Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

North Carolina's Cataloochee is offering beginners a free lesson this winter if they rent equipment from the mountain. Lessons are given every hour from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday. Beginner's Luck and Wolf Creek Hollow are the two designated learning centers at the mountain. They boast lifts designed for beginners, including a Moving Carpet, that allow learners to get uphill without having to use a chairlift.

Season passholders also get a bonus this season. Cataloochee is teaming with fellow North Carolina resort Appalachian to offer reciprocal discounts for season passholders.

Discounts on season passes continue at Cataloochee until Nov. 30. The Unlimited Pass is $575 per adult until Nov. 30, then increases to $595. The Unlimited Pass for two people in a family is $830 until Nov. 30, then $890. Additional family member unlimited passes cost $250 if purchased by the deadline. Unlimited passes are good anytime.

GIve up skiing or snowboard privileges on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the season pass fee drops to $470. The fee for the Night Skiing Season Pass is $270 until Nov. 30, then increases to $320. The usual holiday black out periods are enforced.

Adults 65 and older and children 4 and younger ski free. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

More information. Or call 828-0285 or 800-768-0285.