Cataloochee Ski Area Ski Resort

NORTH CAROLINA / CATALOOCHEE SKI AREA

North Carolina

Nearby:

Ober Mountain Sapphire Valley

Elevation

4,660'

Base

5,400'

Summit

740'

Vertical Drop

Trails

50 Acres

Lifts

4 Types

Snowfall

24"

Annual Snowfall

Nov

Dec

11"

Jan

Feb

Mar

Best known for

# 3 Apres Ski in North Carolina

Cataloochee skiers enjoy the winding trails and terrain for all abilities. The Cat Cage Terrain Park has jumps and bumps for snowboarders and skiers.

Where to Stay

Local hotels, motels, inns, cottages, and the Cataloochee Ranch are located in nearby Maggie Valley.

Transportation

Important Dates

Projected opening date

Nov 28, 2025

Projected closing date

Mar 22, 2026

Projected Days Open

108

Days Open Last Year

141

Years Open

Average Snowfall

24"

Terrain

Beginners Runs

44%

Intermediate Runs

39%

Expert Runs

17%

Runs in Total

Longest Run

1 mi

Skiable Terrain

50 ac

Night Skiing

50 ac

Night Skiing

9.9 mi

Snow Making

50 ac

Snow Making

0.6 mi

Lifts

5

Quad Chairs

Triple Chairs

Double Chairs

Surface Lifts

Inside Scoop

Ski and snowboard lessons and rentals, special clinics and programs, just for kids lessons, and food service on site. Snowmaking.

Reviews

Derek Dellinger

Have visited Cataloochee twice now, and I felt comfortable with the changes the resort has made this year to accommodate the pandemic. Mask wearing was enforced in buildings, lines, and areas where social distancing was unable to be exercised properly. Multiple staff members were walking around all day, handing out extra masks to guests who did not have one of their own. Ticket purchase and rental lines have always seemed fairly quick, in my experience, but this could be because we've shown up early in the morning and around midday to avoid the mid-morning crowds. While it might not be the biggest resort in NC, and it doesn't have the toughest terrain, both trips I have felt like the resort goes above and beyond making sure that the quality of the skiing is good as it can possibly be for a resort as south as this one is. Both trips I have been surprised by the quality and quantity of the powder and the lack of ice. This is a great resort for beginners and intermediate skiers/boarders. There are so many different ways to mix-and-match the different slopes to have a varied experience coming down the mountain each time. Hopping from one trail to the other. Jumps and ridges line the sides of many of the trails to give people the chance to really spice their descents up as well. While there isn't really much to see in terms of Advance slopes, Upper Omigosh is serviceable enough to let advance skiers enjoy themselves too.

All Reviews