Western North Carolina ski resorts going full blast

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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From CBSNews.com and AP:

BLOWING ROCK, N.C. (AP) – Skiers in North Carolina have an unusual treat this year: The Blue Ridge Mountains are dressed in winter white from an early snowstorm coating native rhododendrons in iridescent crystal ice and creating a solid base on the slopes. The ski resorts and snow guns are going full bore.

The largest and best known ski areas are Sugar Mountain and Ski Beech, along with nearby Appalachian Ski Mountain that has a run playfully called “Candied Appal.” These areas boast well-groomed trails, crisp clean air and views that won’t quit. At the tops of these mountains, you’ll see the eponymous blue-gray haze swirling around gently undulating peaks. Beginners have no trouble finding ample room and more than enough runs to keep them busy throughout the day and into the evening. A couple hours away are Wolf Ridge ski area and Cataloochee, which offers skiing in the winter and horseback vacations in the summer. The elevations range from about 4,000 to nearly 6,000 feet.

“It’s all about having fun here,” Cataloochee’s Tammy Brown said. “I think sometimes that’s what folks forget – we want you, your family and your friends to come to Cataloochee … and have such a blast that you go home talking about your next visit.”

These ski spots, as in other parts of the country, offer much more than skiing. There’s snow tubing, ice skating – Sugar has a 10,000-square-foot outdoor rink – and even zip-lining, where you’re attached to a cable in a sort of aerial slide. Nearby Hawksnest describes itself as the biggest snow tubing center in the East with 20 lanes.