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25 Slopes & More Terrain Parks Still Open at Ski Resorts in the High Country

Sugar Mountain Resort earlier this week when temps were in the 70s in Boone. Photo by Ken Ketchie
Sugar Mountain Resort earlier this week when temps were in the 70s in Boone. Photo by Ken Ketchie

Jesse Wood

In the High Country, 25 ski slopes and a number of freestyle terrain parks are still open, and considering the recent trend of warm weather, the snow coverage is a testimony to the infrastructure and snowmaking ability at the local resorts.

In the coming days the temperature is turning chillier. Saturday, Sunday and Monday feature low temps that are either at 32 degrees or below freezing. Snow showers and flurries are even forecasted on Sunday, according to RaysWeather.com.

Appalachian Ski Mtn. has all of its slopes open and two of its three freestyle terrain parks, and the resort even plans to make some snow on Sunday and Monday based on the forecasts. As of Friday, the resort has a base of 20 to 39 inches.

“We are definitely excited to still have great coverage on the majority of our slopes for guests to enjoy. Our commitment to constantly improving and adding to our snowmaking capability ensures we can maintain good base depths despite the unpredictable spring weather in the High Country,” ASM spokesperson Drew Stanley said. “After a night or two of snowmaking, conditions should be excellent!”

As Stanley noted, springtime on the slopes can certainly be enjoyable. You don’t have bundle up, so you can shred the slopes in a t-shirt if you like. The snow is also softer, so if you are learning, any beginner falls don’t hurt. And, of course, the late season discounted rates are nice, too!

Sugar Mountain Resort has a base of 15 to 65 inches and 10 of its slopes are open and three of its lifts are operating. Sugar Mountain Resort Vice President Kim Jochl said that the slopes will be open for the entire weekend, and then they would play it by ear following Sunday. No new snow will be made.

“Closing day is always a fun local event complete with a snow burning ceremony, live music, and season sending camaraderie. Stay tuned to www.skisugar.com,” Jochl said.

Beech Mountain Resort will be the first resort to close.

Yesterday, Beech Mountain Resort announced that the final day of its 2015-16 season would be Saturday, March 19, closing at 5 p.m. On Friday, Beech Mountain Resort is having a party with live music by Shelby Rae Moore, and more closing festivities will take place on Saturday, too.

“On Saturday, the resort will offer weekday March pricing on lift tickets and rental equipment.  Join us to celebrate a fantastic season and enjoy this beautiful spring weather! Festivities will be held at the View Haus Cafeteria.  As always, we value our loyal customers and we can’t thank you enough for the continued support,” the resort posted on its website.

Upcoming Events

Friday, March 18 – Beech Mountain – Live Music by Shelby Rae Moore, 4-7 p.m.

Saturday, March 19 – Appalachian Ski Mtn. St. Patrick’s Park Jam

Saturday, March 26 – App Ski Mtn. Easter Egg Hunt for ages 1-4

Saturday & Sunday, March 26-27 – App Ski Mtn. Meltdown Games