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There’s No Better Place For An Exhilarating Winter Adventure Than This Ski Area In North Carolina

Published Jan 16, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

The Tar Heel State's landscape is designed for some of the nation's most exciting winter attractions and activities, including skiing and snowboarding in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. The slopes at Cataloochee Ski Area are open daily from early November to late March. Purchasing tickets early is advised during busy times, and a free gift comes with every ticket: the picturesque and majestic surroundings of the Great Smoky Mountains. Let's discover the winter magic of these lovely slopes on 50 gorgeous acres.

Did you know Cataloochee Ski Area was the first ski area in North Carolina?

A scenic view of a snow-covered mountain slope at sunset, with ski lifts and a colorful sky in the background.
Cataloochee Ski Area/Facebook

The recreational center was founded by Tom Alexander in 1961 as an explorative opportunity to provide jobs for local ranch hands during the winter season.

It was a successful endeavor as the recreational site now offers a Ski & Ride Center with cafeteria-style dining, a beverage service, a full-service rental department, and a gift and gear shop.

Snowy scene of a row of buildings with wooden decks, surrounded by a winter landscape and falling snowflakes.
Cataloochee Ski Area/Facebook

More importantly, a convenient parking shuttle service is also available.

And we can always count on the snow.

Snowmaking machines create artificial snow on a ski slope, with empty chairlifts in the background under a clear blue sky.
Cataloochee Ski Area/Facebook

Five lifts are available to accommodate the crowd.

A base of 4,660 feet and a peak elevation of 5,400 feet, equates to a vertical drop of of 740 feet.

A skier in a red jacket descends a snowy slope, surrounded by frosted mountains and a clear blue sky.
Cataloochee Ski Area/Facebook

And while you're busy skiing, notice the breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The thrill of the descent is never boring.

A skier in a gray jacket carves down a snowy slope, kicking up powder against a clear blue sky.
Cataloochee Ski Area/Facebook

Plenty of ongoing classes are available, such as after-school programs, homeschool days, and multi-day courses with or without ski passes and rentals.

A person in a blue jacket and helmet skis alongside a child in a green snowsuit, both enjoying a snowy day.
Cataloochee Ski Area/Facebook

The snowboarders share the slopes too showing off their mad skills.

A snowboarder jumps off a snowy slope, surrounded by trees, with snow spraying up in the air.
Cataloochee Ski Area/Facebook

In addition to skiing and snowboarding during the day, night passes are available from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.

A nighttime aerial view of a ski resort, with illuminated slopes and starry sky above.
Cataloochee Ski Area/Facebook

For an easier ride down the snow drifts, get a ticket to Tube World.

People sledding down snowy hills on a bright day, surrounded by trees and a crowd enjoying winter activities.
Cataloochee Ski Area/Facebook

This well-maintained slope offers several lanes, specially designed commercial inner tubes, and even a conveyor lift to help you up the hill for another fun ride! Read about the fun on the Tube World web page.

Check out the scene from the top of the hill!

youtube embeded image

Discover more about skiing and snowboarding in Maggie Valley, North Carolina on the Cataloochee Ski Area website. And while you're at it, read about why this is one of the friendliest towns in North Carolina. Spend some time exploring and reserve a spacious mountain cabin or intimate loft for two on Vrbo.com.

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