Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

A new inch of snow fell on the Maggie Valley of North Carolina and Cataloochee Ski Area opened for business today (Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008).  "We're open for the duration and won't close the lifts down until March 29," Cataloochie's Tammy Brown told OnTheSnow.com. Still, here's some good advice: bring a backpack with lunch or dinner. There is no food service, at least for this week.

Beginners Easy Way and Beginners Rabbit Hill, serviced by the Easy Way chair are open on a base of 8-12 inches. Weekday and student rates are in effect. Plans are for two sessions - 1 p.m. until 10 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

"We're all exited about the early opening," Brown said. "We're in pretty good company with A-Basin and Loveland." Add Mt. Snow, Vt., and Wild Mountain, Minn. to the list which are also open and she's in very good company. "The phones are ringing off the hook and there are plenty of people here getting in some early runs."

Be sure to follow OnTheSnow.com every day as more and more ski areas push the start buttons on lifts. Some, like Cataloochee, plan to stay open for the duration. Others will play it on a day-to-day, weather-permitting basis.