Cataloochee Ski Area
A Western North Carolina Skiing Resort in Maggie Valley
The Cataloochee ski resort in the western North Carolina mountains offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
Cataloochee Ski Area
The Cataloochee ski resort is located above the town of Maggie Valley, NC, which is a short drive north of Waynesville and about 35 miles west of Asheville. Started in 1961 by a rancher who wanted to use his high altitude ranch land in the winter, Cataloochee is the oldest of North Carolina's eight ski resorts. The ski resort adjoins the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Cataloochee Ski Resort has artificial snow making equipment which allows them to stay open even during winters with little snowfall. They are a member of the Sustainable Slopes Program to conserve natural resources.
Ski Packages
Cataloochee offers skiing and snowboarding. Beginners can purchase a package that includes lift tickets, lessons, and equipment. Those who don't own their own equipment can purchase a package including just lift tickets and equipment. Season passes are available for frequent skiers.
Group packages are also available for school, church, and other groups. Groups larger than the minimum group size of 15 people receive discount rates.
For those who would rather ride inner tubes than ski or snowboard, Tube World is located at the base of the road leading to the ski area.
Description of Slopes
The Cataloochee ski area covers 15 acres. The mile high slopes have a top elevation of 5400 feet and a bottom elevation of 4760 feet producing a vertical drop of 740 feet. The longest run is 2 miles.
There are 14 slopes and trails including two new trails for the 2007-2008 season. The slopes are divided so that 25% are beginner slopes, 50% are intermediate, and 25% are advanced. With the exception of a small terrain park, there are no advanced expert, black double diamond, slopes.
There are three chair lifts. The two lifts going to the top have drop off points half way up. There are also two surface lifts located on the easiest beginner slopes.
Ski School
The easiest slopes at Cataloochee are isolated from the other slopes. First time skiers can therefore take their initial lessons without having to worry about more advanced skiers.
Both group and private lessons from beginning to advanced levels are available. There are separate classes for adults and children of different ages. Children's ski classes are grouped from ages 4 to 7 and 8 to 12. Snowboarding classes are available for children from ages 8 to 12.
Getting There
Maggie Valley is convenient to Interstate 40 between Asheville, NC and Knoxville, TN. From I40 take exit 20 and follow 276 south. Turn right at 19 south. Just outside of Maggie Valley turn right at the sign to the ski area. Follow the steep climb to the slope.
Those coming from Atlanta and other locations to the south can take route 441 north. Follow US 23 to Waynesville. At Waynesville take US 276 north to Maggie Valley. At the intersection with US 19, take 19 south to sign indicating the right turn up to the slope.
The town of Maggie Valley has many motels and restaurants available for meals and lodging after a day on the slopes.
If you live in the southeastern US, Cataloochee Ski Area is conveniently located for a ski weekend or quick ski vacation in the western North Carolina mountains.
Other NC Ski Resorts
Ski & Snowboard in North Carolina
