and/or tubing, you're probably glad too! Tubing is something I've never done on snow, and I would really like to try. I have gone skiing and it's definitely not my thing. Of course, I've had three knee surgeries so I'm skiing isn't the sport for me. LOL! If you love to frolic in the snow, Charlotte Five has a list of five awesome North Carolina ski resorts that aren't too far of a drive.

Most ski resorts in the North Carolina mountains open in mid-to-late November. Though significant amounts of snow may not fall when the season begins, temperatures fall enough to make weather conditions ideal for skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more on artificial snow. If you enjoy any or all of those activities, here are five places to check out this winter.

Pack a bag and get ready because Appalachian Ski Mountain opens on November 18, which is this weekend! This snow sport resort has been opened since the 60's and it's the second oldest in the state of North Carolina. Slope hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m.-midnight, Fridays and Saturdays

Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-travel/article268579807.html#storylink=cpy

As a kid, my family went to Sugar Mountain. The first and only time I tried to ski was at Sugar Mountain. I ended up on my butt real quick! LOL! But the trips were fun! The resort has over 20 slopes and has night skiing. Opening date is dependent on the weather.

If you like a thrill, then you need to check out Beech Mountain Resort. They have the highest ski slopes in the eastern U.S. If you don't know how to ski or snowboard, this resort offers lessons in both. And they also offer more than 50 features for freestyle skiers. Their opening day is set for November 19.

I'll be honest, I've never heard of Wolf Ridge. It's about 30 minutes north of Asheville is. It's a family-oriented resort that offers beginner and expert slopes. The resort also provides a top-rated snow sports school that provides lessons to all winter sports enthusiasts, regardless of skill level. Very cool! It's good to learn first so you don't end up on your butt like me! LOL!

Located in Maggie Valley, Cataloochee Ski Area offers lots of slopes and trails that are beginner level. And this resort has you covered if you need gear! Their rental department offers more than 4,000 sets of ski and snowboard equipment. And if you check out their website, it looks like they have some amazing tubing slopes! They open November 16, which is tomorrow, so you can plan a trip asap!