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As Ski Season Winds Down in March, Winter Returns With a Blast of Cold for Next Five Days

Appalachian Ski Mtn. is going to host its end-of-season Meltdown Games in late March. Photo courtesy App Ski Mtn.

By Jesse Wood

Today, the weather is sunny and the high temperature is in the 60’s. Tomorrow, snowmaking temperatures will return. This inconsistent weather pattern and a lack of natural snow have been themes all winter long. But the resorts have made do.

“Undoubtedly the snowmaking and grooming crews worked incredibly hard. They are always dedicated and reliable – and many have been at Sugar for years, so their experience is invaluable,” Sugar Mountain Resort’s Kim Jochl said. “Of course, the investments in upgrades and new snow making machines and groomers make skiing in North Carolina possible.”   

The ski resorts in the High Country plan to remain open for two to three more weeks. While Sugar Mountain is done making snow, Appalachian Ski Mtn., for one, plans on making more snow beginning on Friday.

“Our snowmaking season is far from over,” Appalachian Ski Mtn.’s Drew Stanley said, adding that the Blowing Rock resort plans to make snow up until the day before it closes on March 26. 

Either way, conditions are holding up well and Mother Nature is forecasted to add to resorts’ base multiple days throughout the next week. Currently, Sugar Mountain Resort has 10 slopes open and a base of 18 to 50 inches; Appalachian Ski Mtn. has seven slopes and two of its three terrain parks open and a base of 28 to 46 inches; and Beech Mountain Resort has a base of 12 to 48 inches and 9 slopes open.

“Snow is good right now,” Talia Freeman of Beech Mountain Resort said. “We have a good base and are anticipating natural snowfall.”

The upcoming forecast looks to be a great one for the ski resorts. Following a balmy Thursday, low temperatures will be in either the high teens or low 20s through at least Wednesday.

Known as March Madness, note that end-of-season discounts are already underway.

March Madness at Beech: 

March Madness at Beech Mountain Resort begins Monday, March 6 and runs through the remainder of the ski season. During March Madness, skiers and snowboarders receive 25 percent off all lift tickets and rental equipment. This special deal is available seven days a week and cancels out all other discount promotions, except for the school snow day special.

March Madness at Sugar: 

March Madness at Sugar Mountain Resort begins. Every day until the end of the season customers will realize an automatic twenty-five percent discount off of prices on lift/slope tickets (including groups), ski and snowboard lessons, equipment rentals, and all tubing and ice-skating tickets.

March Madness at App Ski Mtn.: 

March Madness at Appalachian Ski Mtn. begins on March 13. Check out the rates here. 

Here are some upcoming events:

March 11: USASA Skier/Boarder X Finals at App Ski Mtn.

After a 14 year hiatus, the USASA is back once again in NC! This 7 series is open to both skiers and snowboarders of all age and ability. Saturday’s competition is the final of the season. Whether you are a seasoned ripper or beginner, we invite you to come out and experience a well-run, super fun, and safe event series this winter. There will be tons of prizes, raffles, great food, live music, not to mention a chance to qualify for the USASA Nationals in Colorado! 

March 11: The Harris Brothers at Beech Mountain Brewing Co. The Harris Brothers are back! We just had to host these great guys once more before the season comes to an end. Join us for a little apres gathering at Beech Mountain Brewing Company! You can look forward to smooth vocals, excellent guitar pickin’ and familiar covers as you finish up a Saturday ski day at Beech Mountain. Come join us in the brewery for a pint between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., see you there!  

March 11: Holey Miss Moley @ Famous Fast Eddies

Saturday, March 11 @ 8 p.m.

Famous Fast Eddie’s has graciously agreed to host this amazing band for Beech Mountain Resort!  

Holey Miss Moley is a nine piece Funk-Flavored Rock-Soul Infused Groove Factory based out of Everywhere, Florida (St.Petersburg to Orlando to Jacksonville). Their high-energy sound is reminiscent of old school 70’s funk, melded with elements of Disco, Jazz, Soul and Hip-hop creating a superb fusion that delights and energizes the crowd getting people up and dancing all night! 

The musicians in Holey Miss Moley have collaborated together for years and it shows through their tight-knit sound and well orchestrated music. Even better, they enjoy playing together and it creates an atmosphere of funky fun for all ages.

March 12: App Cup Race Series Finals at App Ski Mtn.

The Appalachian Cup Race Series is a new skiing & snowboarding race program for middle and high school students. This is a recreational series, open to riders of intermediate ability and up. This final race will be held on Sunday, March 12 at 11am, and kids of all ages and abilities can participate!

March 12: LuLaRoe Pop-up Sale at Beech Mountain Brewing Co!

Sunday, March 12, 12 to 4 p.m.

LuLaRoe is a clothing line that focuses on comfort, and style with affordable prices!  It has combined both comfort and style to create a look you will love on yourself. If you already know how amazing it makes you feel, then you will not want to miss this opportunity to find out your size in a variety of the styles offered. 

While your shopping, grab a drink!  Pints are only $4 and mimosas are just $3!

March 12: Easter Egg Hunt at Sugar Mountain Resort

Dress up in your Easter costume and come join Sugar Bear and Sweetie Bear on the slopes in search of prize filled eggs. You may be the lucky winner of a 2017-18 season pass hidden in the grand prize egg. Or be one of three contestants awarded a prize for most creative, imaginative and colorful costume. Valid lift/slope tickets or passes are required for participation. Event is for children 12 and under ONLY. Participants should meet at the bottom of the Flying Mile slope. Please call for additional details.

Appalachian Ski Mtn. Meltdown Games March 25-26

Winter isn’t over until App say it is. Come enjoy Appalachian’s classic end of the winter celebration on Saturday March 26 and Sunday March 27. A full weekend of crazy events you won’t see any other time of the year, with lots of snow, sun, and skin.

Saturday Meltdown Games Schedule

  • 11 a.m. – Impossible Box Contest
  • 12:30 p.m. – Cardboard Box Derby
  • 2 p.m. – Ski & Snowboard Big Air
  • 4 p.m. – Trash Bag Downhill Race

Sunday Meltdown Games Schedule

  • Noon – High Ollie Contest
  • 2 p.m. – Pond Skim & Costume Contest
  • 4 p.m. – Chinese Downhill