Southern Skiing
Whether hitting the expert or the bunny slopes - winter's fun is waiting
Even in the South the sound of "swoosh" can be heard - when Old Man Winter remembers its January!
Can you hear it?
The sound of thousands of skiers and snowboarders, gnashing their teeth, in readiness of hitting the slopes. If you are one of them save your teeth and hold on as Mother Nature’s and manmade powders await you.
First up is Alabama. Yes, the heart of Dixie offers skiing, and has for 37 years at Cloudmont Resort (close to the Alabama and Georgia border) Okay, its trails are just beginner and intermediate – but where else can you ski in the morning and tee off in the afternoon?
# of slopes/trails: 2
Adult passes start at $17
Season ends: early March
North Carolina
You might want to try Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blue Rock. The easiest trails have names like “Candied Appal” as the more difficult trails are called “Strudel” and “Orchard Run”.
# of slopes/trails: 24
Adult passes start at $18.00
Season ends: mid March
Also tucked into the northwestern side of the Blue Ridge mountains in Ski Beech Mountain Resort, Claiming it is the highest ski area in the Eastern USA, with a peak elevation of 5,506’ – the resort also features ice skating.
# of slopes/trails: 15
Adult passes start at $15.00
Season ends: mid March
Tennesee
Gatlinburg is a tourist mecca of the Great Smoky Mountains and skiing or skating at Ober Gatlinbug is no exception to the delights the area offers. The “air time” on the chair lifts is about 15 minutes and offers panoramic views of the scenery.
# of slopes/trails: 8
Adult passes start at $15.00
Season ends: early March
Virginia
Wintergreen Resort is along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Known for its snow activities, including tubing – it has also recently opened an aquatic and tennis center – perfect for après skiing.
# of slopes/trails: 24
Adult passes start at $22
Season ends: April 1st
West Virginia
In the Canaan Valley and within a 4-hour (or less) drive from DC, Baltimore, Richmond and Pittsburgh – Timberline Resort is easy to get to. Its’ 1,000 foot vertical rise and long runs continue to make it a favorite. In the military or law enforcement? You get a 10% discount daily.
