The North Carolina Ski Areas Association in Banner Elk is offering a statewide ski and snowboard season pass again this winter.

The North Carolina Gold Card entitles holders to ski and ride at all six of the state's resorts. These are Appalachian Ski Mtn, Cataloochee Ski Area, Sapphire Valley Ski Area, Ski Beech, Sugar Mountain Resort, and Wolf Ridge Ski Resort.

Remember the scenery in the 1992 movie Last of the Mohicans starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Madeleine Stowe? James Fenimore Cooper's novel was set in New York State, but the film was shot in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

That incredible beauty is the setting for the state's ski areas, and the Gold Card unlocks the door to enjoying it.

The Gold Card costs $795.

Hurry, though, since the Ski Areas Association sells 100 of these passes, and they go quickly.

There are no black-out dates and the purchaser may ski or ride at any North Carolina Resort during any session regardless of holiday or weekend rates.

More information. Or call Holly Green at 828-898-4521 x 227 Monday through Friday.