By Jesse Wood
Dec. 15, 2014. Sugar Mountain Resort and visitors had the good fortune of excellent weather and skiing conditions at the 12th annual SugarFest this past weekend.
“It was a terrific turnout from the beginning,” Kim Jochl of Sugar Mountain Resort said. “The weather was fantastic and the conditions were just as good as the weather.”
Jochl said that SugarFest started years ago as a way to “create excitement” at the beginning of the ski season. Local ski shops suggested that the resort hold a demo day with the idea that patrons would try out the products on the slopes and then purchase items at the local retailers.
Sugar Mountain Resort ran with the idea and then decided to compliment the product demonstrations with other fun activities on the slopes “to appeal to a larger demographic” and for visitors who may not be interested in skiing or snowboarding.
The weekend featured a variety of activities from demonstrations to watching an Olympic medalist figure skate.
For those that love to ski or snowboard, Sugar Mountain Resort hosted a preseason adult ski clinic each day and Ski Country Sports hosted consumer demos on Saturday and Sunday. The demo featured products by Salomon, Volkl, Nordica, Burton, Head, Never Summer, K2, Atomic, Dynastar, Rossignol, Ride, and Line.
The ice skating rink and snow tubing lanes were also open each day. On Friday, 1992 Olympic figure skating silver medalist Paul Wylie and friends performed and took part in an on-ice skating clinic and meet-and-greet session. An autograph signing followed and folks were able to hold a real Olympic medal.
On Saturday, an after-ski party was held with Boss Hawg, a phenomenal local bluegrass band. Half-way through the entertainment, the Village of Sugar Mountain sponsored a fireworks display that lit up the mountain.
Upcoming Events at Sugar
New Year’s Eve Celebration: On Dec. 31, Sugar Mountain Resort will host its New Year’s Eve Celebration Mountain Style event that features a torch-light parade and midnight fireworks that are open to the public free of charge. The resort will also host a champagne toast, midnight party favors, a basket of hors d’oeuvres and live music by The Johnson Brothers. For pricing on the indoor festivities, click here.
Septuagenarian (70 & Older) Party: Sugar Mountain Resort offers free skiing and snowboarding to anyone that is 70 years old or better, and in early January, the resort throws a party for the seniors that contribute to the sport. On Tuesday, Jan. 6, Sugar Mountain Resort will host the part in the Last Run Lounge at noon. For more info, click here.
National Winter Trails Day at Sugar: The 20th annual National Winter Trails Day at Sugar Mountain Resort takes place on Saturday, Jan. 10. The event offers children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing for free. Guided tours are available throughout the day, and the program includes 45-minute tour and snowshoe rental. Adult tours are for 12 years or older. Children’s tours are for 8-11 years old. Sign up at least 15 minutes prior to your tour time at the Ski/Snowboard School. For times and more info, click here.
And that’s just a tip of the iceberg. For more events and happenings at Sugar Mountain Resort, click here or call 828-898-4521.
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